crotamiton + hydrocortisone at a glance
Medicine class
Anti-itch treatment combined with a mild topical corticosteroid.
Licensed uses
Inflammation and itching associated with irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, insect-bite reactions and mild-to-moderate eczema.
Application
For external use on a small affected area; do not cover with an occlusive dressing.
Children
Children under 10 years should use it only under medical supervision.
Fire safety
Keep treated fabric away from smoking materials and naked flames because it can burn more easily.
What is crotamiton + hydrocortisone used for?
This combination is licensed to relieve inflammation and itching associated with:
Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Insect-bite reactions
Mild-to-moderate eczema
How does crotamiton + hydrocortisone work?
Crotamiton directly relieves itching. Hydrocortisone is a mild glucocorticoid that reduces inflammatory and allergic responses and constricts small blood vessels in the skin, helping lessen redness, swelling and itch.
How to take crotamiton + hydrocortisone
Use only on the skin and follow the pack or prescriber’s instructions. Apply sparingly to a small affected area, wash your hands afterwards unless they are being treated, and do not cover it with a dressing. Avoid broken, ulcerated or weeping skin, the eyes, eyelids, mouth, other mucous membranes and genital or anal areas. Rinse thoroughly with running water after accidental eye or mucosal contact.
Keep treated clothing, bedding and dressings away from flames and smoking materials.
Stop and seek advice if the condition worsens or severe irritation develops.
crotamiton + hydrocortisone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local itching or irritation.
- Contact dermatitis, rash, redness or worsening eczema from hypersensitivity.
- With longer or excessive exposure: skin thinning, visible small blood vessels, stretch marks, acne-like changes or increased hair growth.
Get urgent medical advice
- Facial, lip, tongue or throat swelling, especially with breathing difficulty.
- Severe skin irritation.
- Blurred vision or another new visual disturbance.
- A marked rebound reaction after stopping, with spreading redness, burning, intense itching, peeling or oozing lesions.
crotamiton + hydrocortisone in pregnancy
This combination is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the first three months, because controlled human studies are unavailable. Evidence about topical corticosteroids does not specifically establish the safety of this crotamiton combination; discuss alternatives and necessity with a prescriber.
crotamiton + hydrocortisone while breastfeeding
Use during breastfeeding only under medical supervision because transfer of the combination into milk is unknown. Evidence that topical hydrocortisone alone is compatible with breastfeeding is not specific to crotamiton. Prevent the baby touching treated skin, wash your hands after application and remove treatment from the breast before feeding.
crotamiton + hydrocortisone interactions
No interaction studies have been performed, and no specific medicine interactions are established. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about other products applied to the same skin area.
Common questions about crotamiton + hydrocortisone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It relieves inflammation and itching associated with irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, insect-bite reactions and mild-to-moderate eczema.
Does it treat scabies?
The combination product is not licensed for scabies. Crotamiton-only products have different indications and are not interchangeable.
Is it a steroid cream?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.