Hydrocortisone ointment is a relatively safe steroid that you can purchase over-the-counter, or your doctor may prescribe a stronger version. Use it to treat itchy rashes caused by skin conditions like eczema, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, insect bites or allergic reactions. Always follow the manufacturer or your doctor's directions for use in order to minimize the chance of experiencing unwanted side effects.
Itching and Burning
Although hydrocortisone ointment is used to treat itching, known medically as pruritis, it can also cause itching. This reaction most often results from hypersensitivity to the ointment and manifests as a rash called allergic contact dermatitis. If you experience itching or worsening of your rash, you should discontinue hydrocortisone because you may be allergic to it. Burning at the site of application may also occur with the use of hydrocortisone. This reaction is usually temporary.
Skin Discolorations
The extended and frequent use of hydrocortisone may cause the skin to change or lose color due to hypopigmentation or telangiectasia. Hypopigmentation is a fading of the skin and telangiectasia is the chronic dilation or widening of capillaries, which results in red blotchy spots on the skin. These discolorations usually occur around the treatment area. To minimize their risk, apply the ointment sparingly and avoid covering the area. You should also limit the application to the affected areas only. The skin color will return to normal after discontinuation of the drug.
Skin Atrophy
Hydrocortisone may also cause skin atrophy or a thinning of the skin. Heavy application of the ointment, frequent use and/or overuse, as well as covering the application site increase the the risk for this side effect. Covering the site may also cause the skin to soften due to excessive moisture. To minimize the risk for skin atrophy, you should only apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected areas.
Secondary Skin Infections
Hydrocortisone ointment lowers the body's immune response, thereby increasing the risk for developing infections. Skin atrophy and softening of the skin affect the integrity of the skin and are conducive conditions for developing secondary fungal or bacterial skin infections. In addition, if you apply hydrocortisone ointment to a weeping or oozing rash or to broken skin, your chance of developing an infection goes up. Secondary infections are usually minor and may be treated with an antibiotic or antifungal medication. However, to minimize your risk, keep the treated area clean and dry.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles Lacy, RPh, Lora Armstrong, RPh., Morton Goldman, RPh. Leonard Lance, RPh.; 2008
- "US Pharmacist": Psoriasis and Its Treatment
- Epocrates Online: Cortaid Monograph
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