Patient leaflet - Hydrocortisone ointment BP 0.5%
1. What Hydrocortisone ointment is and what it is used for
Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. These work by calming the inflammation that occurs during certain skin conditions or reactions. Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Hydrocortisone cream is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition.
Hydrocortisone ointment may be used for treating various skin conditions including:
- eczema
- dermatitis, including intertrigo (irritation between skin folds)
- insect bite reactions
- inflammation of the external ear (otitis externa)
- prurigo nodularis- a long term skin condition where very itchy lumps appear
- neurodermatoses- a long term skin condition where itchy skin becomes thick due to scratching
- nappy rash, if there is no infection present or existing infection is being treated with appropriate antibiotics.
2. What you need to know before you use Hydrocortisone ointment
Do not use Hydrocortisone ointment if you:
- are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
have any other skin infection such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), chickenpox
(varicella) or shingles
- (Herpes zoster), coldsores (Herpes simplex), impetigo, ringworm or thrush, infected lesions, ulcerative conditions, red appearance on face, peri-oral dermatitis or acne.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start to use this medicine if you:
- have psoriasis; the condition may become worse after stopping long-term treatment
- will be applying the ointment to your face, particularly around the eyes. This ointment should not be used for long on the face as it may damage the facial skin
- will be using the ointment for the treatment of dermatitis or nappy rash on children and infants. Treatment in infants should be limited to a maximum of seven days.
- are applying the ointment under an airtight dressing, including a child's nappy. These dressings make it easier for the active ingredient to pass through the skin. It is possible to accidentally end up using too much ointment.
- have a skin infection. If the condition appears to be getting worse despite using antibiotics prescribed, stop using the ointment and contact your doctor
Caution should be taken to keep away from the eyes. Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
If there is a worsening of your condition during use consult your prescriber – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition requires a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the ointment without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to so. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment.
Do not smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant, or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
3. How to use Hydrocortisone ointment
Always use Hydrocortisone ointment exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
For application to the skin.
The recommended dose is:
- Adults – gently apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area(s) two or three times a day.
Children and infants – gently apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected areas(s)
two or three times a day. The smaller the child the less you will need to use. A course of treatment for a child should not normally last more than 7 days - unless your doctor has told you to use it for longer.
If you use more Hydrocortisone ointment than you should
- Do not use the ointment more often or for longer than your doctor tells you to.
- Do not use larger quantities than as directed, as this will increase the possibility of side effects.
- If you accidently use too much on a few occasions do not worry.
- If you accidently swallow some ointment, small amounts are not harmful.
- If you squeeze out too much ointment, wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Do not use the ointment, under airtight dressings (such as plasters) or nappies, as too much hydrocortisone may be absorbed and may result in adverse effects upon adrenal gland function.
If you forget to use Hydrocortisone ointment
If you forget to use the ointment, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to apply the next dose.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Hydrocortisone ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most patients using Hydrocortisone ointment will have no problems when used in the correct amount for the prescribed time.
If the following happens, stop using Hydrocortisone ointment and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
•
an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing; skin rash or hives) This is a very serious but rare side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Other effects which may occur:
- a change in the colour of skin, or increased growth of hair in areas where ointment is used.
- contact dermatitis – localised rash or irritation to the skin.
- the skin may become thinner when used in the nappy areas of children where conditions are moist.
- if Hydrocortisone ointment is used often over a large area of skin or for a long time, especially under dressings, adverse effects on adrenal gland function are more likely. These effects are also more likely in children and infants.
- prolonged use, especially on sensitive areas including skin folds, may result in thinning of the skin, widening of the blood vessels, stretch marks and may suppress the functioning of the adrenal gland.
- blurred vision. This side effect has been reported, but the frequency for it to occur is not known.
- Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used continuously for prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction may occur on stopping treatment with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores.
If your condition becomes worse during treatment, you may have an allergy to one of the ingredients of the ointment, or an infection. Stop using the ointment, and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Hydrocortisone ointment
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Store in a cool place. Avoid freezing.
Do not use Hydrocortisone ointment after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Hydrocortisone ointment contains
The active substance (the ingredient that makes the ointment work) is hydrocortisone.
Each ointment contains either 0.5% w/w or 1% w/w of the active ingredient.
The other ingredient is paraffin.
What Hydrocortisone ointment looks like and the contents of the pack
Hydrocortisone ointment is white.
Pack sizes of 15g, 30g and 50g.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and manufacturer
Accord, Barnstaple, EX32 8NS, UK.
This leaflet was last revised in June 2024.
If you would like a leaflet with larger text, please contact 01271 385257
More information on managing skin conditions may be obtained from: National Eczema Society or the Skin Care Campaign,
Hill House, Highgate Hill, London N19 5NA