Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid medicine available as a cream, lotion, and foamy sprays in the market. It is designed only for topical use. Application of the cream on the skin treats various allergic and inflammatory skin conditions or is mixed with antimicrobials to treat bacterial or fungal skin infections. The prescription of Hydrocortisone is made to provide relief in redness, itching, and swelling present on the skin.

What are the uses of Hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone is a topical ointment. The uses of Hydrocortisone are centred around a variety of dermatological conditions. Hydrocortisone provides relief from redness, swelling, and itching in conditions like

  • Eczema,
  • Dermatitis,
  • Pruritus,
  • Nappy rashes,
  • Rashes associated with autoimmune diseases such as SLE, and
  • Fungal infections such as lichen planus.

Hydrocortisone is used to treat psoriasis, insect bites, genital & anal itching, and heat rashes. The cream gets absorbed directly from the skin surface.

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    What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone?

    Proper precautions must be exercised while using Hydrocortisone. One of the most common side effects of the cream is itching, redness, and burning sensation at the application site. Tiny red or white bumps also might appear around the area of rash or infection. Since Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid, it is also associated with other systemic side effects. These include acne, increased hair growth, skin discolouration, and the appearance of stretch marks. Keep your doctor updated on the side effects you experience.

    What is Hydrocortisone

    Uses of Hydrocortisone

    Side effects of Hydrocortisone

    References

    1. Hydrocortisone – PubMed (nih.gov)

    2. Topical Corticosteroids – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

    3. Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone Cream and Ointment 2.5%) Side effects, Images, Uses, Dosage, Overdose at RxList

    4. Tattoo Aftercare | HOWL Tattoo & Piercing | Ft Myers – Florida (howlgallery.com)

    5. Hydrocortisone Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Hydrocortisone

    Yes. Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid medicine. It falls in the VII class of topical corticosteroids, which consist of the least potent corticosteroids. Steroids reduce inflammation in various parts of the body. Similarly, Hydrocortisone as a steroid cream reduces inflammation present on the skin and thus provides relief from skin rashes.

    Hydrocortisone fights skin inflammation associated with pruritus, dermatitis, and other types of skin rashes. As a steroid medicine, Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation. It hence brings down the swelling, redness, and itching associated with a rash. Get in touch with our medical experts to know more about the medicine and its uses.

    No. Hydrocortisone cream is generally not meant for application on the face. However, in special disease conditions, the physician might prescribe the medicine for facial use. This occurs when the rash is present on the face, for example, in lupus. In all ways, take proper precautions while using the cream.

    Yes. Like any other medicinal product, it is not advisable to use Hydrocortisone cream past its expiration date. The cream usually has a shelf life of two years. If your cream has passed the expiry date, check for any funny odour or colour change. As far as possible, try to use fresh products.

    Yes. Hydrocortisone cream can be applied in the anal area. It provides relief from redness and itching associated with haemorrhoids. But use the cream with proper precautions and medical advice from a physician. Monitor your dosages and side effects carefully. Do not use the cream in excess quantities or unmonitored durations.

    Yes. Hydrocortisone cream is used to treat eczema and a variety of other dermatological conditions. The cream provides relief from redness, swelling, and itching associated with eczema. Monitor your dosages and side effects carefully while using the cream. Get in touch with our medical experts to get help in your treatment.

    Yes. Hydrocortisone helps fight redness and itching that is associated with acne. It may also be combined with other drugs to provide better treatment. If your acne still does not go away, get in touch with our expert medical professionals. Use the cream only with a prescription from a physician.

    Yes. New and older tattoos are equally prone to skin damage, skin infection, and itchy, scaly skin. To get relief from itching on a tattoo, you can use Hydrocortisone cream and apply it over the itchy surface in small amounts. The application of Hydrocortisone cream does not damage the tattoo.

    As a sole therapy, Hydrocortisone is not suitable to treat fungal infections because it is not an antifungal medicine. It is a corticosteroid medicine. When used to treat a fungal infection, Hydrocortisone is combined with other antifungal medications such as clotrimazole.

    Hydrocortisone cream is generally not recommended for babies and children below two years of age. If your child has a diaper rash and itching, the first preference is to use natural alternatives. However, if natural options fail, your doctor might prescribe Hydrocortisone cream.

    Call Yashoda Hospitals to know details on the precautions, uses, dosages and side effects of Hydrocortisone.