Always Read The Patient Information Leaflet
Medicines can cause side effects. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and report any side effects to your pharmacist. Stay informed—order safely today!
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Hydrocortisone is a type of medication called a corticosteroid. Unlike anabolic steroids, which mimic testosterone, corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation. They are commonly used to manage various skin conditions and can treat dermatitis by soothing symptoms like dryness, soreness, and irritation. Hydrocortisone is effective for treating several skin issues, including photodermatitis, atopic eczema, discoid eczema, and dyshidrotic eczema.
Corticosteroids, commonly known as steroids, can help lessen redness and swelling, improving the look of affected skin areas.
Hydrocortisone is available as a cream or an ointment that you can apply directly to your skin. It helps calm your body's inflammatory response and reduces the urge to scratch, allowing your skin to heal more effectively. The medication comes in various forms and strengths, so it can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Hydrocortisone works by triggering substances in the skin to help ease your symptoms. It's a type of corticosteroid called a glucocorticoid. These are synthetic versions of steroids that your body naturally makes. They're found in almost all body tissues and play a key role in many functions, especially dealing with stress and inflammation.
Cortisol is one of the primary glucocorticoids that our body produces, and it's known as a stress hormone. Doctors often prescribe glucocorticoids to individuals who need extra cortisol to help them handle stress better.
In addition to skin conditions like dermatitis, hydrocortisone is commonly used to treat other issues such as arthritis, asthma, and haemorrhoids.
Hydrocortisone cream is available in two strengths: 0.5% and 1%. The ointment, however, only comes in a 1% strength.
The choice between ointment or cream will mostly depend on the condition you're dealing with. The same goes for the strength of Hydrocortisone you'll require. A clinician will prescribe the medication based on your symptoms and which treatment they believe will best help manage them.
You can generally apply both the cream and the ointment up to three times a day, but the amount you need might change based on how your skin condition is affecting you.
You may notice improvements just a few days after starting Hydrocortisone. However, there's no certainty about how quickly it will relieve your symptoms or visibly improve your skin. Hydrocortisone is meant for short-term use, but if you have a skin condition like eczema that needs ongoing treatment, you might need to use it for a longer period.
If you forget to apply your usual dose of Hydrocortisone, just use your cream or ointment as soon as you remember. It's important to apply it at evenly spaced times, and there's no need to double up on the amount if you miss a dose.
If you or a child in your care accidentally swallows any of the cream or ointment, head straight to your nearest hospital's A&E (Accident and Emergency) department. Make sure to take the medication with you so the staff can quickly identify the issue.
There are various ways to treat atopic eczema. The best option for you will usually depend on how frequently your symptoms occur, their severity, and the details of how your skin condition has progressed. You might find creams, ointments, or lotions more effective, and a healthcare professional can assist you in choosing the most suitable treatment.
Mometasone, known by the brand name Elocon, is a steroid cream similar to Hydrocortisone. It's used to treat eczema and psoriasis and serves as an alternative corticosteroid for soothing irritated skin.
If your skin is very dry, your doctor might prescribe emollients such as Doublebase.
Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to treat various conditions that involve inflammation.
They've been used for over 50 years, and their discovery was seen as a major breakthrough in dermatology treatments.
Corticosteroids such as Hydrocortisone come in various strengths and potencies, making it simpler to customise treatment to suit your specific needs.
Most adults can use Hydrocortisone without any issues, and there are only a few reports of side effects with this medication.
This makes it a dependable and safe choice for treating various skin conditions.
Hydrocortisone cream and ointment can cause side effects, but that doesn't mean you'll definitely have them. Most people using it for under four weeks don't experience any side effects.
It's quite normal to feel a stinging or burning sensation after applying the medication. This usually indicates that the medication is doing its job.
If you notice any allergic reactions, such as lip swelling or trouble breathing, seek medical help straight away. If Hydrocortisone leads to these side effects, go to your nearest hospital immediately for urgent care.
You can purchase hydrocortisone over the counter, but it's considered a 'Pharmacy' medicine. This means you'll need to answer a few questions before you can begin using it.
Pharmacists, or their team members, must ensure that Hydrocortisone is appropriate for you. Even though it doesn't need a prescription, you can't just grab it off the shelf like other skincare items. Our clinicians issue prescriptions for all the medicines we offer.
We treat every condition with the utmost importance and know how crucial it is to receive the right assistance when required. By having a consultation, you provide our experts with the details they need to suggest safe and appropriate treatments for you.
Feel free to message our clinicians with any questions about your treatment at any time, and they’ll respond to you with an answer. After you've selected a medication, simply let us know how frequently you'd like to receive it. We'll deliver it straight to your door.
If you need to pause, alter, or cancel your plan, it's an easy process that just takes a few minutes.
Hydrocortisone isn't right for everyone, and there are a few things you should keep in mind when using it.
Here's all the official information about it. If anything isn't clear, please let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
0.5% cream, 1% cream, 1% ointment
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Medicines can cause side effects. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and report any side effects to your pharmacist. Stay informed—order safely today!
Superintendent pharmacist with 20+ years of experience. Specialises in acute respiratory diseases, UTIs, musculoskeletal issues, and more
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