This information is about hydrocortisone for skin. There's separate information about other types of hydrocortisone.
What hydrocortisone is for
Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid).
Steroid medicines help reduce inflammation and swelling. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.
Most hydrocortisone creams and ointments are considered "mild" steroids, which means they tend to cause fewer side effects than other steroids.
They can be used to treat skin conditions such as:
- eczema
- psoriasis
- contact dermatitis
- reactions to insect bites and stings
There are some medicines that contain hydrocortisone and anti-fungal medicine. These are used to treat nappy rash, thrush, ringworm and athlete's foot.
How to use hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion
How you use hydrocortisone depends on whether you're using cream, ointment or lotion and what you're using it for.
Hydrocortisone comes in different strengths, so always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist about how to use it. You can also check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine.
You'll usually need to use hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion once or twice a day.
The amount you need depends on the size of the area you're treating. You need to use enough to cover the affected area in a thin layer.
It's sometimes measured in fingertip units, which is the amount you can fit onto the end of your finger from the tip to the first crease. A fingertip unit is enough to treat an area twice the size of the palm of your hand.
When using hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion:
- Wash your hands before using it.
- Squeeze the amount you need onto the end of your finger. If you accidentally squeeze out too much, wipe off what you do not need.
- Put it on the affected area and gently rub it in until it disappears.
- Wash your hands afterwards (unless you're using it on your hands).
Things to avoid
-
do not use hydrocortisone on cuts or wounds
-
do not smoke or go near naked flames – clothing and bedding that's been in contact with hydrocortisone burns more easily
-
do not use it on your face, penis or vulva (area around the opening of the vagina) without talking to a pharmacist or doctor first – it can damage the skin in these areas
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do not cover the affected area with a dressing or plaster after using hydrocortisone on your skin
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do not swallow hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion – get medical help if you swallow it accidentally
Important
Do not use hydrocortisone on your skin for more than 7 days unless a pharmacist or doctor tells you to.
If you've been prescribed it and need to use it for a long time, do not stop using it unless a doctor or pharmacist tells you to. Stopping suddenly can cause a withdrawal reaction.
If you use too much hydrocortisone on your skin
Do not worry if you sometimes use more hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion than you should. But avoid regularly using too much because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Side effects of hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion
Like all medicines, hydrocortisone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Possible side effects of hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion include:
- thinning of the skin in the affected area
- stretch marks
- a rash that may be itchy
- your skin becoming lighter or darker than usual
- small red lines (blood vessels) on your skin
It does not usually affect your ability to drive or use machinery.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:
- you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away
They may be able to give you advice about how to reduce any side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you're advised to stop.
Serious side effects
It's rare to get serious side effects from using hydrocortisone on your skin.
You're more likely to get them if you're using a strong type that's only available with a prescription on a large area of skin or for a long time.
Possible serious side effects of hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion include:
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – this can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
- vision problems, such as blurred vision
- weight gain, a puffy face, muscle weakness, dizziness, excessive hair growth or hair loss
Your skin condition may get worse after you stop using the medicine. This can cause redness, burning or stinging, intense itching, peeling skin and oozing sores. Redness may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin.
Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:
- you're using (or have recently used) hydrocortisone on your skin and you think you might be having serious side effects
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of hydrocortisone.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website
Who can and cannot use hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion
Most adults and children aged 10 years and over can use hydrocortisone creams, ointments and lotions.
Children under 10 years should only use them if advised to by a doctor or pharmacist.
Hydrocortisone cream, ointment and lotion is not suitable for everyone. For example, you may not be able to use it if you have a skin condition such as:
- acne or rosacea
- cold sores
- inflamed skin around your mouth (perioral dermatitis)
- bacterial skin infections, such as syphilis or tuberculosis
- chickenpox or shingles
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can use it.
Breastfeeding and hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone can usually be used on your skin while breastfeeding but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
If you're using hydrocortisone cream on your chest (particularly on your breasts and nipples) while breastfeeding, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're using but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and hydrocortisone
If you're pregnant, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using hydrocortisone on your skin.
Most types can be used during pregnancy, although a pharmacist or doctor may advise using small amounts for the shortest possible time.
Using hydrocortisone with other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements
It's unlikely other medicines will affect the way hydrocortisone creams, ointments and lotions work.
But check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can take it.
Food, drink and alcohol with hydrocortisone
You can eat and drink as normal while using hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- find out about hydrocortisone for eczema on the Medicines for Children website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice