1 May 2026Drugs for external use and antiseptics

Hydrocortisone, cream and ointment

Topical hydrocortisone guidance for selected eczematous and bite reactions, with strict short-course precautions.

Prescription under medical supervision

This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.

Therapeutic action

Topical corticosteroid.

Indications

Atopic eczema, contact eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Reactions to insect bites.

Forms and strengths

1% cream and ointment.

Dose and duration

Child and adult: one application once daily or 2 times daily to the affected area only, in thin layer, for 7 days maximum.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

Do not use:

For more than 7 days.
In case of acne, rosacea, perioral dermatoses, untreated bacterial (impetigo, etc.), fungal (candidiasis and dermatophytosis) and viral (herpes) skin infections.
Under occlusive dressing, on large areas of skin or on wounds, especially in infants and children (increased local and systemic adverse effects).
May cause irritations, pruritus, burning sensations, skin eruptions, hypopigmentation, contact eczema and urticaria; skin atrophy, dilation of small blood vessels (telangiectasia), stretch marks, skin fragility, delayed wound healing in case of prolonged treatment.
Apply with precaution to the eyelids and around the eyes (risk of glaucoma and cataract), the face (risk of rosacea and thinning of the skin), and the skin folds (increased adverse effects).
Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
Breast-feeding: no contra-indication. Do not apply to the breasts.

Source

MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)

This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.

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