Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment

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Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment for Inflammatory Skin Conditions

You can use this topical corticosteroid to treat various inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites. The ointment formulation provides enhanced moisturising properties compared to cream preparations, making it particularly suitable for dry or thickened skin areas.

This medicine contains 1% hydrocortisone, which belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching in affected skin areas. The ointment base helps to protect and hydrate your skin whilst delivering the active ingredient effectively.

How Hydrocortisone Ointment Reduces Skin Inflammation

The active ingredient works by suppressing the inflammatory response in your skin cells. When you apply the ointment, hydrocortisone penetrates the skin layers and reduces the production of inflammatory substances that cause redness, swelling, and itching.

This anti-inflammatory action helps to break the cycle of scratching and further skin damage. The ointment formulation creates a protective barrier on your skin surface, which helps to prevent moisture loss and supports the natural healing process.

Who Can Benefit from Steroid Ointment Treatment

This treatment is suitable for adults and children over 10 years of age who experience mild to moderate inflammatory skin conditions. You may find it particularly helpful if you have dry, scaly, or thickened skin that requires both anti-inflammatory treatment and enhanced moisturisation.

The ointment is especially beneficial for treating:

Eczema and atopic dermatitis flare-ups
Contact dermatitis from irritants or allergens
Insect bites and stings causing localised inflammation
Dry, itchy skin patches that haven't responded to moisturisers alone

If you're looking for additional skin care support, you might also explore our comprehensive skin care range for complementary products.

Why Choose Ointment Over Cream Formulations

The ointment base contains a higher concentration of occlusive ingredients compared to creams, which creates a more effective barrier against water loss. This makes it particularly suitable for treating dry, scaly, or lichenified skin conditions where enhanced moisturisation is needed alongside anti-inflammatory action.

Ointments typically contain fewer preservatives than cream formulations, reducing the risk of sensitisation reactions in people with sensitive skin. The hydrocortisone 1% ointment provides longer-lasting contact with your skin, allowing for more sustained therapeutic effect between applications.

Clinical Suitability and Storage Requirements

You should store this medicine below 25°C and keep it away from direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness. The ointment should be used within the expiry date printed on the packaging and discarded appropriately after your treatment course is complete.

This formulation is suitable for short-term use as directed by healthcare professionals. You should not use it on broken or infected skin unless specifically advised by your doctor or pharmacist, as this may affect healing or mask signs of infection.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Proper Application Method for Hydrocortisone Ointment

You should apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected skin area and gently rub it in until absorbed. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after application, unless you are treating your hands. Apply the ointment sparingly - a little goes a long way with this formulation.

Use the ointment only on the affected areas of skin as directed. Avoid applying it to your face, groin, or underarms unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider, as these areas have thinner skin that absorbs the medicine more readily.

Treatment Duration and Frequency Guidelines

You should typically apply the ointment once or twice daily, depending on the severity of your condition and your healthcare provider's recommendations. Most inflammatory skin conditions respond within a few days of starting treatment, though you may need to continue for up to two weeks.

Do not use this medicine for longer than recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms do not improve after one week of treatment, or if they worsen during use, you should seek medical advice promptly.

Understanding Potential Side Effects of Topical Corticosteroids

Like all medicines, hydrocortisone 1% ointment can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most people tolerate this treatment well when used as directed, and you can find additional support through our creams and ointments collection for complementary skin care options.

The most common side effects occur at the application site and are usually mild. These typically include temporary burning, stinging, or irritation when you first apply the ointment, which often settles as your skin adjusts to the treatment.

Possible side effects may include:

Burning or stinging sensation at application site
Skin irritation or redness
Dryness or peeling of treated skin
Itching or tingling sensation
Skin thinning with prolonged use
Stretch marks in treated areas
Changes in skin pigmentation
Increased hair growth at application site
Skin infection if used on broken skin
Allergic contact dermatitis
Acne-like eruptions
Delayed wound healing

If you experience these or any other side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting side effects please see the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.