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The natural equivalent of hydrocortisone is cortisol – a hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands. It is called the stress hormone because its amount, like adrenaline, increases during intense emotions. This substance is produced synthetically for medicinal purposes. What are its properties?
Hydrocortisone is a steroid drug. It is versatile, however, it cannot be used freely.
As for hydrocortisone, the ointment is intended for topical use. Although it is available over the counter, it is recommended to limit its use to 3 days. Other forms of hydrocortisone (tablets, injections) are sold by prescription.
Hydrocortisone – as an ointment – is used for the following:
– skin diseases such as: seborrheic and atopic dermatitis, erythema multiforme, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus.
– skin allergies,
– insect bites,
– burns of the XNUMXst and XNUMXnd degree,
Itchy skin
– skin changes resulting from the use of drugs.
The ointment should be applied 2 – 3 times to the affected areas for 3 days, not longer. Hydrocortisone cream has a similar effect as ointment.
Hydrocortzone in the form of tablets and injections is used in the treatment of asthma, rheumatic diseases, adrenal insufficiency and in post-traumatic, postoperative or post-transfusion shock.
Do you have skin problems? Do you need to contact a doctor? Make an online teleconsultation appointment with a dermatologist. You will have it without leaving your home.
The drug works:
- antiallergic,
- antipruritic,
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-swelling.
It also reduces the body’s immunity, so it is used after transplants so that the body does not reject the organ.
The drug has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, however its use when the inflammation is caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection may “mask” the condition of the disease, increasing the infection.
Hydrocortisone is one of the active substances present in medicines such as Pimafucort or Hydrocortisonum Aflofarm.
Side effects
The drug retains water and sodium, causes the increased excretion of potassium and calcium. The loss of calcium can cause growth problems in children, and in adults it accelerates osteoporosis. In addition, it reduces the amount of lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the blood.
Other undesirable consequences of taking the drug include:
- weakening of resistance to infectious diseases,
- muscle weakness
- increase in blood sugar levels,
- swelling of the face, ankles etc.
When cannot hydrocortisone be used?
Particular care should be taken (the use must be particularly supervised by a doctor) in the case of:
- diabetics,
- patients with skin cancers and precancerous conditions,
- people with glaucoma and cataracts,
- patients with bacterial, viral and fungal dermatitis,
- people with hypertension,
- tuberculosis patients,
- people suffering from muscle fatigue,
- people who are allergic to this drug,
- children under 12 years of age.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.