Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Ointment - 15g

What is hydrocortisone ointment?

Hydrocortisone ointment contains 1% hydrocortisone, which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids (steroids). It works by calming the swelling and irritation caused by sore, itchy skin concerns, from eczema and dermatitis to insect bites. You can buy hydrocortisone 1% over-the-counter without a prescription.

What is hydrocortisone ointment used for?

Hydrocortisone ointment is used to reduce the swelling, redness, and itchiness of certain skin problems, like:

• eczema
• dermatitis
• insect bites

However, it isn't suitable for every skin condition, so if you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, always check with a pharmacist first.

How does hydrocortisone ointment work?

When your skin is triggered by something, it reacts with symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching. Hydrocortisone is a steroid, so when you apply it to your skin, it helps to settle these inflammatory symptoms.

By calming that reaction, it gives your skin a chance to recover, breaking the itch-and-scratch cycle that causes flare-ups.

How long does it take to work?

Hydrocortisone ointment starts reducing inflammation after you apply it, but how quickly you notice an improvement can depend on your skin condition and how severe your symptoms are. Use it regularly as directed.

If your skin hasn't improved after seven days, or your symptoms get worse at any point, stop using it and speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

How long does it last? 

Hydrocortisone ointment is designed for short-term use rather than daily, long-term use. You shouldn't use it on large areas of the body for a long time, like every day for weeks or months, unless your doctor or prescriber tells you to.

If your symptoms come back within two weeks of stopping, don't restart the ointment without speaking to your prescriber first.

Hydrocortisone ointment vs cream

Both the hydrocortisone ointment and cream contain the same active ingredient at the same strength, so the difference is in the formula rather than the medicine itself.

How to use hydrocortisone 1% ointment

How much hydrocortisone ointment you use depends on what you're treating. Here's a simple overview on how to apply the ointment:

• Wash your hands.
• Gently rub the ointment into the affected area until it's all disappeared.
• Apply a small amount 1-2 times a day, reducing this as your skin improves.
• Wash your hands again afterwards, unless you're treating your hands.
• If you're applying it to someone else, wash your hands or wear disposable gloves.
• Once applied, don’t cover the area with a dressing or plaster, as it can increase how much medicine is absorbed.

You shouldn't use hydrocortisone on your face or ano-genital region unless your prescriber has told you to. This is because the skin here is a lot thinner than the skin on the rest of your body, so it's more likely to cause irritation.

If your condition hasn't improved after a week, or worsens, contact a healthcare professional for advice. For further information on how to use hydrocortisone ointment, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Side effects of hydrocortisone ointment

Hydrocortisone ointment is usually very well-tolerated. However, you might experience:

• irritation
• itching
• increased hair growth
• changes in skin colour
• blurred vision

If you experience any side effects that are worrying you, always speak to your prescriber for advice.

Who shouldn’t use hydrocortisone ointment

Don't use hydrocortisone ointment if you:

• are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients
• are treating viral infections like cold sores, herpes, or chicken pox
• are treating fungal infections like ringworm, athlete's foot, or thrush
• have skin blisters or sores caused by an infection

Using it on these conditions could make them worse, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these apply to you.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant or you're planning a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using hydrocortisone.

Storage information

• Store below 25°C.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original packaging and keep the tube stored in the carton.
• Don't use after the expiry date stated on the tube/carton.
• Don't smoke or go near naked flames while using this product. Clothing, bedding, and dressings that have been in contact with it burn more easily and are a serious fire hazard.

Frequently asked questions about hydrocortisone ointment

Is hydrocortisone a steroid?

Yes, hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, which is a type of steroid. It's not the same as the steroids people use to build muscle, though. It works by settling down your immune response, which brings down redness, swelling, and itching.

Can you buy hydrocortisone ointment over the counter?

Yes, lower-strength hydrocortisone creams are available to buy over-the-counter, so you don't need a prescription for them.

Sources

• Patient information leaflet. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). [Accessed 10th September 2026].
• Hydrocortisone for skin. (2025). NHS. [Accessed 10th September 2026].