Hydrocortisone ointment application, tips and advice.

Hydrocortisone ointment is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid drug for external use. This drug is decongestant, antipruritic and anti-inflammatory. It has a retarding effect on the release of cytokines (interferon and interleukins) from macrophages and leukocytes. Thus, the development of mediators of inflammation is suppressed , the synthesis of prostaglandins and the metabolism of arachidonic acid are disrupted. Stimulation of glucosteroid receptors makes it possible to increase the induction of lipocortin formation. Reduces cellular infiltrates of inflammatory type, reduces the level of migration of leukocytes, and also of lymphocytes to the area of inflammation. In the case of administration and administration at recommended doses, there are no systematic side effects.

Hydrocortisone ointment - pharmokinetics

Ointment (after application) has the property of accumulating in the epidermis (mainly in the granular layer). Metabolization occurs directly in the epidermis layer, later on in the liver. Excretion occurs through the kidneys and intestines.

Hydrocortisone Ointment - instructions for use

Ointment is prescribed for skin diseases of allergic and inflammatory nature of non-microbial etiology, and also accompanied by itching. It can be eczema, dermatitis - allergic and contact type. It is also recommended for neurodermatitis, pruritus, psoriasis, insect bites, erythroderma, seborrhea and so on.

Among the contraindications there are increased sensitivity to the basis of the drug - hydrocortisone, or to its other components. It is also not recommended to use the skin for wound and ulcerative lesions. Including, with skin diseases - bacterial, viral and fungal nature. Contraindicated in tuberculosis and syphilitic skin lesions. Do not use this ointment with vulgar acne, perioral dermatitis, rosacea, skin tumors and so on. Hydrocortisone ointment for children under two years and women in a state of pregnancy is contraindicated.

Hydrocortisone ointment should be used with increased caution during lactation, with diabetes and tuberculosis.

Dosing and Administration

The ointment is applied a thin layer on the affected area of the skin at least two to three times a day. Depending on the nature of the disease and the effectiveness of therapy, the course of treatment lasts from six to fourteen days. In turn, with a persistent, severe course of the disease course is prolonged to twenty days. For a more pronounced effect on limited foci, occlusal dressings may be used. For children from the age of two years or more, it is necessary to limit the duration of treatment to two weeks. It is necessary to exclude measures that increase the level of steroid absorption, that is, warming, occlusive and fixative dressings.

Hydrocortisone ointment - side effects

With sufficient long-term use, there is a risk of developing secondary lesions of the skin of an infectious nature, as well as changes in the atrophic type and hypertrichosis. With prolonged use of occlusive dressings, especially in areas with a large lesion area, the development of symptoms of hypercorticosis is fraught. There is a possibility of developing hyperglycemia, glucosuria, reversible inhibition of adrenal cortex functions and other similar manifestations, including Cushing's syndrome. These manifestations are due to the resorptive action of the hormone hydrocortisone. In such cases it is recommended to gradually cancel this ointment.

special instructions

The administration of the drug to children under the age of twelve is only under the supervision of the doctor. If there is no improvement during the seven days of the drug application or the condition worsens, you should stop using the ointment and consult with a specialist.