Let's learn about Hydrocortisone cream for rectal itching and pain. (Hydrocortisone Rectal Cream)

Itching, pain, and swelling around the anus are common problems that many people have, but they are a little difficult and embarrassing to talk about with others. Perhaps the cause of this is a condition like hemorrhoids. In such a case, when you go to see a doctor, there is a high chance that he will give you a cream called Hydrocortisone. So, today we will talk about what exactly this medicine is, how it affects our body, how to use it exactly, and what we need to be careful about when using this medicine.

Simply put, what is Hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids . Okay, now you're probably wondering what these corticosteroids are. Simply put, they help control inflammation in our bodies, which means swelling, redness, and pain.

Imagine that you have hemorrhoids, which are swollen, painful, and itchy around your anus. When you apply hydrocortisone cream to the area, it reduces the swelling, itching, and pain. That means you start to feel a lot of relief. It is mainly used for minor skin problems around the anus.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this cream for you, there are a few important things you need to tell him. It is very important for your safety to be upfront about these things.

• Do you have any allergies? If you have ever had an allergy to hydrocortisone, another corticosteroid, or any other medicine, food, or dye, be sure to tell your doctor.
• Are you pregnant? If you are pregnant, or planning to have a baby in the near future, you should say so.
• Are you a breastfeeding mother? If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor about that as well.

How exactly do you use this cream?

This is the most important part. For a medicine to work properly, it must be used correctly. There are a few things you need to remember about this cream.

1. For rectal use only: This is a medicine that is intended for application to the rectal area only . Do not take it by mouth or apply it to the eyes for any reason.

2.Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the cream. This can help prevent the spread of infection.

3. Apply a thin layer : Apply a thin layer only to the affected area, i.e. the area where there is itching or pain. Do not apply a lot of cream and apply it thickly.

4. Do not apply to healthy skin: Do not apply this to areas of healthy, unproblematic skin. Also, do not apply it to a large area of ​​skin at once.

5. Don't cover: Unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so, don't cover the area where you applied the cream with a bandage, plaster, or anything else. This can increase the amount of medicine absorbed into the skin and increase the risk of side effects.

6. Don't apply more than the prescribed number of times: Use only the number of times your doctor tells you to apply per day. Don't apply more often, thinking you'll get better faster.

If you use it for small children...

If you are using this cream on a young child, you should be especially careful. It is best to consult your pediatrician about this.

The most important thing is, if you are applying this cream to your baby's diaper area, never cover the area with a tight diaper or plastic pants. Doing so can increase the absorption of the medication into the skin, which can lead to side effects, just like in adults.

What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?

If you think you've taken too much of this medicine, meaning more than the prescribed amount, don't panic. There are two things you should do right away.

• Call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
• Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.

What if I forget to take a dose of medicine?

Sometimes you forget to take your medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Hydrocortisone cream can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. It's important to be aware of this. Let's break these side effects down into two categories.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

What else you need to know and how to store the medicine

• If symptoms do not improve: If your symptoms do not improve after using this cream for a few days, or if they get worse, be sure to see your doctor again.
• Other medications: Do not use any other skin cream on the area where this cream is applied without telling your doctor. It is also a good idea to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are using.
• Storage:
• Keep it out of reach of children. This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). That means protect it from extreme heat and freezing cold.
• Throw away any medicine left over after the expiration date .

We hope this article has given you a good understanding of Hydrocortisone cream. Remember, this is just a summary. If you have any further questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.