Topical Glucocorticoid·Dermatology - Topical Corticosteroids

Hydrocortisone 1%

Mild inflammatory skin conditions, facial dermatitis, nappy rash (with extreme caution)

STEROIDDermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DSCream 1%, Ointment 1% (Ointm…S3TGA

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Potency

MILD

Caution: Max Use

1-2 WEEKS

Face Safe

YES

Skin Thinning

LOW RISK

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Untreated bacterial, fungal (e.g., ringworm), or viral (Herpes/Shingles) skin infections. Steroids act as 'fertilizer' for infections, making them explode. Pregnancy Category A.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Mild topical corticosteroid. The safest and most universally used steroid for basic eczema, dermatitis, and sensitive areas.

Clinical Focus

The ONLY class of steroid that is safe to use on the face, groin, or axillae. Stronger steroids will cause irreversible skin thinning in these areas.

Bottom Line

Hydrocortisone 1% is the mildest topical corticosteroid suitable for sensitive areas including the face and flexures, but is insufficient for thick plaques or severe dermatitis.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS

Topical Routes

Cream 1%, Ointment 1% (Ointment is greasy, better for dry/scaly skin. Cream is better for weeping areas).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (S2/S3).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Mild inflammatory skin conditions, facial dermatitis, nappy rash (with extreme caution).

Clinical Place

First-line baseline topical anti-inflammatory.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Topical Glucocorticoid — Mild topical corticosteroid.

Route / Formulation

Cream 1%, Ointment 1% (Ointment is greasy, better for dry/scaly skin. Cream is better for weeping areas). (DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS)

Usual Dose & Max

Topical Apply a thin layer to affected area 1 to 2 times daily. Rub in gently. Apply a thin layer BD for 1-2 weeks.

Key Indication Doses

Eczema / Contact Dermatitis: Topical Apply a thin layer to affected area 1 to 2 times daily. Rub in gently. Application Metric: Use the 'Finger Tip Unit' (FTU). 1 FTU (cream from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) covers an area equal to two adult hands.

Best Uses

Hydrocortisone 1% is the mildest topical corticosteroid suitable for sensitive areas including the face and flexures, but is insufficient for thick plaques or severe dermatitis.

Key Risks

Dermatological: Skin atrophy (thinning), striae (stretch marks), telangiectasia. (Risk is very low with 1% Hydrocortisone unless abused for months). Systemic: HPA axis suppression is virtually impossible unless applied to massively denuded skin under occlusion.

Key Interactions

NONE — No systemic interactions.

Monitoring

Ensure the patient stops using it once the inflammation has cleared to prevent rebound flares or skin atrophy.

Clinical Pearl

Never use topical steroids on a baby's nappy rash unless directed by a pediatrician. The diaper acts as an 'occlusive dressing', driving the steroid deep into the skin and blood, risking systemic adrenal suppression.

Access

DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS

Brand: DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.

Topical Glucocorticoid·Dermatology - Topical Corticosteroids

Hydrocortisone 1%

Mild inflammatory skin conditions, facial dermatitis, nappy rash (with extreme caution)

STEROIDDermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DSCream 1%, Ointment 1% (Ointm…S3TGA

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Potency

MILD

Caution: Max Use

1-2 WEEKS

Face Safe

YES

Skin Thinning

LOW RISK

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Untreated bacterial, fungal (e.g., ringworm), or viral (Herpes/Shingles) skin infections. Steroids act as 'fertilizer' for infections, making them explode. Pregnancy Category A.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Mild topical corticosteroid. The safest and most universally used steroid for basic eczema, dermatitis, and sensitive areas.

Clinical Focus

The ONLY class of steroid that is safe to use on the face, groin, or axillae. Stronger steroids will cause irreversible skin thinning in these areas.

Bottom Line

Hydrocortisone 1% is the mildest topical corticosteroid suitable for sensitive areas including the face and flexures, but is insufficient for thick plaques or severe dermatitis.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS

Topical Routes

Cream 1%, Ointment 1% (Ointment is greasy, better for dry/scaly skin. Cream is better for weeping areas).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (S2/S3).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Mild inflammatory skin conditions, facial dermatitis, nappy rash (with extreme caution).

Clinical Place

First-line baseline topical anti-inflammatory.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Topical Glucocorticoid — Mild topical corticosteroid.

Route / Formulation

Cream 1%, Ointment 1% (Ointment is greasy, better for dry/scaly skin. Cream is better for weeping areas). (DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS)

Usual Dose & Max

Topical Apply a thin layer to affected area 1 to 2 times daily. Rub in gently. Apply a thin layer BD for 1-2 weeks.

Key Indication Doses

Best Uses

Hydrocortisone 1% is the mildest topical corticosteroid suitable for sensitive areas including the face and flexures, but is insufficient for thick plaques or severe dermatitis.

Key Risks

Key Interactions

NONE — No systemic interactions.

Monitoring

Ensure the patient stops using it once the inflammation has cleared to prevent rebound flares or skin atrophy.

Clinical Pearl

Access

DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS

Brand: DermaCort, Sigmacort, Cortic-DS

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.