When you have acne symptoms like itching, swelling, and redness, it can be tempting to use an anti-inflammatory agent like hydrocortisone cream. But is it recommended for acne treatment?
Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called steroids that can suppress the immune system, inhibit cell growth, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
It reduces symptoms like swelling, itching, and redness, which makes it beneficial in treating and managing several skin issues, such as eczema, psoriasis, allergic conditions, and acne.
Amongst all steroids, hydrocortisone 1.0 and 2.5% cream, lotion, or ointment are the least potent and mildest, with the fewest side effects. According to the United States classification of steroid potency, they belong to class VII, making them the approved steroid for the face, infants, sensitive skin, mucous membranes, and when the steroid-responsive condition is not severe.
Hydrocortisone may work for treating some acne symptoms. As an anti-inflammatory agent, hydrocortisone cream reduces the swelling, itching, and redness of acne. Although this is not enough to make hydrocortisone a permanent acne treatment, it is a good option to consider if you are looking for an ingredient to ease inflammatory symptoms temporarily.
Steroids are not the medication of choice for aestheticians when handling patients with acne unless they are dealing with severe inflammation. It is combined with antibiotics or other acne treatments to make it more effective.
Even with a positive effect on acne, care should be taken when using hydrocortisone cream, especially for the face and around the eye, because the skin in these areas is thin and sensitive, and penetration is 300 times greater through thin epidermis like the eyelids compared to other body sites.
The anti-inflammatory action of hydrocortisone can be fast and soothing that you forget it’s a steroid, which can cause serious side effects if misused.
It’s important to note that excessive use of topical steroids can cause an increase in the concentration of free fatty acids, thereby causing an increase in oil/sebum production and fostering an environment for bacteria growth, eventually triggering acne.
Cystic acne is a type of acne that is accompanied by inflammation. This causes painful, pus-filled pimples to form deep under the skin, hence the need for hydrocortisone treatment.
So the role of the hydrocortisone cream in treating cystic acne is to reduce the inflamed site making it easier for other active ingredients to work on the affected area.
Although hydrocortisone can be used in cystic acne treatment, it is noteworthy that it is not ideal for permanent treatment. Rather it should be used temporarily.
Topical hydrocortisone is formulated as creams, lotions, gels, ointments, and foams to improve drug delivery, and a clear view of its different forms can help you make the right choice for your skin.
Hydrocort creams are better for moist and teary skin because they are more appealing and don't leave a sticky residue. However, they are not as effective.
Because they are non-occlusive and have a drying effect, they are often used to treat certain inflammations that cause fluid to seep out of the skin, as well as itchiness, rash, and redness in areas of skin that rub against each other.
They are the most potent and occlusive forms of hydrocortisone. Still, experts advise people not to apply them on hair-bearing regions because they may result in inflammation of hair follicles.
Like creams, hydrocort lotions are less occlusive and greasy and work well in hair-bearing regions, making them more beneficial for the scalp.
Gel is another option if you prefer gels to lotions. They are also more beneficial for the scalp and hair-bearing regions.
Hydrocortisone foams are high-end products but highly effective for delivering steroids to the scalp.
You will need the help of a dermatologist when choosing a topical hydrocortisone cream for your skin.
Dermatologists advise using the fingertips unit because the amount of hydrocortisone cream applied to the skin matters.
Why the fingertip unit?
The fingertips unit regulates the amount of hydrocortisone cream applied to the skin and reduces the chances of overuse that may result in adverse effects.
To use the Fingertips unit method, follow these steps;
Side effects associated with hydrocortisone creams are grouped into two categories:
Local side effects of hydrocortisone creams include:
Systemic side effects of hydrocortisone include:
These side effects are rare with hydrocortisone cream unless it is used in large quantities unsupervised consistently for a long time.
Although side effects are rare when using hydrocortisone cream, allergic reactions are possible.
Report to a dermatologist if you feel any of these:
If you are using topical hydrocortisone cream, it is advisable to discontinue its use after 4 days if it is no longer effective.
The benefits of hydrocortisone cream for acne depend on an accurate diagnosis, choosing the right strength, choosing the right form for administration, and the frequency of application.
When confused about the form of topical hydrocortisone to use or whether to use it at all, consult a dermatologist.
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