Mild Topical Corticosteroid Pregnancy: Compatible for short-term use on small area

Hydrocortisone (Topical)

Brand names: Hc45, Dioderm

Adult dose

Dose: Apply thinly OD–BD

Route: Topical

Frequency: OD–BD

Max: Apply minimum effective amount

Mildest potency class. Safe for face, flexures, and infants. Hydrocortisone 1% OTC available.

Paediatric dose

Route: Topical

Frequency: OD–BD

Max: See FTU guidance

Concentration: 0.5%, 1%, 2.5% FTU/ml

Safe for face in infants ≥3 months. FTU: 1 FTU (fingertip unit) per 2 palms-worth of skin.

Dose adjustments

Renal

N/A

Hepatic

N/A

Clinical pearls

FTU guidance: fingertip unit (FTU) from adult index finger tip to first crease = 0.5 g, covers 2 adult hand-palms
Safe for face, flexures, genitalia, infants — not stronger steroids
OTC availability (1%): patients self-prescribing — confirm appropriate use

Contraindications

Infected lesions without cover
Acne rosacea
Perioral dermatitis

Side effects

Skin atrophy (with prolonged use)
Striae
Telangiectasia
Contact sensitisation (rare)

Interactions

Systemic corticosteroid effects (minimal with mild topical at small area)

Monitoring

Skin atrophy
Extent of spread

Reference: BNFc; BNF; NICE NG190 Atopic Eczema; British Association of Dermatology (BAD) Guidelines. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways