Hydrocortisone for mild inflammatory skin conditions

Acerca de la hidrocortisona

Hydrocortisone is classed as a mild topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids are also referred to as topical steroids. Topical steroids are used in addition to moisturisers (emollients) for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. A topical steroid can be used to relieve the symptoms when patches of eczema or dermatitis flare up. Hydrocortisone is also useful in reducing inflammation due to insect bites and stings. A doctor may also prescribe hydrocortisone to treat nappy rash in a baby or infant.

Hydrocortisone is available on prescription. It can also be bought without a prescription for the treatment of mild inflammatory conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis and insect stings in adults and older children. Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient in a number of preparations which contain an antibacterial or antifungal agent. These preparations are for use when there is a skin infection also present, such as in athlete's foot.

Do not confuse hydrocortisone creams and ointments with a much more potent topical steroid preparation which contains an ingredient called 'hydrocortisone butyrate'. Hydrocortisone butyrate is a potent topical steroid prescribed for severe skin conditions.

Before using hydrocortisone

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using hydrocortisone it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Si tiene alguna zona de piel infectada.

• Si tiene rosácea o acné.

• If it is for a child under 10 years of age. This is because hydrocortisone should only be used in children on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un preparado cutáneo.

How to use hydrocortisone

• Antes de empezar a utilizar el preparado, lea el prospecto impreso del fabricante que se encuentra en el interior del envase. Te dará más información sobre los corticoides tópicos y te proporcionará una lista completa de los efectos secundarios que puedes experimentar con su uso.

• Apply a small amount to the areas of skin which are inflamed. Then gently rub it into the skin until it has disappeared. Do not use it on areas of broken skin or on open sores. Unless you have been supplied with a preparation which also contains an anti-infective agent (such as miconazole or clotrimazole), do not use it on any areas of infected skin.

• Apply the cream/ointment once or twice a day. It must not be applied more often than twice a day, and once a day is often sufficient.

• Si utiliza más de un corticosteroide tópico, asegúrese de saber cuándo y dónde utilizar cada uno. Si no está seguro, consulte a su médico o pida consejo a su farmacéutico.

• After you have applied hydrocortisone, remember to wash your hands (unless your hands are the treated area).

• Children are susceptible to side-effects from topical steroids. The main concern is for children who need frequent courses, as it can have an effect on their growth and this may need to be monitored. If your child has been prescribed hydrocortisone, follow the directions you have been given very carefully, and do not use it for longer than you have been told to. As a general rule, it should not be used for more than one week in children. It is not suitable for children under 10 years of age unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• If you are using a moisturiser along with hydrocortisone, apply the moisturiser first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying hydrocortisone. This allows time for the moisturiser to be absorbed before the topical corticosteroid is applied. If hydrocortisone has been prescribed for nappy rash and you are also using a barrier cream, apply the hydrocortisone first and the barrier cream afterwards.

• Do not use the cream/ointment on your face unless it has been prescribed by a doctor for this reason. If so, be careful not to get any near your eyes and do not use it for a longer period of time than you have been advised.

• A menos que se lo recomiende su médico, no aplique un vendaje o apósito en la zona tratada, ya que aumentará la absorción del corticoide a través de la piel y el riesgo de efectos secundarios.

• Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how long to use the preparation for. If you have bought the hydrocortisone from a retail outlet, you must not use it for more than one week. If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), you should speak with a doctor for advice. Hydrocortisone should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children.

• If you have eczema or dermatitis, continue to use a moisturiser every day after you finish using hydrocortisone. This will help to prevent a further flare-up.

¿Puede causar problemas la hidrocortisona?

Short courses (of less than four weeks) of hydrocortisone are usually safe and do not cause any problems. If used for long periods, topical steroids can thin your skin, or you may develop permanent stretchmarks, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and hair growth at the site of application. Although such side-effects from a mild topical steroid like hydrocortisone occur only rarely, you can reduce the risk further by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and to the affected areas only.

How to store hydrocortisone

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos