From the Guidelines
Hydrocortisone cream is a mild topical corticosteroid that can be used to treat various skin conditions, but its efficacy for psoriasis is relatively low, ranging from 41% to 83%, and it is generally considered less potent than other topical corticosteroids 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Hydrocortisone cream is classified as a class 5,6, or 7 topical corticosteroid, which has a lower potency compared to other classes 1.
- The efficacy of hydrocortisone cream for psoriasis can vary widely, and it may not be as effective as other treatments, such as vitamin D analogs or combination therapies 1.
- When using hydrocortisone cream, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment to minimize the risk of side effects, such as skin thinning or increased infection risk 1.
Recommendations for Use
- For mild to moderate skin irritations, apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days 1.
- Gently rub the cream into the skin until it disappears, and wash your hands afterward unless they are the treatment area.
- Avoid using hydrocortisone cream on broken skin, facial acne, diaper rash, or for longer than recommended without medical supervision.
Important Considerations
- Hydrocortisone cream may not be suitable for all types of psoriasis, and other treatments may be more effective for certain cases 1.
- Combination therapies, such as vitamin D analogs and potent topical corticosteroids, may be more effective than hydrocortisone cream alone for the treatment of psoriasis 1.
- It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation if symptoms persist beyond a week or worsen despite treatment with hydrocortisone cream.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Hydrocortisone Cream Usage
- Hydrocortisone cream is a type of topical corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis 2
- The risk of adverse effects from hydrocortisone cream increases with prolonged use, large area of application, higher potency, occlusion, and application to areas of thinner skin such as the face and genitals 2
- When prescribing hydrocortisone cream for use in children, lower potencies and shorter durations should be used 2
Efficacy of Hydrocortisone Cream
- A study compared the efficacy of a cream containing ceramides and magnesium with hydrocortisone and a commonly used emollient in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, and found that the ceramide cream was more effective in improving skin hydration and maintenance of levels of natural moisturizing factors than hydrocortisone 3
- Another study found that potent and moderate topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, are probably more effective than mild topical corticosteroids in treating eczema, primarily in moderate or severe cases 4
Alternative Treatments
- Topical immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, are being developed as alternative treatments for eczematous skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis 5
- New and upcoming topical therapies are currently in development and undergoing clinical trials, with the aim of providing safer and more effective treatments for atopic dermatitis 6
Application and Dosage
- The quantity of hydrocortisone cream prescribed depends on the duration of treatment, the frequency of application, the skin location, and the total surface area treated 2
- Correct patient application is critical to successful use, and patients may be taught application using the fingertip unit method 2
- Hydrocortisone cream can be applied once or twice per day for up to three weeks for super-high-potency corticosteroids or up to 12 weeks for high- or medium-potency corticosteroids 2