you’ve got the option to use hydrocortisone cream for rashes and other mild inflammatory skin conditions.
As a topicalcorticosteroid, it works by easing the swelling,itching, and redness caused bydermatitis.
The cream is available over the counter in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1.0%.
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It is also available by prescription, at a strength of 2.5%.
Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient used in several antibacterial or antifungal preparations, such as inathlete’s footcreams.
This article discusses the use of hydrocortisone cream for rashes and other conditions.
It also covers conditions it cannot heal, how to use the cream, and possible side effects.
This is because hives are resulting from histamine, not chronic skin inflammation.
Histamineis a chemical produced by the immune system in response to allergens, which are allergy-causing substances.
A reaction can sometimes cause a rash.
In this case, an oral antihistamine may be the best treatment choice.
Hydrocortisone and other steroids can irritate facial skin and can potentially lead to irreversible skin damage.
Hydrocortisone cream should also not be used for:
A fungal infection will worsen from a steroid cream.
How to Use Hydrocortisone Cream
Cortizone is a popular brand-name hydrocortisone cream sold over-the-counter (OTC).
There are also many generic versions.
OTC options are typically applied to the affected area two or three times per day.
Prescription hydrocortisone creams, which have higher potency, are also available.
Some examples include Hydrocort and Aquacort.
These may be used less often than OTC options.
How Long Should You Use Hydrocortisone Cream?
A full treatment should last no longer than four weeks.
Prolonged use of the cream oninfantshas been linked with slower growth and delayed weight gain.
It’s best to speak with a pediatrician before using hydrocortisone cream on your child.
Other products may be gentler and work just as well.
You risk thinning and otherwise damaging your skin.
In the worst cases, you could even trigger irreversible skin damage.
Chronic steroid exposure to the eyes can cause cataracts and other sight-compromising complications.
Summary
Hydrocortisone cream is good at treating mild inflammatory skin conditions.
Be sure you know what these conditions include.
In general, the cream should not be used on skin that is broken.
Use it wisely and according to the instructions to avoid side effects.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of fungal diseases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
Dhar S, Seth J, Parikh D.Systemic side-effects of topical corticosteroids.
2014 Sep;59(5):460-4. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.139874
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