Hydrocortisone (topical)

About hydrocortisone (topical)

Hydrocortisone is a mild topical corticosteroid. When applied to the skin, hydrocortisone reduces swelling, itching and redness by preventing the release of chemicals that cause these symptoms. Hydrocortisone (topical) is not a cure for your condition, but will help relieve the symptoms.

Hydrocortisone (topical) is also available in combination with antibacterials and antifungals for use when there may be a skin infection also present.

Before using hydrocortisone (topical)

Before using hydrocortisone (topical) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are suffering from any skin infections or other skin conditions.

How to use hydrocortisone (topical)

• Wash the affected area of skin and dry well, removing all traces of soap.
• You only need to use a small amount of this preparation. It should be applied thinly and massaged gently into the skin until it disappears.
• One fingertip unit (a line from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) is enough to cover an area twice the size of an adult hand.
• Never apply more than the quantity advised by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your symptoms do not begin to improve after using this preparation for 2 - 4 weeks, or if they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Hydrocortisone (topical) should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot.
• Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with mucous membranes (e.g. the mouth, vagina or the inside of the nose).
• Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with the face unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children or on the face.
• Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.
• If advised by your doctor to use this preparation under a nappy in children, do not use for more than 1 week as this can increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.

Can hydrocortisone (topical) cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If used correctly most people find that hydrocortisone does not usually cause problems. If you use the preparation more than you should, it can cause thinning of the skin, particularly on the face and more easily in children, changes in skin colour or an increased growth of hair in the areas where the preparation has been applied.

If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, or if your condition gets worse, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store hydrocortisone (topical)

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines