Hydrocortisone for skin

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Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine used to treat eczema, insect bites and other skin conditions. You can buy most types from shops and pharmacies, but some types are only available with a prescription. This information is about hydrocortisone for skin. There's separate information about other types of hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid). Steroid medicines help reduce inflammation and swelling. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles. Most hydrocortisone creams and ointments are considered "mild" steroids, which means they tend to cause fewer side effects than other steroids. They can be used to treat skin conditions such as: eczema psoriasis contact dermatitis reactions to insect bites and stings There are some medicines that contain hydrocortisone and anti-fungal medicine. These are used to treat nappy rash, thrush, ringworm and athlete's foot. How you use hydrocortisone depends on whether you're using cream, ointment or lotion and what you're using it for. Hydrocortisone comes in different strengths, so always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist about how to use it. You can also check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. You'll usually need to use hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion once or twice a day. The amount you need depends on the size of the area you're treating. You need to use enough to cover the affected area in a thin layer. It's sometimes measured in fingertip units, which is the amount you can fit onto the end of your finger from the tip to the first crease. A fingertip unit is enough to treat an area twice the size of the palm of your hand. Mark Thomas/Science Photo Library https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/463425/view When using hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion: Wash your hands before using it. Squeeze the amount you need onto the end of your finger. If you accidentally squeeze out too much, wipe