Health Library

Hydrocortisone (On the skin)

Hydrocortisone (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone)

Treats many skin disorders. Also relieves pain, itching, and swelling caused by skin diseases. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Ala-Cort, Ala-Scalp, Anti-Itch, Aquanil Hc, Aquaphor Itch Relief, Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Corta-Cap, Cortaid Maximum Strength, Cortisone, Cortizone-10 Cooling Gel, Cortizone-10 Cooling Relief, Cortizone-10 Diabetics' Skin, Cortizone-10 Easy Relief, Cortizone-10 Eczema, Cortizone-10 Fast Itch Relief

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream, Kit, Ointment, Lotion, Spray, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it near your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. Rinse it off right away if it does get on these areas.
• Do not use this medicine on the face, groin, or underarms unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Do not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.
• .Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or liquid: Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Spray: Shake the aerosol can just before using. Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the skin and spray for about 2 seconds. To apply to your face, spray into the palm of your hand and rub in gently.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor. Do not cover the treated skin with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if you are using this medicine on a child's diaper area. Cream or lotion should not be used in the diaper area unless directed by your doctor.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal gland problems (including Cushing syndrome), diabetes, or any type of skin infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Adrenal or pituitary gland problems
  • Serious skin reactions, which may occur if you cover the treated skin area or use the medicine for a long time
  • Increased risk of eye or vision problems, including cataracts and glaucoma
• This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or pus on the treated skin areas
• Confusion, headache, vision changes
• Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
• Severe skin itching, burning, redness, peeling, or pain
• Thinning of the skin
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne or pimples
• Increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
• Mild burning, dryness, irritation, redness, or itching of the skin
• Poor healing of the skin

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024