Can you use hydrocortisone cream for vulvar itching?

Key Points

• Hydrocortisone cream may be used to treat vulvar itching, but only if recommended by your doctor. When used over the counter, topical steroid products like hydrocortisone should be applied on external areas of the body only.
• Applying topical steroids to places on the body that have thin skin or mucous membranes can raise the risk of side effects. This includes the inside of the vagina. Additionally, using topical steroids on skin that is broken can cause more medication to be absorbed.
• Hydrocortisone can be effective at treating vulvar itching when used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, it should be used for the shortest amount of time possible to prevent side effects like thinning of the skin.

What is hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid. It is a manmade version of the natural steroid hormones found in our body. It is used for many conditions involving rash, redness, itching, and swelling. It works by reducing chemicals in the body that cause these symptoms to occur. Depending on the formulation, it can be found as low or medium potency.

Why do topical steroid products say “for external use only”?

When topical steroids are applied to areas with thin skin and mucous membranes (e.g., vagina), more medication gets absorbed compared to areas with thicker skin, such as the hands. This can raise the risk of side effects and withdrawal symptoms when stopping treatment. If your doctor has prescribed a topical steroid to treat vulvar itching, follow their instructions carefully to lower your risk of side effects.

Although some hydrocortisone products are marketed for vaginal itching over the counter, it is written on the label that they should be used externally only. Your doctor may recommend using one of these products differently. Don’t use topical steroid products more often or longer than what your doctor has told you.

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What are side effects of hydrocortisone cream?

Even when applied topically, hydrocortisone can cause a wide range of side effects. Some side effects are more common with long-term use, but others can happen sooner. A few examples of side effects that can occur from using topical steroids like hydrocortisone are:

• Changes in the skin (e.g., thin skin, easy bruising, stretch marks, color changes, acne)
• Infections
• Cataracts
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Swelling in the arms or legs

This is not an all-inclusive list, and many other side effects are possible. Additionally, it is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping a topical corticosteroid. This is more likely to happen if the product has been used for a long period of time.

Many factors can increase the risk of side effects, including:

• Potency
• Size of the application site
• Whether or not the area is covered
• Duration of use
• Where it is applied on the body

If you’ve been prescribed hydrocortisone, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to help lower your risk of side effects. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or other healthcare professional.