Hydrocortisone ointment is a topical medicine (a medicine that is applied to the skin) containing a corticosteroid called hydrocortisone. It is used to reduce inflammation caused by all types of eczema and dermatitis, as well as skin reactions caused by insect bites. 

As a legal requirement, we must determine the medicine we supply to you is appropriate for your personal use. When purchasing any medicinal product, you are agreeing to use the medicine as per the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. You also agree to follow any important advice in the listing and answer any questions if contacted via phone by our pharmacy team. 

Always use this product exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. 

Check that the tube seal is not broken before use, then use the point on the cap to break the seal. 

Both adults and children should apply hydrocortisone ointment sparingly onto the affected area of skin, two or three times daily. 

Avoid using this product continuously for a long time, particularly in children and on the face. 

Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone .

Like all medicines, hydrocortisone ointment can cause side effects, but they won’t affect everyone. Stop using this ointment and tell your doctor immediately if you notice :

- A skin rash or reddening/itching of the skin. 

Other side effects may include: 

- Spread of infection.

- Permanent ‘stretch-mark’ like marks.

- Thinning of the skin .

- Changes in hair growth.

- Acne.

- Oily skin .

- Slight loss of colour in the skin.

- Blurred vision (uncommon).

- If you use hydrocortisone ointment for a long time, this can sometimes lead to problems with your hormones.

This mainly happens if the ointment is used on the face or nappy area, in areas where the skin folds, or in areas where a dressing is used to cover the area after using the ointment.

Do not use hydrocortisone ointment if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet. You should also avoid this medicine if you have: 

- An infection of the skin which has not been treated Pale or reddened patches of skin (usually as a result of an allergy) .

- Ulcers or an infection at the site of treatment .

- Psoriasis.

-  Rosacea.

- Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using hydrocortisone ointment if you have :

- TB (tuberculosis) .

- Diabetes.

- If you are taking any other medicines including those obtained without a prescription. 

- Store below 25°C, out of sight and reach of children. 

- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month printed on the packaging. 

- Do not allow this product to come into contact with smoke or naked flames due to risk of severe burns. 

- Fabric that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard.

- Washing clothing and bedding can reduce product build-up but may not totally remove it. 

- This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy.

- If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. 

- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product.

- If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

- Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

- Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product. 

- Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product. 

Please store in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach and sight of children.

This is a Pharmacy only product. In order to complete the sale you will receive a call from a member of the Pharmacy team to ensure that the product is suitable for you and you do not experience any side effects.If we are unable to speak to you, your order may be delayed. Please ensure your contact details are correct.