Hydrocortisone (Topical)

Source: eMC SPC for Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Cream, §4.2. Use sparingly over a small area once/twice a day for a maximum period of one week; if the condition has not improved, or worsens, the patient should consult their doctor. PAEDIATRIC: the SPC states this product should not be recommended for use on children under 10 years of age without medical advice, and no per-kg or age-banded paediatric dose is given. §4.4 adds that although topical corticosteroids are generally regarded as safe even for long-term administration in adults, there is potential for overdosage in infants and children; extreme caution is required in dermatoses of infancy, especially napkin eruption where the napkin can act as an occlusive dressing and increase absorption, and in infants and children courses of treatment should not normally exceed 7 days. Verify paediatric use against a children's formulary. Do not use under an occlusive dressing. Prolonged application to the face is undesirable. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be used whenever treating inflammatory lesions that have become infected; any spread of infection requires withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid and systemic antimicrobial treatment. Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome: long-term use can cause rebound flares after stopping — suspect a withdrawal reaction if the condition recurs within days to weeks of successful treatment; reapply with caution and consider specialist advice or alternative treatment. Labelled as a mild steroid. The bundle also contains a US OTC hydrocortisone 'anti itch' label (apply not more than 3 to 4 times daily; do not use under 2 years) — not used, as the UK SPC is preferred and specifies once/twice daily.