Does your skin always feel red, itchy, and flaky? Does it sometimes cause small blisters and irritation? These conditions can be caused by skin conditions like eczema, for example. So, one of the most common medications your doctor will prescribe for this condition is Hydrocortisone. It can come in the form of a spray, cream, or lotion. Today, we are going to talk about this medication called Hydrocortisone.
Simply put, what is Hydrocortisone?
Hydrocortisone is a medication that is used to treat swelling, redness, itching, and rashes on your skin. Simply put, it works by reducing inflammation in the skin. It belongs to a class of medications called topical steroids. "Topical" means that we apply it to the surface of the skin. While the word "steroid" can scare some people, these are very safe and very effective when used for the prescribed period of time, as prescribed by your doctor.
This medicine can sometimes be used for other skin conditions. If you have any questions about it, it's best to ask your doctor for clarification.
You should tell your doctor these things before using the medicine.
Before prescribing hydrocortisone, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely inform your doctor.
- Burned or damaged skin: If a large area of your skin is burned or injured.
- Skin infection: If you have a bacterial or fungal skin infection, steroids can sometimes make the infection worse.
- Use of other steroids: If you are already using other steroids (e.g., tablets such as dexamethasone or prednisone) or if you are using another steroid cream, lotion, or inhaler, you should tell your doctor.
- Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, another steroid, any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you, or how to use it.
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. For the skin only: This medicine is not meant to be taken orally. It is only meant to be applied to the skin .
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to both hands, wash them only before applying.
3. Do not apply to healthy skin: The medicine should only be applied to the affected, that is, diseased, skin. Do not apply it to healthy skin or large areas of skin.
4. Take care of your eyes: Never let this medicine get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
5. Correctly and on time: Use it as directed by your doctor, at about the same time every day. Do not use it more often or for longer than the prescribed period.
6. Apply a thin layer: Do not apply too much. Apply a very thin film to the affected skin and rub in gently.
7. Do not apply bandages: Do not cover the area where the medicine was applied with bandages or plasters, unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so.
Be careful when using with small children.
This medicine can be prescribed to children over the age of 2 for some selected conditions, but special care should be taken.
Do not use this medicine without the advice of a doctor, especially for diaper rash. If you must use it, do not wear tight diapers or plastic pants after applying the medicine. This will increase the amount of medicine absorbed into the body through the skin, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
What to do if you overdose on medication?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.
Things to be aware of and side effects when using the medicine
While using the medicine, pay attention to whether your symptoms improve or worsen. If your symptoms persist or worsen, see your doctor again.
Also, if you have been in close contact with someone who has measles or chickenpox, tell your doctor about it as well.
| Type of side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. These can be serious and require immediate treatment. |
| Other skin-related problems | Inflammation, itching, crusting, or peeling of the treated skin. Thinning of the skin and bruising easily. Small, red, pus-filled blisters around the hair follicles. |
| Skin infection | Redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain at the injection site. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin problems | Slight itching, redness, or dryness at the application site. |
| Unwanted hair growth | Unexpected hair growth at the injection site. |
Another important thing
This medicine may damage products containing latex and reduce their effectiveness. For example, condoms and diaphragms. Therefore, do not let this medicine come into contact with such products. If you accidentally get it, remove the products and use new ones.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate. Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date. This spray is flammable. Therefore, keep it away from open flames, excessive heat, and smoking.
- Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to donate them to a program. However, this may not be practical in your country. So, ask your doctor about it. If it is appropriate to throw them in the trash, remove the medication from the container, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place it in a sealable bag or container and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that is applied to the skin to control itching, redness, and swelling.
- This should be used only as prescribed by your doctor, for the prescribed period of time. Do not apply too much or use it for too long.
- Before administering medication, you should tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, other medications you are taking, and any allergies you have.
- If the area where the medicine was applied becomes severely red, swollen, or shows signs of infection, tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න