Does hydrocortisone cream stop itching?
Yes. Hydrocortisone blocks substances in the skin that cause itching and inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream passes through the skin to block the substances that cause itching.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate) 0.1%. October 2014. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/018514s013lbl.pdf. [Accessed April 30, 2022].
Read next
Can you use hydrocortisone cream for vulvar itching?
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. Continue reading
Can I use hydrocortisone cream on shingles rash?
Hydrocortisone cream is not recommended to put on a shingles rash and there is no evidence that hydrocortisone cream will help treat the pain of a shingles rash. The preferred treatment for shingles are antiviral medicines that you take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. Continue reading
What are steroid injections (cortisone shots)?
Steroid injections (corticosteroid injections/cortisone shots) are injections given by a healthcare professional directly into joints or other areas of the body to relieve symptoms such as pain, inflammation, or restricted movement. They are commonly used to treat shoulder and other joint pain, tendonitis, bursitis, back pain, or arthritis or to manage conditions such as sciatica, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Examples include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Hydrocortisone Information for Consumers
- Hydrocortisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Hydrocortisone (detailed)
Related support groups
- Hydrocortisone (33 questions, 57 members)