Itching is the most annoying, worst sensation. It makes you want to scratch your skin. The more you scratch, the more you want to do it, and the worse things get. You can feel itching at a particular spot on your body or all over. Whatever it is, it takes one’s peace away. If not treated timely and properly, itching can lead to severe skin wounds.

Causes for itching:

Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. Some common causes are

1. Allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen, and medicines
2. Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin
3. Irritating chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances
4. Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, head and body lice
5. Pregnancy
6. Liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases
7. Certain cancers or cancer treatments
8. Diseases that can affect the nervous system, such as diabetes and shingles.

Let us discuss the treatment for itching using hydrocortisone.

What is hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone usually comes in the form of creams, ointments, and lotions. It contains a medicine called a corticosteroid.  Although it is a type of steroid, however, it is quite different from an anabolic steroid.

Hydrocortisone itching creams are used on the skin to treat swelling, itching, and irritation. They can help with skin problems such as:

• eczema
• psoriasis
• contact dermatitis
• prickly heat rash
• insect bites and stings
• nappy rash

Usually, hydrocortisone skin products are mild and are available at pharmacies to use for certain health problems. Not only this, but it is also one of the best moisturizing lotions and is used widely for dry skin.

A stronger cousin of this medicine is available called hydrocortisone butyrate. It is available through prescription.

Why is hydrocortisone prescribed?

As mentioned earlier, hydrocortisone is used to treat redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions. It activates natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

How to use Hydrocortisone?

Considering this is coming from a sensible adult who has been to a doctor and has a prescription for this medicine.

Depending upon your skin condition and intensity of itching, you will be prescribed a hydrocortisone cream, ointment, lotion, or spray. Again, depending upon the severity, you can use this medicine from one to four times a day. However, using at the same time during the day is essential. Keep a schedule to make things easier. Apply only to the affected area and in the quantity as mentioned. If the symptoms persist after two weeks of using the medicine, consult your doctor. Apply a thin film to the affected area, and rub gently. This medicine is strictly for external use. Do not put it in your eyes or mouth or swallow it. The affected area should remain open. It means no wraps or bandages unless instructed by the doctor.

The same rule applies when using it for the child’s diaper area. If necessary, use loosely fit diapers.

What precautions to follow while using hydrocortisone?

Check the ingredients and inform your doctor beforehand about any allergies that you may have to any medicines. Just in case you have diabetes or cushion’s syndrome, inform your doctor. If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor.

It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before starting with any medicine. Hydrocortisone may look like ordinary medicine, but everyone tends to respond differently to certain medicines. Better be safe than sorry.