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Health Centres - Eurax hydrocortisone cream
How does it work?This cream two active ingredients, hydrocortisone and crotamiton.
Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands, and have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses.
Hydrocortisone is the same as the natural corticosteroid, cortisol, and is used to decrease inflammation in the skin. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the skin cells. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system, and are released as a result of allergy or irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, as is seen in dermatitis or eczema. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the skin, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and relieves itch.
There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Hydrocortisone is classed as a mild corticosteroid. It is used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis.
Crotamiton is a medicine that is applied to the skin to relieve itching (pruritis). It is not fully understood how it works.
The combination of hydrocortisone and crotamiton in this medicine is used to relieve inflammation and itching associated with skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or insect bites.
What is it used for?
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Eczema
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Inflammation of the skin
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Reactions to insect bites and stings
Warning!
- If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor.
- This preparation is for external use only.
- This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes).
Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.
- Do not use this medicine for longer than seven days unless directed by your doctor.
- Consult your doctor if there is no improvement in your skin after seven days, or if your skin becomes infected during treatment.
Use with caution in
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- Children
Not to be used in
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Acne
- Acne rosacea
- Children under the age of ten years, except on medical advice
- Infections of the skin with viruses (eg Herpes simplex, chickenpox), fungi (eg thrush, ringworm, athlete's foot) or bacteria (eg impetigo)
- Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
- Ulcerated areas of skin
- Weeping areas of skin
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.
- This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.
Label warnings
- This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.
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