What is Hydrocortisone Cream/Ointment and what is it used for?

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream/Ointment treats inflammation from skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema and psoriasis. It is a topical steroid that works to reduce chemicals in the body that cause swelling.

Topical steroids, such as Hydrocortisone, play an important role in eczema treatment. When eczema flares up, applying a steroid-containing medication will reduce inflammation, ease soreness and reduce itching.

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream/Ointment is a generic cream that treats certain skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, & psoriasis. The cream and ointment are corticosteroids and should be applied to affected areas once or twice a day, usually for no longer than one week.

How long can I use Hydrocortisone Cream for?

In most cases, a seven-day course of hydrocortisone cream for eczema treatment should be enough to relieve your symptoms and those of most other minor inflammatory skin conditions. Do not use Hydrocortisone for any more than seven days unless instructed to by your doctor.

It’s not recommended to take Hydrocortisone more than twice a day. If this isn’t enough to control your symptoms, seek the advice of your GP.

How does Hydrocortisone work?

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid. Classed as a mild steroid, it can be used to step down your treatment if stronger steroid preparations are no longer necessary.

Topical corticosteroids have been used for over 50 years to treat various inflammatory skin conditions. They remain one of the most effective treatments, and if used properly, can control symptoms and restore patients’ quality of life.

Steroids are produced naturally by the body to regulate growth and immune function. There are many kinds of steroids, including anabolic steroids like testosterone and corticosteroids such as cortisol, which are produced by the adrenal glands.

Corticosteroids are very effective at controlling inflammation since they temporarily alter the function of a number of cells and chemicals in the skin.

What if I forget to apply Hydrocortisone?

There is no need to worry if you forget to use a hydrocortisone skin treatment. Take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is within a few hours. If this is the case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin ailment indicated by redness, dryness, flaky, scaly skin and irritation. Sufferers often scratch, causing skin breaks and bleeding. More serious instances may result in pus-filled blisters and even infected skin.

Most eczema symptoms manifest around the elbows and knees, on the scalp, and on the hands and feet. However, eczema can appear anywhere on your skin, so you may experience it on other areas of your body.

Eczema & dermatitis can affect anyone of any age. Most cases appear before the age of 35 and are chronic, with periods of activity and remission. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Skin injury
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Insect bite reactions*

*Nummular eczema is commonly triggered by insect bites.

Eczema can also be triggered by skin irritants. This type of eczema is known as irritant dermatitis and it can lead infants to develop nappy rash. Common triggers include:

• Antibacterials and antiseptics
• Toiletries and cosmetics
• Detergents and soaps
• Disinfectants
• Oils

Eczema is one of the most common skin issues, affecting around 10% of adults and 20% of children in the UK. Some of the other common skin issues people experience include cold sores, acne and various types of psoriasis — such as widespread plaque psoriasis and generalised pustular psoriasis.

Currently, eczema has no cure. Eczema treatment aims to reduce the severity of symptoms. Topical corticosteroids are the go-to option for mild to moderate cases.

Non-prescription alternatives for eczema & dermatitis

Prescription medications such as Hydrocortisone 1% and Hydrocortisone Cream can be highly effective at tackling the symptoms of eczema, such as broken or infected skin.

But prescription medications aren’t the only way of treating eczema. These are some of the over-the-counter treatments you can use to tackle eczema:

• Moisturisers and emollients – Diprobase and Cetraben
• Bath and Shower Gels – Dermol 200 and Cetraben Bath Additive
• Cream and ointment – Cetraben Cream & Ointment
• Cotton Gloves (to keep from scratching)
• Antihistamine tablets (to ease the itching) – Loratadine and Cetirizine