Topical hydrocortisone 0.5%
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Topical hydrocortisone 0.5% is often used in the treatment of various cases of mild urticaria. In the case of insect bites and stings topical hydrocortisone is second line treatment, next to oral antihistamines are first line. Hydrocortisone can be combined with oral antihistamines or used alone. It works to decrease itch, redness and inflammation and should be applied sparingly 3-4 times daily for up to 7 days. There is no primary literature available for the use in bites and stings. It has been used for this indication for a long period of time and from experience is considered effective.
It is also used in allergic contact dermatitis to relieve itch, redness and inflammation. 0.5% topical hydrocortisone is considered first line treatment for mild allergic contact dermatitis. It can be used with or without oral antihistamines. It should be used 2-3 times daily for up to 14 days and should be reassessed if not resolved at that point.
References
1. Kleiman N. Chapter 72. Insect bites and stings. In: Repchinsky C, Hutsul J, Jovaisas B, Lewis G, Perrier H, Riachi M, Ross A, editors. Patient Self-Care, 2e. Ottawa, ON. Canadian Pharmacists Association. 2010: 691-702.
2. Sibbald D. Chapter 56. Atopic, Contact, and Stasis Dermatitis. In: Repchinsky C, Hutsul J, Jovaisas B, Lewis G, Perrier H, Riachi M, Ross A, editors. Patient Self-Care, 2e. Ottawa, ON. Canadian Pharmacists Association. 2010: 510-533.
Topical hydrocortisone 0.5% is often used in the treatment of various cases of mild urticaria. In the case of insect bites and stings topical hydrocortisone is second line treatment, next to oral antihistamines are first line. Hydrocortisone can be combined with oral antihistamines or used alone. It works to decrease itch, redness and inflammation and should be applied sparingly 3-4 times daily for up to 7 days. There is no primary literature available for the use in bites and stings. It has been used for this indication for a long period of time and from experience is considered effective.
It is also used in allergic contact dermatitis to relieve itch, redness and inflammation. 0.5% topical hydrocortisone is considered first line treatment for mild allergic contact dermatitis. It can be used with or without oral antihistamines. It should be used 2-3 times daily for up to 14 days and should be reassessed if not resolved at that point.
References
1. Kleiman N. Chapter 72. Insect bites and stings. In: Repchinsky C, Hutsul J, Jovaisas B, Lewis G, Perrier H, Riachi M, Ross A, editors. Patient Self-Care, 2e. Ottawa, ON. Canadian Pharmacists Association. 2010: 691-702.
2. Sibbald D. Chapter 56. Atopic, Contact, and Stasis Dermatitis. In: Repchinsky C, Hutsul J, Jovaisas B, Lewis G, Perrier H, Riachi M, Ross A, editors. Patient Self-Care, 2e. Ottawa, ON. Canadian Pharmacists Association. 2010: 510-533.