Hydrocortisone 1% Cream & Ointment

Description

What this medicine is for

Hydrocortisone 1% is a mild topical corticosteroid used to treat skin inflammation, redness, itching, and irritation.

It is commonly used for short-term relief of mild inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and allergic reactions.

How it works

Hydrocortisone works by reducing inflammation in the skin.

It helps calm the immune response that causes redness, swelling, itching, and irritation, allowing the skin to heal.

Key Benefits

• Relieves mild skin inflammation and irritation
• Helps reduce itching, redness, and swelling
• Available as cream or ointment for different skin types
• Suitable for short-term treatment
• Useful for a range of mild inflammatory skin conditions

Dosage Guidance

• Apply a thin layer to affected areas as directed
• Usually applied 1–2 times daily
• Use for short-term treatment only
• Follow advice from a pharmacist or healthcare provider
• Wash hands before and after use unless treating hands

Common Side Effects

• Mild skin irritation
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Dryness or thinning of the skin with prolonged use
• Temporary worsening of symptoms in some cases
• Allergic skin reaction (rare)

Warnings

For external use only.

Do not use on broken or infected skin unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Avoid long-term continuous use.

Do not apply to the face unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

Not suitable for children under 10 unless prescribed.

Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Please refer to the official patient information leaflet supplied with your medication for full safety information, application instructions, and precautions before use.

Cream – https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.101686.pdf

Ointment – https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4599.pdf

Important Information

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Have severe or widespread skin conditions
• Are using other topical steroid treatments
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Experience worsening or persistent symptoms
• Have any known allergies to corticosteroids

Please note: The product you receive may differ from the images shown above in terms of packaging.

Written and Reviewed by Medical Professionals

All of our content is created by qualified experts and carefully reviewed by medical professionals.