Corticosteroids (Topical)
Key points
- Treats skin swelling, redness, itching, and discomfort caused by insect bites, poison ivy, mild burns, skin rashes, sunburn, and other reasons.
- You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medicines such as hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- It may be absorbed through the skin and cause harmful side effects.
Corticosteroids (On The Skin)
Treats skin swelling, redness, itching, and discomfort caused by insect bites, poison ivy, mild burns, skin rashes, sunburn, and other reasons.
Brand Name(s):
Desowen, Cyclocort, Hytone, Hydrocortisone, Kericort 10, Instacort-10, Recort Plus, Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength, Cortaid Intensive Therapy, Cortizone-10 Plus Maximum Strength, Cortaid Maximum Strength, Summer's Eve Specialcare, Hydrozone Plus, Dermarest Dricort, Dermtex-HC
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medicines such as hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone. You should not use this medicine on a baby. It may be absorbed through the skin and cause harmful side effects. You should not use to treat chicken pox or for a vaginal itch when you also have a discharge.
How to Use This Medicine:
Pad, Stick, Tape, Cream, Foam, Shampoo, Gel/Jelly, Aerosol, Lotion, Oil, Ointment, Liquid, Spray
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
- If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on diaper rash or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.
- For the cream, liquid, lotion, ointment, or gel: Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You might need to shake the liquid or lotion before using it.
- For the spray or foam: Do not inhale the spray. Do not use the spray or foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the can.
- For the shampoo: Wet hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for the correct number of minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly.
- For the tape: Apply the correct amount of tape directly on your skin and leave it on your skin. You will need to change the tape once or twice a day, depending on the problem being treated. Do not put tape on skin creases, such as your underarm area.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
