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Common side effect of using cortisone for eczema
Eczema can be a huge illness in your life. Once it takes hold, it's hard to think of anything else. The desire to scratch is insatiable. As with unusual skin rashes, you should always contact your doctor. Your doctor is the most knowledgeable person who can diagnose your health problems. Sometimes rashes can be serious, so early treatment is necessary. However, eczema can already be a lifelong friend of yours. You immediately recognize that itchy, flaky feeling. Lotions and ointments on the shelf can help a little, but over-the-counter creams are far more powerful. Ask your pharmacist for “hydrocortisone cream” (“Hi-Droh-Corti-Zone”). Hydrocortisone creams…
Common side effect of using cortisone for eczema
Eczema can be a huge illness in your life. Once it takes hold, it's hard to think of anything else. The desire to scratch is insatiable.
As with unusual skin rashes, you should always contact your doctor. Your doctor is the most knowledgeable person who can diagnose your health problems. Sometimes rashes can be serious, so early treatment is necessary.
However, eczema can already be a lifelong friend of yours. You immediately recognize that itchy, flaky feeling. Lotions and ointments on the shelf can help a little, but over-the-counter creams are far more powerful.
Ask your pharmacist for “hydrocortisone cream” (“Hi-Droh-Corti-Zone”).
Hydrocortisone creams are medications known as corticosteroids that can reduce itching and inflammation. Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It works by changing the cells that cause eczema to relieve your condition. However, the treated cells can leave behind thinner, darker skin. The pharmacist will probably ask you some questions about your eczema.
Once you have received your cream, read the enclosed package leaflet (PIL) carefully. The package leaflet will tell you how often you should apply the cream. The leaflet will also inform you about the areas of your body where the cream should not be applied. Common side effects are also listed in the package insert.
A common side effect of using hydrocortisone cream is the development of skin thinning. The NHS advises that long-term use of high strength steroids can damage the skin.
If you experience any of the following side effects after using hydrocortisone cream, make an appointment with your doctor.
Severe itching, irritation, burning or dry skin to which the cream has been applied
A change in skin color
Skin thinning
Make sure you take care of your eczema. If left untreated, the open scratch wounds can allow bacteria to infect your skin. This can be distressing and you will need to see your doctor for a prescription for antibiotics.
If you notice other side effects, a great website now allows consumers to report their problems. The Yellow Card Scheme states that “all medicines can cause side effects”. They note that reporting side effects is important and that “many side effects are mild, but some can be serious and even life-threatening.”
If you experience side effects that are not described in your patient information leaflet, tell the Yellow Card Scheme online. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
The best advice for eczema sufferers is…try not to scratch! Your hydrocortisone cream will help you resist.
Inspired by Kimberley Clarke