Hydrocortisone is used in some medicines to treat:
- piles (haemorrhoids) inside or around your bottom (anus)
- itchy bottom
These treatments do not cure piles, but they can help with the pain and itching.
Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.
Hydrocortisone treatments for piles and itchy bottom come as creams, ointments, sprays and suppositories. You can buy some smaller sizes from a pharmacy, but others are only available on prescription.
Some of these medicines also contain local anaesthetics and other medicines to soothe the symptoms.
Other types of hydrocortisone
There are other ways of taking or using hydrocortisone, including injections and tablets.
Find out about other ways you can use hydrocortisone for different health problems.
Key facts
- Some hydrocortisone creams and ointments can only be used on the outside of your body. The best type of treatment for you depends on your symptoms.
- You'll usually apply treatments several times a day – first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after you've done a poo.
- The pain and itching should get better within a few days of starting treatment.
- You're unlikely to have side effects from hydrocortisone, if you follow the instructions.
- Do not use hydrocortisone treatments for longer than 7 days. The local anaesthetic in them can make your skin sensitive. Long-term use can also make your skin thinner.