Cortaid

Who is Cortaid for ?

Hydrocortisone is available with or without a prescription. Low-strength preparations (0.5% or 1%) are used without a prescription for the temporary relief of (1) minor skin irritations, itching, and rashes caused by eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and jewelry; (2) itchy anal and rectal areas; and (3) itching and irritation of the scalp. It also is used to relieve the discomfort of mouth sores. Hydrocortisone may be prescribed by your doctor to relieve the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions; the inflammation of ulcerative colitis or proctitis; or the swelling and discomfort of hemorrhoids and other rectal problems. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Cortaid ?

Before using hydrocortisone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cancer chemotherapy agents, other topical medications, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have an infection or have ever had diabetes, glaucoma, a circulation disorder, or an immune disorder.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using hydrocortisone, call your doctor immediately.
• remember not to use hydrocortisone on children less than 2 years of age without talking to a doctor.

Side Effects

Although side effects from hydrocortisone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drying or cracking of the skin
• acne
• itching
• burning
• change in skin color

• severe skin rash
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• skin infection (redness, swelling, or oozing of pus)