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.
ATC code
D07AA02
Prescription
Over-the-counter (OTC), pharmacy (1% topical)
Mechanism
Glucocorticoid-receptor agonist (weak steroid, group I)
Half-life
1.2-2 h (absorbed systemic fraction)
Onset
Hours to days (local inflammation and itch relief)
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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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.