Hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment is a mild topical steroid used short term for eczema flares, contact irritation, and some insect bites when pharmacists or GPs advise. It is weaker than many prescription steroids.
This medicine is part of the Pain relief category.
Generic name: hydrocortisone
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment is a mild topical steroid used short term for eczema flares, contact irritation, and some insect bites when pharmacists or GPs advise.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Local burning, stinging, or temporary skin thinning with prolonged misuse.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Hydrocortisone cream with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Hydrocortisone cream is used for
Hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment is a mild topical steroid used short term for eczema flares, contact irritation, and some insect bites when pharmacists or GPs advise.
It is weaker than many prescription steroids.
How does Hydrocortisone cream work, and how long does it take to work?
It reduces local skin inflammation and itch.
Not antifungal or antibacterial — misdiagnosed infections can worsen under steroid alone.
How and when should you take Hydrocortisone cream?
Apply a thin layer to affected skin once or twice daily for the limited days on the pack or prescription, then stop as advised.
Do not use airtight dressings unless prescribed — increases absorption.
What are the common side effects of Hydrocortisone cream?
Local burning, stinging, or temporary skin thinning with prolonged misuse.
Serious side effects of Hydrocortisone cream — when to get urgent help
Worsening painful rash, pus, or spreading redness may mean infection — see your GP rather than continuing steroid alone.
What if you miss a dose of Hydrocortisone cream?
Apply when remembered; resume schedule without doubling thick layers.
Who should not take Hydrocortisone cream?
Untreated bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections (for example untreated cold sores on face), rosacea, and acne areas need different treatments.
Face, groin, and children need shorter courses unless supervised.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Hydrocortisone cream? — other interactions
Few drug interactions topically at mild potency; always mention steroid creams if prescribed oral steroids too.
Hydrocortisone cream in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Small areas short term are often acceptable — confirm with your prescriber.
Blood tests and monitoring on Hydrocortisone cream
If eczema keeps returning, ask for a GP review rather than continuous OTC steroid.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Hydrocortisone cream?
Emollients, stronger prescription steroids for short bursts, or calcineurin inhibitors may be discussed.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Hydrocortisone cream
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Hydrocortisone cream used for?
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment is a mild topical steroid used short term for eczema flares, contact irritation, and some insect bites when pharmacists or GPs advise. It is weaker than many prescription steroids.
- How long does Hydrocortisone cream take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Hydrocortisone cream with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Hydrocortisone cream with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone cream?
- Local burning, stinging, or temporary skin thinning with prolonged misuse. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Can I use hydrocortisone on my face?
- Short cautious courses only with professional advice — face skin absorbs more and thins easier.
- How long can I use hydrocortisone cream?
- OTC packs specify maximum days; longer needs GP diagnosis and plan.
Need personalised advice?
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Often used with
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