Hydrocortisone

It contains the active substance hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory), which is used on the skin to reduce inflammation of certain skin problems. Decreases redness (erythema), the fluid build-up (oedema), and exudate on inflamed skin, and relieves itching, burning, or pain.

Hydrocortisone is a topical low potency non-fluorinated corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids, in general, have anti-inflammatory activity and immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties. Corticosteroids in cutaneous use inhibit inflammatory and allergic reactions of the skin, as well as reactions associated with hyperproliferation, leading to remission of objective symptoms (erythema, oedema, exudation) and relieve subjective discomfort (pruritus, burning sensation and pain).

The anti-inflammatory effects are the result of the inhibition of the formation, release and activity of inflammation mediators such as cytokines, histamine, liposomal enzymes, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which reduces the initial manifestations of inflammatory processes such as oedema, and inhibits the cell migration to the area, and reverse the dilation and permeability of the vessels.

Corticosteroids induce the anti-inflammatory protein lipocortin. Corticosteroids produce vasoconstrictive action. Immunosuppressive properties reduce the response to delayed and immediate hypersensitivity reactions.

Hydrocortisone ointment is indicated for: Local treatment of inflammatory and itchy manifestations of skin diseases that respond to corticosteroids, such as:

• Acute forms of mild to moderate eczema, related to an external cause, such as:
• Allergy to a substance that has come into contact with the skin (allergic contact dermatitis).
• Allergic reaction to commonly used substances, such as soap (irritant contact dermatitis).
• Unspecified eczema (eczema Vulgaris).
• Eczema related to patient factors (endogenous eczema), such as atopic dermatitis or neurodermatitis.
• Skin rash with inflammation and peeling (seborrheic eczema).
• It helps in the treatment of psoriasis (a reddish scaly condition often covered by silvery scales).

Follow exactly the instructions of the administration of this medicine indicated by your doctor. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist again.

The recommended dose is:

- Adults from 12 years old

Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area, two to four times a day, depending on the severity, using a gentle massage. When a favourable response is achieved, the frequency can be reduced to the minimum necessary.

In general, the duration of treatment should not be longer than 2 weeks. If you use the drug on the face, the treatment should be as short as possible.

Use in children

Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area two to three times a day. In the case of atopic dermatitis in children, the application is recommended twice a day for 7 days. In children, treatment should be as short as possible, in short periods of time and with the least effective amount of the product.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The appearance of adverse effects, local or in other areas of the body, is greater with an excessive application or with bandages or occlusive materials.

Using corticosteroids on the skin can cause the following side effects:

• Thinning of the skin (atrophy)
• Dry skin
• Maceration
• Itching or burning
• Redness (erythema)
• The appearance of fine blood vessels under the surface of the skin (telangiectasias)
• Inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
• Skin stretch marks
• Bruises (bruises)
• Acne
• Infections
• Hair loss
• Hair growth
• Allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis)
• Specific inflammation of the skin around the upper lip and chin (perioral dermatitis)
• Changes in skin colour
• Delayed healing

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): Vision blurred.

Adverse effects can occur not only in the treated area but also in completely different areas of the body. This happens if the active substance passes into the body through the skin. This, for example, can increase the pressure in the eye (glaucoma) or could produce a condition characterized by a rounded face, fat accumulation, weakness, etc. (Cushing's syndrome); increased blood pressure (hypertension), cataracts.

Warnings and precautions

Glucocorticoids should be used in the lowest possible dose, especially in children, and only for the time absolutely necessary to achieve and maintain the desired therapeutic effect.

In skin diseases with a bacterial or fungal infection, specific additional treatment is required.

The topical use of glucocorticoids can potentiate localized skin infections.

The immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids can affect the normal function of T cells and macrophages and lead to activation of latent infections or exacerbation of intercurrent infections.

Contact with eyes, deep open wounds and mucous membranes, where absorption increases, should be avoided. If the product comes into contact, the affected area should be washed with plenty of water.

Glucocorticoids should not be applied to large areas of skin or for prolonged periods of time, particularly under occlusion, because this significantly increases the risk of side effects and their absorption or a systemic effect cannot be ruled out. Hydrocortisone ointment should not be applied to intertriginous areas.

Hydrocortisone ointment should not be applied under occlusion, except under the supervision of a physician. It should be noted that diapers can be occlusive.

As with all corticosteroids, unprofessional use can mask clinical symptoms.

In the case of psoriasis treatment, patient supervision is important to avoid relapses and the development of local or systemic toxicity due to the damaging effect on the barrier function of the skin. As is known for systemic corticosteroids, glaucoma can also develop from the use of local corticosteroids (eg, after excessive application, with the use of occlusive bandage techniques, or after application to the skin around the eyes).

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