Hydrocortisone w/w Cream 5g/1%

About Hydrocortisone w/w Cream 5g/1%

Hydrocortisone Cream Uses

• Eczema and atopic dermatitis flare ups
• Contact dermatitis from irritants or allergens
• Insect bite reactions
• Mild psoriasis patches
• Itching and redness from minor skin irritation

Hydrocortisone Cream Benefits

• Fast relief from itching and inflammation
• Low strength formula suitable for sensitive areas of skin
• Small tube size ideal for short, targeted courses of treatment
• Widely available without needing a specialist skin doctor visit

What Experts Say

Dermatologists often recommend a mild strength hydrocortisone cream as a first step for common skin irritations, since it carries a lower risk of thinning the skin compared to stronger steroid creams. It works by calming the immune response that causes redness, swelling, and itching. This makes it a common first choice for babies and young children under a doctor's guidance.

Skin specialists generally suggest applying a thin layer only to the affected area, rather than covering large parts of the body. The face, groin, and areas under a bandage should not be treated for long periods unless a doctor has specifically advised it. Hands should be washed after each application to stop the medicine from spreading to other areas by accident.

Pharmacists remind patients that mild steroid creams are meant for short term use, typically no longer than one to two weeks unless a doctor extends the course. Any worsening of the rash, signs of infection, or lack of improvement after this period should prompt a follow up visit. A pharmacist can suggest a moisturizer to use alongside this cream.

Drug Class

• Corticosteroid
• Glucocorticoid

Hydrocortisone w/w Cream 5g/1% formula

• Hydrocortisone

Available forms

• Cream

How to use Hydrocortisone w/w Cream 5g/1%?

• A thin layer should be applied to the affected area, once or twice daily as directed
• Gentle rubbing until the cream disappears is usually enough, no heavy massaging needed
• Hands should be washed after application unless the hands are the treated area
• Bandages or dressings should not be used over the cream unless a doctor advises it

Drug Interactions

• Other Topical Steroids: More than one steroid cream used on the same area can increase the risk of skin thinning.
• Retinoid Creams: Combined use on the same skin area may increase irritation.
• Occlusive Dressings: A bandage or plastic wrap placed over the treated area increases how much steroid the skin absorbs.

Risks and warnings

• Skin Infections: This cream should not be used on infected, broken, or weeping skin without medical advice.
• Face and Groin Use: Extra caution is needed since these areas absorb steroid creams more easily.
• Children: Prolonged use in infants and young children should be guided by a doctor.
• Eye Contact: Contact with the eyes should be avoided, as it may raise eye pressure with prolonged use.
• Long Term Use: Extended, unsupervised use can lead to thinning or discoloration of the skin.

Hydrocortisone Cream Side Effects

• Mild burning or stinging on application
• Dryness or peeling of the skin
• Thinning of the skin with prolonged use
• Small visible blood vessels on the skin
• Increased hair growth at the application site
• Allergic skin reaction in rare cases

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct heat
• Keep the tube tightly closed after each use
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Discard the tube after the expiry date printed on the packaging