Hydrocortisone Cream 1% 15g: Things you need to know
What is Hydrocortisone Cream?
Hydrocortisone Cream is a topical anti-inflammatory treatment. It belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids, which work by calming inflammation on the skin. It contains a mild steroid and provides fast and effective relief from itching.
What is Hydrocortisone Cream used for?
Inflammation of the skin
Contact allergic dermatitis
Insect bite reactions
Mild to moderate eczema
Can you buy Hydrocortisone Cream Over The Counter?
Yes, in the UK, Hydrocortisone Cream can be purchased both over the counter (OTC) and as a prescription-only medication (POM) depending on the product size, strength and the licensing of the product. This listing for Hydrocortisone Cream is an over-the-counter option. Prescription Hydrocortisone Cream can also be purchased on our website.
Ingredients:
Ingredients may vary between brands
The active ingredient is Hydrocortisone 1% w/w. The other ingredients may include Cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, Chlorocresol, Liquid paraffin, Macrogol 300, White soft paraffin and purified water.
How do I use Hydrocortisone Cream?
Always read the information provided on the box and/or leaflet.
Use sparingly over a small area once or twice a day for a maximum period of a week.
Can I use Hydrocortisone Cream on my face?
Talk to your doctor before using Hydrocortisone on your face, as prolonged use may damage facial skin.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most patients using Hydrocortisone Cream will have no problems when using it as directed for the prescribed time.
If the following happens, stop using the cream and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
An allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing; skin rash or hives). This is a very serious but rare side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Other effects which may occur:
The skin may become thinner when used in the nappy areas of children, where conditions are moist
If Hydrocortisone Cream is used often over a large area of skin or for a long time, especially under dressings, adverse effects on adrenal gland function are more likely. These effects are also more likely in children and infants.
Prolonged use, especially on sensitive areas including skin folds, may result in thinning of the skin, widening of the blood vessels, stretch marks and may suppress the functioning of the adrenal gland.
Blurred vision. This side effect has been reported, but the frequency of its occurrence is not known.
Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction, which might appear to be different from the previous condition, may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping treatment, with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores.
If your condition becomes worse during treatment, you may have an allergy to one of the ingredients of the cream or an infection. Stop using the cream and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
