Hydrocortisone for Eczema

Overview
Hydrocortisone is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat skin inflammation and itching associated with skin conditions that respond to corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone may be sold in lower doses over the counter or in stronger doses by prescription. Hydrocortisone may be sold as a generic drug or under brands including Cortaid, Nutracort, and Synacort.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid of low potency. It is believed that Hydrocortisone works by suppressing immune system activity.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Hydrocortisone is generally applied topically to the affected area one to four times a day.

Hydrocortisone comes in different strengths and in forms including lotion, cream, ointment, and spray.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Hydrocortisone lists common side effects including dryness, burning, itching, stinging, red or white bumps on the skin, acne, excessive hair growth, and perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth).

Rare but serious side effects for corticosteroids include high blood sugar and reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression (a dysfunction of the adrenal system).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Hydrocortisone – MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682793.html

Prescription Topical Treatment – National Eczema Association
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/top...