What is an example of hydrocortisone (cortisol) 2.5% cream for treating a skin rash?

From the Guidelines

Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream is a recommended treatment for skin rashes, particularly those involving inflammation or itching, and should be applied 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days. For a typical skin rash, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream to the affected area. Gently rub the cream into the skin until it disappears. Before application, wash your hands and clean the affected area with mild soap and water, then pat dry. After applying, wash your hands again unless they are being treated. This medication works by reducing inflammation, itching, and redness by suppressing the immune response in the skin, as supported by the guidelines for the management of atopic eczema 1.

It's essential to avoid covering the treated area with bandages or dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider, as this can increase absorption and side effects. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if the rash worsens or shows no improvement after 7 days, or if signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, oozing) develop. Hydrocortisone should not be used on broken skin, fungal infections, or in children under 2 years without medical supervision. The use of topical corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, is a key component in the treatment of psoriasis, especially for localized disease, as noted in the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures 1.

Some key points to consider when using hydrocortisone 2.5% cream include:

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2-3 times daily
• Avoid covering the treated area with bandages or dressings
• Discontinue use if the rash worsens or shows no improvement after 7 days
• Do not use on broken skin, fungal infections, or in children under 2 years without medical supervision
• Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as phototherapy, but should be applied after the phototherapy treatment to avoid inactivation by UVA and blocking UVB radiation, as mentioned in the guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis 1.

Overall, hydrocortisone 2.5% cream is a safe and effective treatment for skin rashes, particularly those involving inflammation or itching, when used as directed and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as supported by the guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis 1.

From the Research

Hydrocortisone Cream for Skin Rash

• Hydrocortisone cream is a topical corticosteroid used to treat various skin conditions, including skin rashes 2, 3.
• The potency of hydrocortisone cream can vary, with common concentrations including 1% and 2.5% 4, 5.
• Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream is a medium-potency topical corticosteroid that can be used to treat skin rashes, including those caused by atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis 3, 6.
• When using hydrocortisone 2.5% cream for skin rash, it is essential to follow the prescribed application instructions and use the cream for the recommended duration to minimize the risk of side effects 3.

Application and Usage

• The quantity of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream prescribed depends on the duration of treatment, the frequency of application, the skin location, and the total surface area treated 3.
• Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream can be applied once or twice per day for up to 12 weeks for high- or medium-potency corticosteroids 3.
• Patients can be taught to apply the cream using the fingertip unit method, where one fingertip unit is the amount of medication dispensed from the tip of the index finger to the crease of the distal interphalangeal joint and covers approximately 2% body surface area on an adult 3.

Efficacy and Safety

• Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream has been shown to be effective in treating skin rashes, including those caused by seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis 4, 5, 6.
• The efficacy of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream is comparable to other topical corticosteroids, such as ketoconazole cream 4, 5.
• However, long-term use of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream can increase the risk of side effects, such as atrophy, striae, and rosacea 2, 3.