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Topic Overview

Hydrocortisone cream, gel, or ointment is available without a prescription. It is commonly used to treat skin inflammation and itching.

Precautions

Recommended Related to Drugs and Herbs

Questions for the Doctor About Your New Prescription

What is the prescription? Why do I need this drug? What will this drug do for me? How much do I take, how often, and for how long? Does it matter what time of day I take this drug? What side effects should I watch for? What should I do if I have a bad reaction? How will this drug interact with other prescription or over-the-counter drugs I am taking? How will this drug interact with vitamins, herbal supplements, or foods? If I feel better before I finish the prescr...

Read the Questions for the Doctor About Your New Prescription article > >

Carefully read and follow all label directions on the medicine bottle or box.
Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not use in the diaper area unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area on children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not continue to use the cream if there is no improvement after 48 hours.
Do not continue to use the cream longer than 4 to 5 days unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not use hydrocortisone cream on weeping, scraped, or infected skin.
Avoid getting the cream in the eyes.
Use very sparingly on facial rashes and on the back of the hands.

Dosage: Apply to the rash area 4 times a day. Rub the cream in well.

Side effects

Burning
Increased itching
Increase in rash
Skin infection

If side effects occur, stop using the cream. Call your doctor if treatment of the condition is still needed.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 20, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.