Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid medication used to treat certain skin conditions. It reduces swelling, itching and redness of the skin. This medication is a mild potency steroid. It may be found in creams, lotions, ointments, and powders as well as in ear, nose, and eye drops. It is available by prescription and over the counter medications.

There are many types of cortisone products. An allergy to hydrocortisone does not mean you are allergic to all other forms

of cortisones.

Skin contact with hydrocortisone is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing hydrocortisone should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. The most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis from hydrocortisone is corticosteroid creams. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products and topical medications. If there is no information ask your pharmacist. At work, request a safety data sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

Hydrocortisone is available without prescription so the ingredient list of any medicated cream, lotion, or the like should be read before purchasing, to be certain that it does not contain this ingredient.

You should alert your health care provider of this allergy so he does not prescribe this medication or cross-reacting medications. Your physician may wish to further study this allergy by testing to several corticosteroids so that you may use safer corticosteroids if necessary in the future.