Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1.0%. It is also available by prescription, at a strength of 2.5%.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, similar to a hormone produced naturally in your adrenal glands. It works by easing the swelling, itching, and redness caused by dermatitis.
Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient used in a number of antibacterial or antifungal preparations, such as in athlete’s foot creams. For some diaper rashes, physicians may also recommend that hydrocortisone or desonide (another topical corticosteroid) be used in addition to antifungal treatment.
This article explains the conditions that hydrocortisone cream can treat, those it cannot, how to use the cream, and the possible side effects.
Conditions Hydrocortisone Creams Can Treat
Hydrocortisone cream may be your go-to treatment for insect bites or stings. It is also a smart way to treat many allergic skin rashes, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic contact dermatitis (including poison ivy and poison oak).
Hydrocortisone cream can also relieve:
Irritant contact dermatitis, which is caused by contact with a chemical or physical irritant Psoriasis Seborrheic dermatitis, which affects the scalp, face, ears, and torso (and is also known as dandruff)
A physician may also recommend that hydrocortisone be used for anal itching related to hemorrhoids and/or itching of the outer female genitals. In general, topical corticosteroids including hydrocortisone should not be regularly applied to the face or genital areas without first consulting with a physician.
Conditions Hydrocortisone Creams Cannot Treat
Hydrocortisone is not usually useful as a treatment for hives (urticaria). This is because hives are caused by histamine, not chronic skin inflammation.
Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system in response to allergens, which are allergy-causing substances. An reaction can sometimes cause a rash.
In this case, an oral antihistamine may be the best treatment choice.
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, if recommended by a healthcare provider, 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.
How to Use
Hydrocortisone cream is typically applied to the affected area two or three times per day. A prescription cream may be used less often.
Apply a thin film of cream, rubbing it in until fully absorbed.
A treatment plan can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, or until the rash and itchiness have resolved. A full treatment should last no longer than four weeks.
Lower-potency versions of the cream (such as 0.5%) can be applied to your face for shorter periods of time. But keep the cream away from your eyes. Chronic steroid exposure to the eyes can cause cataracts and other sight-compromising complications.
For the same reason, wash your hands thoroughly after each use.
Side Effects
It’s a good idea to avoid long-term use of any topical steroid on your face, particularly high-potency types. You risk thinning and otherwise damaging your skin. In the worst cases, you could even trigger irreversible skin damage.
Using topical steroids for longer than recommended could cause:
Bruising Discoloration Skin atrophy (thinning of the skin) Stretch marks Spider veins
Summary
Hydrocortisone cream is good at treating mild inflammatory skin conditions. Be sure you know what these conditions include. In general, the cream should not be used on skin that is broken. Use it wisely and according to the instructions to avoid side effects.
Blistering Blurred vision, or seeing “halos” around lights Insomnia Irregular heartbeat (known as arrhythmia) Puffy face Worsening of the skin condition
A Word From Verywell
Hydrocortisone cream can be very effective at treating mild skin inflammation. But it should never be used as a cure-all. Just because it cleared up a leg rash, for example, it would be a mistake to presume that it can be used on diaper rash.
Always read the manufacturer’s insert for instructions on how to use the product. And if you have questions, speak with a pharmacist or your healthcare provider.
Atopic dermatitisBee stingsContact dermatitisEczemaFemale genital itching not due to a yeast infectionHemorrhoids and anal itchingInsect bitesPoison ivy and poison oakPsoriasisSeborrheic dermatitis
Athlete’s footJock itchRingwormYeast infection
Ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are caused by a fungus known as tinea. Yeast infections are caused by a fungus known as candida. Some diaper rashes are also caused by yeast.
Steroid creams should not be used on fungal infections without also using an antifungal medication because when used alone, steroids can allow a fungal infection to spread and worsen.
