From the Guidelines
Topical hydrocortisone is prescribed for mild to moderate skin conditions, such as psoriasis and atopic eczema.
Key Considerations
- The strength of topical hydrocortisone prescribed depends on the severity of the condition and the location of the affected area 1.
- For mild to moderate skin conditions, a low to moderate strength such as 1% hydrocortisone butyrate or 0.2% hydrocortisone valerate may be prescribed for a limited duration, usually up to 2 weeks 1.
- For more severe conditions, a higher strength such as 2.5% hydrocortisone may be prescribed, but for a shorter duration, typically up to 1 week 1.
- It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and duration to avoid potential side effects, such as skin thinning or adrenal suppression 1.
Important Factors
- The age of the patient, the site to be treated, and the extent of the disease are important considerations when prescribing topical corticosteroids 1.
- Emollients should be used liberally to help manage skin conditions 1.
- Secondary bacterial infection or contact dermatitis can cause deterioration in previously stable eczema 1.
From the Research
Topical Hydrocortisone Prescriptions
Topical hydrocortisone is prescribed for various inflammatory skin conditions, including:
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Eczematous skin diseases
- Psoriasis vulgaris
- Oozing and lichenified eczematous skin diseases
Conditions Treated with Topical Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, are used to treat a range of dermatologic conditions, including:
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Dermatoses
- Flexural eruptions
- Secondarily infected dermatoses
Characteristics of Topical Hydrocortisone
Topical hydrocortisone 17-butyrate 21-propionate is a medium-potent, non-halogenated double-ester of hydrocortisone with a favorable benefit/risk ratio 2. It is available as a 0.1% cream or ointment formulation and is characterized by a strong topical anti-inflammatory activity and weak systemic action.
Safety and Efficacy
Topical hydrocortisone has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of various inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris 2. It is considered to have potency comparable to that of betamethasone 17-valerate, but its systemic effects are less pronounced. Even in very young children, topical hydrocortisone has proven to be an effective and safe drug 2.
Usage Guidelines
The use of topical corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, should be guided by factors such as the potency of the preparation, the area of application, and the duration of treatment 3, 4, 5. Patients should be educated on the correct application of topical corticosteroids to minimize the risk of adverse effects 3, 4.