Hydrocortisone for skin

NHS information about hydrocortisone for skin, including what it’s used for, who can use it, how to take it and possible side effects.

This information is about hydrocortisone for skin. There's separate information about other types of hydrocortisone.

What hydrocortisone is for

Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid).

Steroid medicines help reduce inflammation and swelling. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.

Most hydrocortisone creams and ointments are considered "mild" steroids, which means they tend to cause fewer side effects than other steroids.

They can be used to treat skin conditions such as:

There are some medicines that contain hydrocortisone and anti-fungal medicine. These are used to treat nappy rash, thrush, ringworm and athlete's foot.

How to use hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion

How you use hydrocortisone depends on whether you're using cream, ointment or lotion and what you're using it for.

Hydrocortisone comes in different strengths, so always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist about how to use it. You can also check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine.

You'll usually need to use hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion once or twice a day.

The amount you need depends on the size of the area you're treating. You need to use enough to cover the affected area in a thin layer.

It's sometimes measured in fingertip units, which is the amount you can fit onto the end of your finger from the tip to the first crease. A fingertip unit is enough to treat an area twice the size of the palm of your hand.

Don't

  • do not use hydrocortisone on cuts or wounds

  • do not smoke or go near naked flames – clothing and bedding that's been in contact with hydrocortisone burns more easily

  • do not use it on your face, penis or vulva (area around the opening of the vagina) without talking to a pharmacist or doctor first – it can damage the skin in these areas

  • do not cover the affected area with a dressing or plaster after using hydrocortisone on your skin

  • do not swallow hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion – get medical help if you swallow it accidentally

Side effects of hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion

Like all medicines, hydrocortisone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Possible side effects of hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion include:

It does not usually affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of hydrocortisone.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website

Who can and cannot use hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion

Most adults and children aged 10 years and over can use hydrocortisone creams, ointments and lotions.

Children under 10 years should only use them if advised to by a doctor or pharmacist.

Hydrocortisone cream, ointment and lotion is not suitable for everyone. For example, you may not be able to use it if you have a skin condition such as:

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can use it.

Breastfeeding and hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone can usually be used on your skin while breastfeeding but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you're using hydrocortisone cream on your chest (particularly on your breasts and nipples) while breastfeeding, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're using but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and hydrocortisone

If you're pregnant, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using hydrocortisone on your skin.

Most types can be used during pregnancy, although a pharmacist or doctor may advise using small amounts for the shortest possible time.

Find out more about using steroids on your skin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using hydrocortisone with other medicines, food and drink

It's unlikely other medicines will affect the way hydrocortisone creams, ointments and lotions work.

But check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can take it.

Food, drink and alcohol with hydrocortisone

You can eat and drink as normal while using hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can: