What Are The Side Effects Of Hydrocortisone
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Allergic reactions: rash, hives, itching, blistered or peeling skin
- Abnormal stress hormone levels: weight gain , rounded face, serious headaches
- Weakened immune system : getting sick often
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Pharmacist Tips For Hydrocortisone
Before applying hydrocortisone, make sure the affected areas of skin are clean and dry. Afterwards, wash your hands well to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are the areas being treated. If hydrocortisone gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
Only apply the smallest amount needed to cover the affected areas of your skin. Be sure to rub it in gently and completely after applying.
Some burning or itching after using hydrocortisone is possible. But if a rash appears afterwards, please contact your healthcare provider.
Don’t place bandages or dressings over the areas where hydrocortisone is applied unless your provider has instructed you to do so. If your child is getting hydrocortisone in the diaper area, don’t put on tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants afterwards. Covering medicated areas can affect how your body absorbs it and can cause more side effects.
Don’t use hydrocortisone on your face, underarms, or groin areas unless your provider tells you to do so, since side effects are more likely to happen in those areas.
Stop using this medication once your condition is under control. If you don’t see improvement within 2 weeks, talk to your provider.
If you are using other corticosteroid-containing products, check with your provider first before using hydrocortisone. Using multiple corticosteroids raises your risk of side effects.
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How Do I Know Which Potency Of Topical Steroid Im Using
In the UK, topical steroid preparations are divided into four categories according to how strong or potent they are. The terms used are mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent. The potency of topical steroids is determined by the amount of vasoconstriction they produce. It also relates to the degree to which the topical steroid inhibits inflammation, and its potential for causing side effects.
It can be difficult for the person with eczema or the parent of a child with eczema to work out the potency of a product, since the labelled percentage of steroid on the packaging does not relate to the potency and may sometimes imply a less potent product. The potency of the topical steroid may be stated in the patient information leaflet inside the packaging.
One way of understanding the strength of different steroid preparations is to note that moderately potent is twice as potent as hydrocortisone 1% potent is 10 times more potent and very potent 50 times more potent. If you are not sure of the potency of a steroid preparation, ask your pharmacist.
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Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms Call Your Doctor Immediately:
- severe rash
- redness, swelling, or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied hydrocortisone
Children who use hydrocortisone topical may have an increased risk of side effects including slowed growth and delayed weight gain. Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of applying this medication to your child’s skin.
Hydrocortisone topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
Conditions Hydrocortisone Creams Cannot Treat
Hydrocortisone is not useful as a treatment for hives . This is because hives are caused by histamines, not skin inflammation.
Histamines are chemicals produced by the immune system in response to allergens, which are allergy-causing substances. An overreaction can sometimes cause a rash.
In this case, an oral antihistamine may be the best treatment choice. At the same time, hydrocortisone cream may be prescribed to relieve itchiness and swelling.
Hydrocortisone cream has its limits. Don’t count on it to relieve:
- Acne. In fact, the cream could make it worse.
- Broken skin, including blisters, boils, ulcers, or chancre sores.
- Itching in the vagina. The cream may be used, sparingly, to treat a rash around the genitals, but never in them.
- Rosacea and impetigo. The cream can upset both conditions.
The point should be clear: Using hydrocortisone cream on these problems would be a little like using a shop vac on a small kitchen fire. It’s a fine tool but the wrong one for the job.
You may use hydrocortisone cream on children. But be careful, especially with infants and toddlers. Speak with your pediatrician before using hydrocortisone cream to treat eczema or diaper rash. Other products may be gentler and work just as well on little ones.
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How To Use The Hydrocortisone Cream Correctly
The cream should be applied to damaged skin areas, not in large areas. Apply only a thin layer and make sure you wash your hands well after applying the cream .
After Hydrocortisone cream is dry and absorbed into the skin, apply a moisturizer such as Diprobase or Cetraben.
Hydrocortisone cream is recommended to apply 3 or 4 times a day. However, you can apply it twice daily if your symptoms begin to improve. Conversely, if after a few weeks and symptoms do not improve, tell your doctor for a better solution.
When you decide to stop using hydrocortisone cream, stretch the time gradually, and then stop altogether. This is because when you use the cream for a period of time and suddenly stop using it, your skin condition may recur.
What Topical Treatments Help Atopic Dermatitis
Topical treatments can come in many forms. It is important that the correct formulation is used for the different patterns and distributions of atopic dermatitis.
- Lotion: smooth liquid. These are not greasy and cosmetically leave little or no residue. When applied to broken skin they can be very painful.
- Gel: semi-liquid and often clear.
- Foam: Bubbles within a liquid.
- Cream: Water-in-oil mix. Smooth and easy to spread especially on moist skin.
- Ointment: Oil-in-water. Greasy and more difficult to spread but better for dry skin than creams.
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Otc Medicines For Eczema
Over-the-counter eczema remedies are topical and oral medications you can buy without a prescription. You can find a range of OTC treatments that help with eczema symptoms such as itch, redness, irritation or rash. Other OTC treatments can help prevent flares and assist with sleep when night-time itch is keeping you awake.
Many OTC products are available in both brand-name or generic forms.
Typical Dosing For Hydrocortisone
Most forms of hydrocortisone should be applied as a thin layer to the affected area 2 times daily. The medication can be used more or less frequently depending on your condition and the form you are prescribed. Check with your provider or pharmacist if you’re not sure how often to apply hydrocortisone.
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What Topical Hydrocortisone Does To The Skin
Since no studies have tested whether topical hydrocortisone helps with acne, we will have to look at what hydrocortisone does to the skin to figure out whether it would improve or worsen acne. The following table summarizes what this evidence suggests about how topical steroids likely act on the skin and what that means for acne.
All about levels of evidence
We rated the strength of the evidence according to the chart below:
The verdict on hydrocortisone for acne
Summing up the evidence, we can see that topical hydrocortisone is likely to intensify acne rather than improve it.
It is true that hydrocortisone may provide some relief in the short term by decreasing inflammation, which is a key part of acne. However, in the long run, the increased growth of bacteria, higher production of skin oil, slower healing of lesions, and increased clogging of pores by dead skin cells will probably make acne worse.
If you are curious to know more about the evidence on what steroids like hydrocortisone do to the skin, keep reading as we delve deeper into the science.
Who Can And Cannot Use Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments
Most adults and children aged 10 years and over can use hydrocortisone skin treatments.
Do not use hydrocortisone skin treatments on children under 10 years old unless their doctor recommends it.
Hydrocortisone is not suitable for some people. Tell your pharmacist or doctor before starting the medicine if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or any other medicine
- have a skin infection or eye infection
- are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you’re breastfeeding
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Does Sun Tanning Help Eczema
I live in Australia where the winter temperatures are a joke to us, and it is not uncommon to find people still working outside in shorts and tee-shirts. This could be the reason our Vitamin D deficiency is around only a third of the general population as opposed to some colder, rainier or more conservative countries whose rates soar to over 90%.
While not available to everyone year round, natural sun is said by many to be the best option for receiving their healing Vitamin D3 and eczema improving benefits.
During my investigations it was apparent that many people who gained improvement from their eczema were those who gravitated towards outdoor activities, including swimming and sunbathing. Though it was not obvious whether they were also using sunscreen to protect themselves, the common denominator in these cases was the development of a tan.
The effects of natural sunlight go further for the body than just its gift of Vitamin D. It can also boost serotonin to make you feel good while at the same time reducing melatonin which can increase fertility and improve sleep. It can also improve bone health as well as other skin and inflammatory conditions in the body.
There are many dermatologists and doctors who recommend getting around 15-20 minutes of sunlight per day with the safest times being morning and afternoon to avoid the harsh midday rays.
Interactions Between Hydrocortisone And Other Medications
Hydrocortisone may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with hydrocortisone. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine.
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How To Use Hydrocortisone Skin Lotion
Lotion is better for treating large or hairier areas of skin.
You will usually use hydrocortisone skin lotion once or twice a day.
Use a small amount of lotion on the affected areas of skin.
Before Using Hydrocortisone Topical
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in hydrocortisone topical products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome .
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using hydrocortisone topical, call your doctor.
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Why You Should Try To Avoid Steroid Phobia
Its important to understand potential side effects, especially with overuse. Yet dont let fear of side effects prevent you taking advantage of topical steroids, says Lio, a sentiment that Fonacier echoes. One of the reasons that eczema is poorly treated is steroid phobia, mostly driven by fear of complications, explains Fonacier. To avoid or minimize complications, particularly with long-term use of topical steroids, simply make sure you are being monitored by a medical professional who can identify any problems before they worsen. Be sure to let your doctor know of any concerns so they can be addressed promptly and effectively.
Finally, if your symptoms persist or onerous side effects develop, says Fonacier, know when its time to move on and ask your doctor to look at other treatment options.
What Types Of Topical Steroids Are There
There are many types and brands of topical steroid. However, they are generally grouped into four categories depending on their strength – mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent. There are various brands and types in each category. For example, hydrocortisone cream 1% is a commonly used steroid cream and is classed as a mild topical steroid. The greater the strength , the more effect it has on reducing inflammation but the greater the risk of side-effects with continued use.
Creams are usually best to treat moist or weeping areas of skin. Ointments are usually best to treat areas of skin which are dry or thickened. Lotions may be useful to treat hairy areas such as the scalp.
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Common Questions About Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments
Hydrocortisone is a steroid . Steroids help to reduce swelling in the skin .
Skin gets inflamed when an allergic reaction or irritation causes chemicals to be released in the skin. These make blood vessels widen and the irritated skin becomes red, swollen, itchy and painful.
Hydrocortisone skin treatments work on your skinâs cells to stop these chemicals being released. This reduces symptoms like swelling, redness and itching.
Your skin should start to get better after using hydrocortisone for a few days.
If youâre using a treatment youâve bought from a pharmacy or shop, speak to your doctor if you still have symptoms after 1 week, or if your skin gets worse at any time.
How long you use it for depends on why you’re using it.
For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you’ll probably only need to use hydrocortisone for up to 1 week.
For long-term skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use hydrocortisone 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.
Once your skin is better, use moisturisers to keep it from becoming inflamed again.
Do not use a hydrocortisone on your face unless a doctor has told you to and given you a prescription for it.
The skin on your face is delicate, so if hydrocortisone damages it, it’s particularly noticeable.
If your doctor has prescribed hydrocortisone for your face, follow their instructions carefully.
Treatment For Infective Complications Of Atopic Dermatitis
- Oral antibiotics are important for secondary bacterial infection of atopic dermatitis. Skin swabs should be taken to determine the responsible bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity. Bacterial resistance to multiple antibiotics is an increasing problem. Topical antibiotics should not be used as this increases bacterial resistance. Consider using a topical antiseptic instead.
- Atopic dermatitis can also be complicated by viral infections such as herpes viruses , molluscum contagiosum, and Coxsackievirus , which may require specific treatments.
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How Do You Use Hydrocortisone For Eczema
Youll use the same general steps to apply hydrocortisone whether its a cream, ointment, lotion, or gel. Read the instructions that come with your specific product before your first use.
If your hydrocortisone cream is a prescription, you might have specific instructions to follow from your medical professional. Hydrocortisone should be used once or twice a day unless a doctor has advised you to use it more often.
The general instructions for hydrocortisone use is the same for adults and children. Its important to:
- wash and dry your hands before use
- apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone to any irritated areas.
- rub in until its disappeared into your skin
- apply to all affected areas
- not get hydrocortisone in open cuts or sores
- wash and dry your hands after using
- wait at least 10 minutes before applying other skin care products
Do Topical Steroids Stunt A Childs Development
There is no evidence to support that topical steroids can affect a childs growth who has eczema. It is true that steroids can affect a childs growth. In those cases, children were given high doses of steroids, which is not the case in children with eczema. Again, this is why I mention that steroids can help with an eczema flare. For long term use, eczema must be treated from the inside and then outside .
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Your Body Produces Natural Cortisone
Cortisone cream is the go-to treatment for eczema, and for good reason. This anti-inflammatory is highly effective. In fact, your body produces it as its best defense against inflammation, under the name cortisol.
Cortisol provides our body with fuel, so that you can wake up to your 8 oclock alarm. It is produced all day long, with a slight dip at approximately 3:00 am. This hormone is involved in metabolizing sugar and fats, as well as regulating sleep, the immune system and our stress level .