Hydrocortisone 1% Cream

About Hydrocortisone Cream

Description

Hydrocortisone cream contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone and belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. These calm the inflammation caused during certain skin conditions and reactions. Hydrocortisone cream is for topical use for treating various skin conditions and insect bite reactions.

Suitability

Hydrocortisone cream is not suitable if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet. Do not use if you have a skin infection including athlete’s foot, chickenpox or shingles, cold sores, ringworm or thrush.

Important Interactions

Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Do not smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.

Side Effects

• skin colour changes where cream is used
• increase in hair growth where cream is applied
• localised rash or irritation to the skin

Get urgent medical help if you develop an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing; skin rash or hives).

Please Note

All medication can cause side effects. We have only listed a few to be aware of. Details of all side effects, including rare side effects to be aware of, are listed in the patient information leaflet (PIL). When completing your medical questionnaire, it is very important that you answer the questions truthfully. This is to ensure your doctor has a full picture of your medical history before prescribing. List all medicines you are already taking, including non-prescription and herbal medicines.

Looking after your medicine

Do not take medicines after the expiry date stamped on the pack. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Medicines are only intended to be used by the person they are prescribed for. Do not give your prescribed medicine to anybody else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. Medicines can be harmful if used by anybody other than the person they have been prescribed for.

References

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream Patient Information Leaflet

British National Formulary: hydrocortisone

Can you buy Hydrocortisone over the counter?

There are different types of medicine containing hydrocortisone. Many are available to buy over the counter, which means you do not need a prescription. Whether you need a prescription will depend on the formulation and strength of the hydrocortisone. The Hydrocortisone 1% cream contained in the Anytime Doctor Travel Pack® is also available to buy over the counter.

Is Hydrocortisone a steroid?

Yes, Hydrocortisone is a form of steroid. There are many different types of steroids available and Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid, intended for external use only. Excessive use of steroids including Hydrocortisone cream may impact the function of your adrenal glands which can be dangerous. It is therefore very important to only use Hydrocortisone cream as instructed by your doctor.

Is Hydrocortisone an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, Hydrocortisone cream is a corticosteroid cream used to relieve inflammation of the skin.

Is Hydrocortisone steroid the same as anabolic steroids?

No, Hydrocortisone is not the same as anabolic steroids, which are steroids often used illegally to build muscle mass.

Why can't you use steroid cream long?

Continuous use of Hydrocortisone cream can mean that some of the active ingredient may get into your blood. This can be dangerous and cause serious side effects. It is therefore important to use Hydrocortisone cream for the shortest amount of time possible and as instructed by your doctor.

Do steroid creams thin skin permanently?

During short-term use of Hydrocortisone cream, skin thinning is unlikely to occur. However, if it does, it may be reversed once you stop using the cream. Excessive and long-term use of Hydrocortisone cream can cause permanent skin changes and should therefore be avoided.