Hydrocortisone skin treatments are used to treat swelling, itching and irritation. They can help with the symptoms of:
Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.
Hydrocortisone skin treatments come as:
- cream
- ointment
- lotion
Most hydrocortisone skin treatments are mild and available to buy from pharmacies. Creams for insect bites and stings are also available to buy from shops, for adults and children aged 10 years old and over.
Creams for nappy rash and other skin problems in children under 10 years old are only available on prescription.
The strength of the products ranges from 0.1% (1mg of hydrocortisone in each gram) to 2.5% (25mg of hydrocortisone in each gram). Pharmacies sell hydrocortisone skin treatments up to a maximum 1% strength.
There is a stronger hydrocortisone cream called hydrocortisone butyrate (brand name Locoid). This is only available on prescription.
Sometimes hydrocortisone is mixed with antimicrobials (chemicals that kill germs). This is used to treat skin problems caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
Other types of hydrocortisone
There are other ways of taking or using hydrocortisone, including tablets and injections.
Find out about other ways you can use hydrocortisone to treat different health problems.
Key facts
- Most people need to use hydrocortisone skin treatments once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. But if you buy it from a pharmacy or shop, do not use it for more than 1 week without talking to a doctor.
- You're unlikely to have side effects from hydrocortisone skin treatments if you use them for less than 4 weeks.
- Never put hydrocortisone on your face unless your doctor says it's OK and has given you a prescription for it. It can make some skin problems worse like impetigo, rosacea and acne.
- Only use hydrocortisone skin treatments on children under 10 years old if a doctor recommends it.
- Skin creams should not be used on the eyes, around the bottom or genitals, or on broken or infected skin.
- If you use hydrocortisone for a long time your doctor might advise you to reduce your dose gradually to avoid withdrawal reactions.