Hydrocortisone 1% Cream

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream treats inflammation from skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema and psoriasis. It is a topical steroid that works to reduce chemicals in the body that cause swelling.

Order your Hydrocortisone Cream online from The Independent Pharmacy- our service is fast, confidential and discreet. When you place your order, you’ll need to complete a brief medical questionnaire. Our online doctor will review your order which you’ll receive as early as the next day

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid. Classed as a mild steroid, it can be used to step down your treatment if stronger steroid preparations are no longer necessary.

Topical steroids play an important role in eczema treatment. When eczema flares up, applying a steroid-containing medication will reduce inflammation, ease soreness and reduce itching.

Steroids are produced naturally by the body to regulate growth and immune function. There are many kinds of steroids, including anabolic steroids like testosterone and corticosteroids such as cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are very effective at controlling inflammation since they temporarily alter the function of a number of cells and chemicals in the skin.

Topical corticosteroids have been used for over 50 years to treat various inflammatory skin conditions. They remain one of the most effective treatments, and if used properly, can control symptoms and restore patients’ quality of life.

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream, made by Actavis, is a generic cream that treats certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis. It reduces the body’s inflammatory response and alleviates irritation and soreness. The cream is a corticosteroid, and should be applied to affected areas once or twice a day, usually for no longer than one week.

Psoriasis is a skin ailment indicated by redness, dryness, flaky, scaly skin and irritation. Sufferers often scratch, causing skin breaks and bleeding. More serious instances may result in pus-filled blisters. Most symptoms manifest around the elbows and knees, on the scalp, and on the hands and feet.

Psoriasis’ cause is unknown, but it is thought to result from the immune system attacking healthy skin cells. These cells then regenerate to replace older cells before they are ready to be shed.

The condition can affect anyone of any age. Most cases appear before the age of 35 and are chronic, with periods of activity and remission. Common triggers include stress, skin injury, excess alcohol consumption, smoking, certain medications, and hormonal fluctuations.

Currently, psoriasis has no cure and treatment aims to reduce the severity of symptoms. Topical corticosteroids are the go-to option for mild to moderate cases. Hydrocortisone 1% Cream, which is a topical cream, works by reducing the immune system’s release of inflammatory chemicals, thus slowing down the production of skin cells.

Non-Prescription Alternatives for Eczema can include;

Moisturisers and emollients

Bath and Shower Gels

Cotton Gloves (To keep from scratching)

Antihistamine tablets (To ease the itching)

Read the following warnings carefully to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Do not use Hydrocortisone 1% Cream if you:

• are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• suffer from skin conditions caused by infections, which are not being treated with antibiotics.
• have scabies mite.
• have rosacea or dermatitis around the mouth area.

Check with your doctor/pharmacist before using Hydrocortisone 1% Cream if:

• you are applying the cream to the face and around the eyes.
• you have a skin infection and the condition appears to be getting worse despite prescribed antibiotics. Stop using the cream and contact your doctor.
• you have psoriasis.

This cream contains cetyostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis. It also contains chlorocresol which may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medications. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or intend to take.

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream should be applied to the affected areas in a thin layer, once or twice daily. Be sure to wash your hands after applying the cream, unless the symptoms are on your hands. After the cream has been absorbed, a moisturising cream such as Diprobase or Cetraben can be applied, if necessary. When symptoms begin to improve, start using the cream less often. If you have been using the cream for a while without gradually tailing off, your condition may relapse.

If your symptoms do not respond after a few weeks of treatment, consult your doctor.

Active ingredients:

Hydrocortisone

Inactive ingredients:

Chlorocresol, cetomacrogol, cetostearyl alcohol and paraffin.

Side effects may include:

Contact dermatitis- localized rash or irritation to the skin.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in a different way, stop using it and consult your doctor or pharmacist.