When using hydrocortisone on your skin, follow the instructions from your pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet that comes with your treatment.
Hydrocortisone for skin is available as a cream, ointment and lotion.
Creams are better for skin that is moist and weepy. Ointments are thicker and greasier, and are better for dry or flaky areas of skin.
Lotion is better for treating large or hairier areas of skin.
Dosage for hydrocortisone cream and ointment
Most people need to use hydrocortisone cream or ointment once or twice a day. If you use it twice a day, try to leave a gap of 8 to 12 hours before putting on any more.
The amount of cream or ointment you need to use is sometimes measured in fingertip units. This is the amount you can squeeze onto the end of your finger.
As a general rule, a fingertip unit of cream is enough to treat an area that's twice the size of the palm of your hand.
For babies and children, the right amount depends on their age. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
How to use skin cream or ointment
- Wash and dry your hands and then squeeze out the right amount.
- Spread the cream or ointment in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
- Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction the hair grows until it disappears.
- Use the cream on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
- Be careful not to get the cream into broken skin or cuts.
- Wash your hands afterwards, unless you're treating the skin on your hands.
Important: Fire warning
Skin creams or ointments can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This makes them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames and smoking.
Dosage for hydrocortisone skin lotion
You'll usually use hydrocortisone skin lotion once or twice a day.
Use a small amount of lotion on the affected areas of skin.
How to use hydrocortisone skin lotion
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Spread the lotion in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
- Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction that your hair grows.
- Use the lotion on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
- Be careful not to get the lotion on broken skin or cuts.
- Wash your hands afterwards, unless you're treating the skin on your hands.
Using hydrocortisone with other skin creams
Do not apply hydrocortisone at the same time as other creams or ointments such as a moisturiser. Wait at least 10 minutes between using hydrocortisone and any other product. Try to use different skin products at different times of the day.
If you're using a dressing like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after putting hydrocortisone on.
How long to use it for
Most people only need to use hydrocortisone skin treatments for a short time. Stop as soon as your skin is better. Sometimes you only need to use the skin treatments for a few days.
For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you'll probably only need to use a skin cream for up to 1 week.
If you buy hydrocortisone from a pharmacy or shop, do not use it for more than 1 week without talking to your doctor.
For long-term skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use treatments for longer.
To reduce the risk of side effects your doctor may recommend that you only use hydrocortisone for a few weeks at a time.
When your skin is better, use moisturisers to help stop it becoming inflamed again.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use a hydrocortisone skin treatment, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's within a few hours of your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and use it again at the usual time.
If you use too much
Using too much hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion is unlikely to harm you.
If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Stopping hydrocortisone
Talk to your doctor before stopping treatment if you've been using hydrocortisone for a long time. They may tell you to gradually use less of it, and use it less often, before you stop completely. This reduces the chance of your symptoms coming back.
Using hydrocortisone for a long time can increase the risk of having a withdrawal reaction when you stop using it. You might have a burning feeling and redness, although this may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin.
The reaction will feel different to the skin condition you've been using hydrocortisone for. It may cover a larger area than the area you were treating.
Important
If you get a withdrawal reaction or your condition comes back within 2 weeks of stopping hydrocortisone, do not start using it again without checking with your doctor.