HYDROCORTISONE ®
Treatment options
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The MHRA's reporting program for suspected side effects to medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes, medical device incidents, defective or falsified (fake) products to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to ensure safe and effective use.
Learn more about reporting side effectsAbout hydrocortisone ointment
Hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment is a topical steroid (corticosteroid) used for the treatment of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, insect bites and stings, nappy rash, contact dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. Hydrocortisone helps to reduce inflammation, soreness and itching.
Hydrocortisone is available with a prescription or over the counter as generic hydrocortisone or under the brand names Dermacort, Dioderm, Derma Care, HC45, and Zenoxone.
Now Patient offers hydrocortisone cream or ointment as a generic only as a treatment for psoriasis, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of hydrocortisone ointment
- For the treatment of allergic reactions, insect bites, nappy rash, eczema and psoriasis
- Hydrocortisone ointment can take up to twelve hours to have an effect
- Hydrocortisone ointment has some common side effects which include stretch marks and thinning of the skin
- It can be dangerous if you use hydrocortisone ointment with certain medications like. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is hydrocortisone ointment not suitable for?
Hydrocortisone ointment may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using, if you:
- Are allergic to any of its active ingredients
- Suffer from skin infections, not being treated with antibiotics
- Have rosacea or dermatitis around the mouth
- Plan to use it on your face, around your eyes, genital region, or on broken skin
- Have cold sores, acne, impetigo or athletes foot
- Have psoriasis
How and where to get hydrocortisone ointment?
Hydrocortisone ointment or cream is available from a number of sources. It is available on prescription or over the counter at a pharmacy.
Now Patient does not allow customers to buy hydrocortisone ointment or cream directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of psoriasis, you can discuss if it is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by Now Patient.
Dosage and strength for hydrocortisone ointment for psoriasis
Hydrocortisone is available as a cream, ointment and lotion when used for psoriasis. It is available in strengths ranging from 0.1% to 2.5%. The typical dose of hydrocrtisone 1% is, apply once or twice a day for no more than 10 days.
Information about how to use hydrocortisone ointment for psoriasis
Hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment should be applied thinly to the affected areas of skin once or twice daily. Moisturising skin creams can be applied, if necessary once hydrocortisone has been absorbed.
For further information read the patient information leaflet provided or speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.
What happens if you use too much hydrocortisone ointment?
If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much hydrocortisone ointment and you experience any of the following side effects.
What are the side effects of hydrocortisone ointment?
Side effects of hydrocortisone ointment include:
- Skin thinning
- Stretch marks
- Allergic contact dermatitis, acne, rosacea, or hair growth at the application site
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using hydrocortisone ointment at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and hydrocortisone ointment. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can hydrocortisone ointment used for psoriasis be used long term?
Do not use hydrocortisone for any longer than seven days unless instructed to by your doctor.
Is there a herbal hydrocortisone ointment?
No. Herbal hydrocortisone does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use hydrocortisone ointment?
Women can use hydrocortisone, but should not use hydrocortisone if pregnant or breastfeeding unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using hydrocortisone ointment?
You can eat and drink normally when using hydrocortisone.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with psoriasis?
Modify your lifestyle in a number of ways. This may have a positive impact on your psoriasis.
- Reduce stress
- Reduce illnesses, especially strep infections
- Avoid skin injury
- Limit alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
- Avoid certain foods
- Use moisturisers and emollients to prevent flare-ups
- Take antihistamines to ease the itching
Alternatives to hydrocortisone ointment
Alternatives for the treatment of psoriasis include Dermovate, Fucidin, and Fucibet cream.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information in this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Important Information
What is hydrocortisone mainly used for?
Where should you not apply hydrocortisone?
When should you not use hydrocortisone cream?
Why is hydrocortisone good for skin?
Where should hydrocortisone be applied?
How quickly does hydrocortisone cream work?
Which steroid cream is strongest?
Is hydrocortisone a high risk medication?
Is hydrocortisone an antihistamine?
What do steroids do to your body?
What does hydrocortisone do to your face?
Can you use hydrocortisone cream on private parts?
What is hydrocortisone cream used to treat?
Does hydrocortisone cream heal or just stop itching?
Does hydrocortisone help skin heal?
Is hydrocortisone cream good or bad?
Is hydrocortisone cream good for skin infection?
What is the strongest hydrocortisone cream?
Is hydrocortisone cream an antibiotic?
What is hydrocortisone bad for?
What are the worst side effects of hydrocortisone?
Is hydrocortisone a safe drug?
What drug should be avoided when taking hydrocortisone?
What not to take with hydrocortisone?
Is hydrocortisone bad for your heart?
Can hydrocortisone cream make things worse?
Why can't you use hydrocortisone cream long term?
How does hydrocortisone affect skin?
Is hydrocortisone cream a strong steroid?
Where should you not use hydrocortisone cream?
How quickly should hydrocortisone cream work?
Is it bad to use hydrocortisone cream?
What is the strongest hydrocortisone cream you can get?
Can I get hydrocortisone cream over the counter?
Is using hydrocortisone too much bad?
How long is too long to use hydrocortisone cream?
How often can I apply hydrocortisone cream?
What does steroid cream do to skin?
Which is stronger hydrocortisone or cortisone?
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