Topical hydrocortisone is used to treat a variety of skin diseases that cause redness, swelling, itching, and pain. A group of drugs known as corticosteroids includes hydrocortisone. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by causing natural chemicals in the skin to become active.

For usage on the skin, hydrocortisone is available as an ointment, cream, solution (liquid), spray, or lotion. For skin issues, hydrocortisone topical is often applied one to four times per day. Apply it every day at roughly the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription or product label that you do not understand, and carefully follow them. Follow the hydrocortisone directions exactly. Do not use more, less, or more frequently than advised by your doctor. Unless your doctor instructs you to, avoid using it on other parts of your body or to treat other skin disorders.

If your symptoms do not subside after the first two weeks of treatment, consult your doctor if hydrocortisone has been given for your disease. If you bought hydrocortisone over the counter (without a prescription) and your condition didn’t get better in 7 days, stop using it and call your doctor.

Use a tiny amount of ointment, cream, solution, spray, or lotion to cover the affected region of skin with a thin, even film and gently press it in to use hydrocortisone topical.

Only the skin should be used to apply this medication. Avoid getting hydrocortisone topical in your mouth or eyes, and never ingest it.

Only bandage or wrap the treated area if your doctor instructs you to. Your physician might advise using an occlusive dressing if you have psoriasis.

Avoid covering the diaper area of a child with plastic or tight-fitting diapers when using hydrocortisone topical.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using hydrocortisone topical,

• If you have an allergy to hydrocortisone, any other drugs, or any of the chemicals in topical hydrocortisone treatments, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your physician if you have ever had Cushing’s syndrome or diabetes (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]).
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using hydrocortisone topical.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

As soon as you realise you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, avoid applying a second dose.

The topical form of hydrocortisone may have adverse effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Skin that is scorching, itchy, irritated, red, or dry
• Acne
• Excessive hair growth
• Skin tone varies
• Rash or small red pimples around the mouth
• Little skin lumps that are white or red

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Extreme rash
• Redness, swelling, or other symptoms of a skin infection around the site of your hydrocortisone application

Children who use topical hydrocortisone may be more susceptible to adverse effects, such as reduced growth and delayed weight gain. The dangers of applying this medication to your child’s skin should be discussed with your child’s doctor.

Further adverse effects from topical hydrocortisone are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Avoid freezing it.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call your local poison control centre at 1-800-222-1222 if someone ingests hydrocortisone. Call local emergency services at 911 if the sufferer has collapsed or is not breathing.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

If you have any inquiries about hydrocortisone topical, ask your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.