Patient leaflet - Skincalm Bite and Sting Relief 1% ointment Hydrocortisone
1. What Hydrocortisone Ointment is and what it is used for
Hydrocortisone ointment is a topical anti-inflammatory used in the treatment of
- irritant dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
- contact allergic dermatitis,
- insect bite reactions and
- mild to moderate eczema (inflammation of the skin)
2. Before you use Hydrocortisone Ointment
Do not use Hydrocortisone Ointment
if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of Hydrocortisone Ointment (See section 6,
Further information)
if you are a child under 10 years old without medical supervision
- on cut or infected skin such as cold sores, herpes, impetigo (bacterial skin infection), athlete’s foot, chicken pox, ringworm or thrush.
- on the eyes and face or ano-genital area
- if you have acne
- under a water or air tight dressing as this may increase the absorption of hydrocortisone through the skin
Take special care with Hydrocortisone Ointment
- treatment of children should be restricted to no more than 7 days
Using other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Should not be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical advice.
F.P.O
Front Side
3. How to use Hydrocortisone Ointment
Always use Hydrocortisone ointment exactly as your doctor has told you.
You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
For cutaneous (external) use only. Wash your hands after use unless the hands are the area being treated. Use sparingly over a small area once or twice a day for a maximum period of one week.
If the condition is not improved after this time, consult your doctor
If you use too much ointment
If you use too much ointment or if you or someone else accidently swallows some ointment, contact your doctor or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately, take the ointment with you so the doctor knows what you have taken.
4. Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Hydrocortisone Ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Hydrocortisone preparations are usually well tolerated, but if any signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should stop immediately; this may include allergic contact dermatitis (rash which may be red, itchy and burning) or worsening of your condition.
Prolonged use of large amounts or treatment of extensive areas can result in features of Cushing’s syndrome (symptoms include increased fat on the body, fragile or discoloured skin, weakening of bones, excessive hair growth, changes in periods in women, altered sexual function in men, increased thirst and urination, tiredness, irritability, anxiety or depression). If you experience these symptoms or are worried contact your doctor.
Other side effects:
- Stretch marks may occur in areas where the skin may rub, for example at the joints and at folds in the skin.
- Thinning of the skin, changes in skin pigmentation (colour) and hair growth.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. How to store Hydrocortisone Ointment
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use Hydrocortisone Ointment after the expiry date stated on the carton. 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. Further Information
What Hydrocortisone Ointment contains
The active substance is micronised hydrocortisone
The other ingredients are wool fat, liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin
What Hydrocortisone Ointment looks like and contents of the pack
A collapsible aluminium tube, with a membrane seal at the nozzle, internal epoxy lacquer, latex endseal band in the crimp seal area and a white plastic cap for reclosure after piercing membrane.
Hydrocortisone Ointment is provided in a 15 g tube.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Strides Pharma UK Ltd., Unit 4 Metro Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 9SS
Manufacturer: Beltapharm S.p.A, Via Stelvio, 66 20095 Cusano Milanino Italy
This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names: Not applicable This leaflet was last approved in {12/2021.}
F.P.O