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Hydrocortisone (topical)

Hydrocortisone (topical) should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot
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.
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
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

About hydrocortisone (topical)

Type of medicine Topical corticosteroid
Used for Mild inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis including reactions to irritant substances
Nappy rash
Insect bites
Also called Dermacort
Dioderm
HC45
Lanacort
Mildison Lipocream
Zenoxone
Available as Cream
Ointment
Lipocream

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


Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking or using any medicine.
Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has used too much, or swallowed this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2008 DocID: 3478 DocRef: dils3905 Last Reviewed: 17 Jul 2007 Version: 24

Author:EMIS
Copyright 2006 EMIS, HTML generated by EMIS Knowledge Source Editor