Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment

Many patients notice that itching and redness begin to settle within a few days of starting treatment, although individual responses may vary. Most short-term flares treated with a mild topical steroid show meaningful improvement within the first week of use.

If your symptoms have not improved after seven days of regular use, or if they appear to be getting worse, stop applying Hydrocortisone Ointment and seek advice from a GP or pharmacist.

Both Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment and Hydrocortisone 1% Cream contain the same active ingredient at the same strength. The difference is in the base on which they are formulated:

• Hydrocortisone Ointment is greasy, water-free and occlusive. It tends to be the preferred option for dry, scaly, thickened or cracked skin (for example, on areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet) and is more suitable for night-time application where the longer application time on the skin can help support hydration.
• Hydrocortisone Cream is a lighter water-based emulsion that absorbs more quickly, leaves less residue and is often preferred for moist or weeping eczema, skin folds, hairy areas, or daytime use under clothing.

If you are unsure which formulation suits your skin best, or you are treating a child, speak to a pharmacist or GP for tailored advice.

Yes. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, a class of medicines that mimic the natural anti-inflammatory hormones produced by the adrenal glands. At a strength of 1%, hydrocortisone is considered a mild topical steroid, sitting at the lowest end of the topical steroid potency ladder.

Stronger topical steroids, such as Eumovate Cream (clobetasone butyrate), are used for flares that do not settle with a mild steroid, and are available from pharmacies after a pharmacist assessment, while larger packs and other formulations require a prescription.

Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is intended for short-term use only. When supplied without a prescription, treatment should not continue beyond seven days without medical review.

Long-term or repeated use of any topical steroid, even a mild one, can be associated with thinning of the skin, particularly on delicate areas such as the face, eyelids and skin folds. Using the ointment as directed and for the shortest period needed helps reduce this risk.

Prolonged use of topical steroids like Hydrocortisone Ointment can also cause a topical steroid withdrawal reaction, where symptoms include redness extending beyond the treated area, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin or oozing open sores. Consult your GP if you experience any of the symptoms above after stopping your treatment with Hydrocortisone Ointment.

Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is not generally recommended for use on the face, eyelids or genital area unless specifically advised by a doctor. The skin in these areas is thinner and more sensitive, which increases the risk of side effects such as skin thinning.

It can also worsen certain skin conditions that affect the face, including acne, rosacea and perioral dermatitis. If you have a flare of facial eczema, speak to a GP or pharmacist before applying a topical steroid on your face.

Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is intended for adults and children aged 10 years and over. It should not be used in children under 10 years old unless recommended by a doctor.

Speak to a pharmacist or GP before using the Hydrocortisone Ointment if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, lanolin (wool fat) or any other ingredient in the past
• Have an active bacterial skin infection (such as impetigo)
• Have an active viral infection (such as cold sores or chickenpox)
• Have an active fungal infection (such as athlete’s foot, ringworm or thrush)
• Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment on your face
• Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment on the ano-genital area
• Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment on broken, weeping or ulcerated skin
• Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment to treat psoriasis
• Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are treating a child

Some hydrocortisone ointments contain wool fat/lanolin, which can cause local skin reactions. Check the patient information leaflet for the full ingredient list before using Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment.

Prolonged or excessive use of any topical steroid can cause local skin changes, including thinning (atrophy), visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia) and stretch marks. The risk is higher with stronger steroids, longer treatment courses, occlusion under dressings and use on thinner-skinned areas such as the face and skin folds.

When Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is used as directed (i.e., applied as a thin layer, once or twice daily, for a short treatment course), the risk of these effects is low. Stop treatment and seek advice if you notice changes in the texture or appearance of your skin.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist before using Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment.

Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment contains a paraffin base, which is flammable. Treated skin, clothing, bedding and dressings that come into contact with the ointment can ignite very easily if exposed to a naked flame or a lit cigarette. Keep away from fire and naked flames while using this product and after application.