Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Ointment - 15g

Based on 153 reviews

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Information Leaflet

£2.29

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Just a few questions from our Pharmacist before you checkout to make sure this medicine is safe for you.

GPhC No. 2084549

Overview

Content Written by: Faye Bonnell

Role: Medical Content Writer

Content Written: 02/08/2021

Next review: 01/08/2023

Checked for Accuracy by: James O'Loan

Role: CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2084549

Date Checked: 20/09/2021

How we ensure accuracy in our content

What is hydrocortisone ointment?

How to use this product

How does hydrocortisone ointment work?

Is this product suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

When should hydrocortisone ointment not be used?

Are there any side effects?

Storage information

What is hydrocortisone ointment?

Hydrocortisone ointment is a topical medicine (a medicine that is applied to the skin) containing a corticosteroid called hydrocortisone. It is used to reduce inflammation caused by all types of eczema and dermatitis, as well as skin reactions caused by insect bites.

How to use this product

Always use this product exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check that the tube seal is not broken before use, then use the point on the cap to break the seal. Both adults and children should apply hydrocortisone ointment sparingly onto the affected area of skin, two or three times daily. Avoid using this product continuously for a long time, particularly in children and on the face.

How does hydrocortisone ointment work?

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, a type of medicine that works by calming down your body’s immune response to reduce pain, itching and swelling (inflammation). Hydrocortisone ointments can be used to treat a range of skin problems including eczema, contact dermatitis, prickly heat rash, nappy rash and reactions to insect bites.

Is this product suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice before using hydrocortisone ointment.

When should hydrocortisone ointment not be used?

Do not use hydrocortisone ointment if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet. You should also avoid this medicine if you have:

An infection of the skin which has not been treated
Pale or reddened patches of skin (usually as a result of an allergy)
Ulcers or an infection at the site of treatment
Psoriasis
Rosacea

Speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using hydrocortisone ointment if you have TB (tuberculosis) or diabetes, or if you are taking any other medicines including those obtained without a prescription.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, hydrocortisone ointment can cause side effects, but they won’t affect everyone. Stop using this ointment and tell your doctor immediately if you notice a skin rash or reddening/itching of the skin. Other side effects may include:

Spread of infection
Permanent ‘stretch-mark’ like marks
Thinning of the skin
Changes in hair growth
Acne
Oily skin
Slight loss of colour in the skin
Blurred vision (uncommon)

If you use hydrocortisone ointment for a long time, this can sometimes lead to problems with your hormones. This mainly happens if the ointment is used on the face or nappy area, in areas where the skin folds, or in areas where a dressing is used to cover the area after using the ointment.

Storage information

Store below 25°C, out of sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month printed on the packaging. Do not allow this product to come into contact with smoke or naked flames due to risk of severe burns. Fabric that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding can reduce product build-up but may not totally remove it.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support

Information

Active Ingredients

Hydrocortisone

Brand Information

Brand Name

Brand May Vary

Product Data

Days Supply

Questions

Can Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Ointment be used thinly on the eyes? I’ve used hydrocortisone in the past and been prescribed it when I’ve had eczema/dermatitis type blotches on my eye and around it. I’m aware that some can’t be used on the eye area however - so wanted to double check.

Topical steroids such as Hydrocortisone are not suitable for use on or around the eyes.

Answered by:

Emma Watling

Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician

GPhC No: 5041556

On 13/05/2022

Hydrocortisone Ointment contains wool fat (lanolin) which may cause local skin reactions.

Answered by:

Jane Barnes

Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician

GPhC No: 5006135

On 28/09/2022

It's normal for babies and young boys to have a tight foreskin (phimosis), but adults can also be affected. See a GP if your or your child's foreskin is sore or swollen. Getting treatment for phimosis is possible and usually a good idea. Circumcision is one solution but there are others available too.

What medical options are there for treating phimosis?

Steroid creams – these may help to soften the skin and make it easier to stretch the foreskin. Usually, they are applied twice a day to the tip of the foreskin, for a period of four to eight weeks. This would need to be prescribed from a GP, as the ones sold over the counter aren't licensed for this use.

What to expect with steroid creams – after two weeks, you should be able to start gradually stretching the foreskin once a day. You should only do this after being shown how by a doctor. You should do this gently to avoid damaging the foreskin. Research has shown that this form of treatment is often successful at first. For example, one study showed that the use of a steroid cream in children was 62% successful. However, the use of a steroid cream often needs to be repeated and is not always a permanent solution.

Full circumcision – this a procedure where the whole or part of the foreskin is surgically removed, has become popular for the treatment of phimosis, particularly if the condition is caused by scarring. However, it can cause bleeding or lead to infections. It is usually considered as a last resort but may often be the most effective treatment option.

How does circumcision work? – circumcision is carried out under general anaesthetic, but in some cases may be able to be performed under local anaesthetic instead. Men are often worried that the procedure will mean they won’t be able to feel much during sexual intercourse. However, many studies have shown that circumcision doesn’t affect sexual satisfaction. Possible complications of circumcision, include:

Bruising

Bleeding

Wound infection

Scar tissue

Tightening of the urethra (urine tube)

Curving of the penis

Partial circumcision – this is not usually recommended due to the risk that scarring of phimosis may return after surgery.

Preputioplasty – this is a less radical procedure compared to circumcision and may be more beneficial in children. The procedure involves making incisions at the tip of the foreskin, exposing the head of the penis. However, the procedure has little success in adults.

Angular cheilitis is a condition that causes red, swollen patches in the corners of your mouth where your lips meet and make an angle. The goal is to clear out the infection and keep the area dry so your skin isn't infected again. Your doctor will recommend an antifungal cream to treat fungal infections. Some are:

clotrimazole cream

miconazole cream

If your infection is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe an antibacterial medication, such as: mupirocin (Bactroban) fusidic acid (Fucidin). If your angular cheilitis isn’t caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, your doctor may suggest you put vaseline petroleum jelly on the inflamed areas. This protects your mouth from moisture so the sores can heal.

Hydrocortisone cream/ointment is not suitable to be used on the face.

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Delivery

Shipping Times

Method	Handling Time	Transit Time	Timescale	Approx Cost
Standard Shipping (3-5 Working Days)	1	2	3	£2.95
Royal Mail Tracked 24	0	1	1	£4.95
Next Day Guaranteed (1 Working Day)	n/a	n/a	n/a	£6.95
Next Day Before 1pm (Royal Mail Special Delivery)	0	1	1	£8.95
Next Day (Before 9am) Tracked Delivery	0	1	1	£21.95

Times are given in working days and are approximate. Costs may change based on order total, day of the week or location within the UK. Ability to hit timescales will depend on whether the products are ordered before a cut off time, as well as additional administration time incurred in reviewing your order.

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Shipping Costs

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