Hydrocortisone is a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). Steroids help to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the skin (and other parts of the body). Skin gets inflamed when an allergic reaction or irritation causes chemicals to be released in the skin. These make blood vessels widen and the irritated skin becomes red, swollen, itchy and painful. Hydrocortisone skin treatments work on your skin’s cells to stop these chemicals being released. This reduces symptoms like swelling, redness and itching.

Your skin should start to get better after using hydrocortisone for a few days. If you’re using a treatment you’ve bought from a pharmacy or shop, speak to your doctor if you still have symptoms after 1 week, or if your skin gets worse at any time.

How long you use it for depends on why you're using it. For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you'll probably only need to use hydrocortisone for up to 1 week. For long-term skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use hydrocortisone for longer. To reduce the risk of side effects your doctor may recommend that you only use hydrocortisone for a few weeks at a time. Once your skin is better, use moisturisers to keep it from becoming inflamed again.

Do not use a hydrocortisone on your face unless a doctor has told you to and given you a prescription for it. The skin on your face is delicate, so if hydrocortisone damages it, it's particularly noticeable. Some common skin problems that affect the face, such as impetigo, rosacea and acne, can be made worse by hydrocortisone. If your doctor has prescribed hydrocortisone for your face, follow their instructions carefully. Do not put hydrocortisone near your eyes or on your eyelids.

Using hydrocortisone for a long time without stopping can mean some of the medicine gets into your blood. If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), or problems with your eyesight. If you have been using hydrocortisone for a long time, your doctor may tell you to gradually reduce the amount you use before stopping completely.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while using hydrocortisone.

No, you can eat and drink normally while using hydrocortisone.

Using hydrocortisone cream does not stop you or your child having vaccinations. But tell the doctor or nurse that you're using hydrocortisone cream so they can give the vaccine in an untreated area of skin.

There’s no clear evidence that hydrocortisone skin treatments affect male or female fertility.

Hydrocortisone for skin does not affect any types of contraception, including the combined pill or the emergency contraception.

Hydrocortisone does not make you sleepy, so it's safe to drive, ride a bike, or use tools and machinery when using this medicine.