What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a
bandage or other covering unless your doctor
has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or
tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with
hydrocortisone topical can increase
the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you
have skin folds or thin skin.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more
sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone topical.
Hydrocortisone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using
this medication for several days.
What is hydrocortisone topical?
Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that
cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Hydrocortisone topical is used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of
conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis.
Hydrocortisone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hydrocortisone topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone.
Hydrocortisone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydrocortisone topical passes into breast milk or if it could
harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more
sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone topical.
How should I use hydrocortisone topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than
recommended.
Hydrocortisone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using hydrocortisone
topical to treat a hand condition.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.
Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas
where you have skin folds or thin skin.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor
has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or
tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone topical can increase
the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using
this medication for several days. It is important to use hydrocortisone topical regularly to get the
most benefit.
Store hydrocortisone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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