Hydrocortisone Ointment 1% 15g is a pharmacy medicine containing micronised hydrocortisone 1%, a mild topical corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in certain inflammatory skin conditions.

It is licensed for irritant dermatitis, contact allergic dermatitis, insect bite reactions and mild to moderate eczema. Hydrocortisone helps relieve the inflammation, swelling and discomfort associated with these conditions.

The ointment is applied sparingly to the affected skin once or twice daily for up to 7 days, making it suitable for short-term treatment of localised inflammatory skin symptoms.

It is intended for adults and children aged 10 years and over. Children under 10 years should only use it under medical supervision.

This is a pharmacy medicine. A pharmacist can provide advice about its appropriate use where required.

Patient Information Leaflet

Main ingredients: Micronised hydrocortisone 1% w/w (10 mg per 1 g of ointment). Excipients: Wool fat (lanolin), liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin.

Hydrocortisone Ointment 1% is used for the short-term relief of irritant dermatitis, contact allergic dermatitis, insect bite reactions and mild to moderate eczema.

Adults, including the elderly: Apply a small amount evenly and sparingly to the affected area once or twice daily. Reduce the frequency as the skin improves.

Maximum treatment duration: 7 days.

Children: Apply in the same way as for adults, but avoid prolonged use. Treatment should generally be limited to 5 to 7 days.

Do not use in children under 10 years of age without medical supervision.

For use on the skin only.

Wash your hands before and after applying the ointment, unless the hands themselves are being treated. Apply a small amount and gently smooth it over the affected area.

Do not cover the treated area with an airtight dressing, plaster or, in infants, a nappy, unless specifically advised, as this can increase absorption of hydrocortisone.

If the affected area becomes weepy or infected, stop using the ointment and speak to a doctor.

If you forget to apply the ointment, apply it as soon as you remember and continue as before. If the next application is due within 3 hours, skip the missed application.

If your symptoms have not improved, or have become worse, after 7 days, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Hydrocortisone Ointment if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients.

Do not use this medicine:

• On the eyes, face or ano-genital area.
• On untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections, including impetigo, athlete's foot, ringworm, thrush, cold sores, chickenpox or shingles.
• On infected skin lesions.
• On ulcerated skin.
• On rosacea, peri-oral dermatitis or acne.

Do not use in children under 10 years of age without medical supervision.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you have psoriasis.

Avoid prolonged use, particularly on the face, skin folds and in children. Long-term or excessive use can cause thinning of the skin and may allow enough corticosteroid to be absorbed to affect adrenal gland function.

Do not use the ointment under an airtight dressing or plaster unless advised to do so. In infants, nappies can act like an airtight dressing and increase absorption.

If your condition becomes worse while using the ointment, stop using it and speak to a doctor or pharmacist. Worsening symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction, infection or a condition requiring different management.

If the condition returns within 2 weeks of stopping treatment, do not restart the ointment without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.

Contact a doctor if you experience blurred vision or any other visual disturbance.

Keep the ointment away from the eyes.

Fire hazard: Do not smoke or go near naked flames while using this product. Clothing, bedding and dressings that have been in contact with the ointment can burn more easily. Washing may reduce product build-up but may not remove it completely.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. If breastfeeding, do not apply the ointment to the chest area.

No specific interactions with other medicines are known, but tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking, have recently taken or might take.

There are no known effects on driving or the ability to use machinery.

Hydrocortisone Ointment contains wool fat (lanolin), which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis.

If too much ointment is applied, wipe off the excess. Excessive use, particularly underneath airtight dressings or nappies, may increase absorption and can affect adrenal gland function.