Hydrocortisone
Prescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid ointment (hydrocortisone acetate 10 mg/g, 1%). The mildest topical steroid for mild skin inflammation: atopic and contact dermatitis.
WHAT IS HYDROCORTISONE?
Detailed overview
Hydrocortison-Wagner 10 mg/g (1%) ointment contains hydrocortisone acetate, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid – the MILDEST class of topical steroids (Class VII / EU Group I). It treats mild inflammatory skin disease, mainly atopic dermatitis (eczema) and contact dermatitis: it reduces inflammation, redness, oedema and itching. Applied to intact skin over a small area for a short time, absorption is low (<1–3%) so risk is mainly local; over large areas, folds, the face or under occlusion, significant absorption and systemic effects (adrenal insufficiency) can occur. A prescription/pharmacy product, used as directed by a doctor.
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 8
- Local reactions at the application site: burning or stinging, itching, dryness, redness and flaking – mainly at the start of treatment.
- With prolonged or large-area use: skin atrophy (thinning), striae, telangiectasia (dilated surface capillaries) and easy bruising – most on the face and skin folds.
- On the face: perioral dermatitis, steroid rosacea and acneiform eruptions; worsening of existing rosacea or acne.
- Local hypopigmentation (skin lightening), increased hair growth (hypertrichosis) and folliculitis (hair-follicle inflammation) on the treated area.
- On infected skin the ointment can mask and worsen the signs (secondary skin infection, or tinea/scabies 'incognito'); wound healing may slow.
- Abrupt withdrawal after prolonged use can cause a rebound flare; the effect may diminish over time (tachyphylaxis).
- Used for a long time or over large or highly-absorptive areas (skin folds, face, scrotum, under nappies and occlusive dressings) the active substance can be absorbed and act systemically: adrenal insufficiency, whose signs include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, peeling skin, weight loss and low blood pressure – with greater risk in children.
- With periocular use or significant absorption: blurred vision or other visual disturbance, glaucoma and cataract – seek medical advice if vision is affected.
Contraindications · 8
- Hypersensitivity (allergy) to hydrocortisone acetate or any component of the ointment.
- On broken, open or damaged skin, e.g. ulcers.
- On skin around the mouth and eyes (e.g. the eyelids).
- Viral skin infections (e.g. acute herpes, chickenpox).
- Bacterial skin infections (e.g. impetigo, skin tuberculosis).
- Fungal skin infections and parasitic infestations (e.g. scabies).
- Rosacea (an inflammatory skin disease with dilated vessels) and acne.
- Avoid prolonged, continuous use on the same area or on highly-absorptive areas (skin folds, face, scrotum, under nappies and occlusive dressings); extra caution in children and the elderly. Concurrent use with other steroid products can amplify both the effect and the side effects.
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Educational drug info from official sources (PubMed, FDA, EMA). Does NOT replace medical consultation or the SmPC. Talk to your doctor!
The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Medication use requires medical consultation and a prescription. The indications, dose ranges, and side effects listed here do NOT replace the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or consultation with a physician. Do not start or stop any medication on your own. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.