Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment Product Information
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is a mild topical corticosteroid (steroid) used to help relieve inflammation, redness, swelling and itching caused by mild to moderate eczema, irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and insect bite reactions. It is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine, which means it can be supplied without a prescription after a suitability assessment by a pharmacist.
The active ingredient, hydrocortisone, is suspended in a greasy paraffin-based ointment. Unlike water-based creams, this base contains no water and forms an occlusive layer on the skin that helps lock in moisture and soften dry, thickened or scaly areas.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is used to help manage the symptoms of mild to moderate inflammatory skin conditions, including:
- Mild to moderate eczema, including atopic eczema
- Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis
- Reactions to insect bites and stings
Do not use Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment to treat psoriasis unless specifically advised by a doctor.
The redness, swelling and itching that develop during an eczema or dermatitis flare-up are produced by an inflammatory immune response in the skin. Hydrocortisone works by dampening this local immune response, which helps to reduce the visible symptoms and discomfort.
The paraffin-based ointment base also forms a barrier on the surface of the skin that helps reduce water loss and soften dry, scaly patches to support the action of the active ingredient.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine before use.
To apply Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment:
- Wash and dry your hands before and after applying the ointment
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area one to two times daily
- Gently smooth into the skin rather than rubbing vigorously
- Avoid the eyes, mouth and nose, and do not apply to broken, infected or ulcerated skin unless advised by a healthcare professional
- Do not apply plasters, bandages or other dressings on the treated area
- If you use emollients (moisturisers) alongside hydrocortisone, leave around 30 minutes between applications
Do not use Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment for longer than 7 days without speaking to your GP or pharmacist. If your skin has not improved after a week of use, consult your GP for further medical advice.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment: Our Pharmacist's Advice
“Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment and Hydrocortisone 1% Cream contain the same active ingredient at the same strength. The main difference is the base. Ointment is generally recommended for patches of dry, scaly or thickened eczema, particularly on the hands, elbows, knees or feet, and for night-time use. The greasier base stays on the skin for longer, helps trap moisture and can be more soothing on visibly cracked patches compared to a lighter cream base.
To apply Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment, apply a thin layer once or twice daily. Avoid applying it to the face, eyes, eyelids, ano-genital area, broken skin, infected skin or ulcers unless specifically advised by your GP or a pharmacist.”
Many patients notice that itching and redness begin to settle within a few days of starting treatment, although individual responses may vary. Most short-term flares treated with a mild topical steroid show meaningful improvement within the first week of use.
If your symptoms have not improved after seven days of regular use, or if they appear to be getting worse, stop applying Hydrocortisone Ointment and seek advice from a GP or pharmacist.
Both Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment and Hydrocortisone 1% Cream contain the same active ingredient at the same strength. The difference is in the base on which they are formulated:
- Hydrocortisone Ointment is greasy, water-free and occlusive. It tends to be the preferred option for dry, scaly, thickened or cracked skin (for example, on areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet) and is more suitable for night-time application where the longer application time on the skin can help support hydration.
- Hydrocortisone Cream is a lighter water-based emulsion that absorbs more quickly, leaves less residue and is often preferred for moist or weeping eczema, skin folds, hairy areas, or daytime use under clothing.
If you are unsure which formulation suits your skin best, or you are treating a child, speak to a pharmacist or GP for tailored advice.
Yes. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, a class of medicines that mimic the natural anti-inflammatory hormones produced by the adrenal glands. At a strength of 1%, hydrocortisone is considered a mild topical steroid, sitting at the lowest end of the topical steroid potency ladder.
Stronger topical steroids, such as Eumovate Cream (clobetasone butyrate), are used for flares that do not settle with a mild steroid, and are available from pharmacies after a pharmacist assessment, while larger packs and other formulations require a prescription.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is intended for short-term use only. When supplied without a prescription, treatment should not continue beyond seven days without medical review.
Long-term or repeated use of any topical steroid, even a mild one, can be associated with thinning of the skin, particularly on delicate areas such as the face, eyelids and skin folds. Using the ointment as directed and for the shortest period needed helps reduce this risk.
Prolonged use of topical steroids like Hydrocortisone Ointment can also cause a topical steroid withdrawal reaction, where symptoms include redness extending beyond the treated area, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin or oozing open sores. Consult your GP if you experience any of the symptoms above after stopping your treatment with Hydrocortisone Ointment.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is not generally recommended for use on the face, eyelids or genital area unless specifically advised by a doctor. The skin in these areas is thinner and more sensitive, which increases the risk of side effects such as skin thinning.
It can also worsen certain skin conditions that affect the face, including acne, rosacea and perioral dermatitis. If you have a flare of facial eczema, speak to a GP or pharmacist before applying a topical steroid on your face.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is intended for adults and children aged 10 years and over. It should not be used in children under 10 years old unless recommended by a doctor.
Speak to a pharmacist or GP before using the Hydrocortisone Ointment if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, lanolin (wool fat) or any other ingredient in the past
- Have an active bacterial skin infection (such as impetigo)
- Have an active viral infection (such as cold sores or chickenpox)
- Have an active fungal infection (such as athlete’s foot, ringworm or thrush)
- Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment on your face
- Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment on the ano-genital area
- Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment on broken, weeping or ulcerated skin
- Intend to use Hydrocortisone Ointment to treat psoriasis
- Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are treating a child
Some hydrocortisone ointments contain wool fat/lanolin, which can cause local skin reactions. Check the patient information leaflet for the full ingredient list before using Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment.
Prolonged or excessive use of any topical steroid can cause local skin changes, including thinning (atrophy), visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia) and stretch marks. The risk is higher with stronger steroids, longer treatment courses, occlusion under dressings and use on thinner-skinned areas such as the face and skin folds.
When Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment is used as directed (i.e., applied as a thin layer, once or twice daily, for a short treatment course), the risk of these effects is low. Stop treatment and seek advice if you notice changes in the texture or appearance of your skin.
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist before using Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment contains a paraffin base, which is flammable. Treated skin, clothing, bedding and dressings that come into contact with the ointment can ignite very easily if exposed to a naked flame or a lit cigarette. Keep away from fire and naked flames while using this product and after application.
Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment Overview
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Important: We advise you to always read the patient information leaflet inside the medication box, as the generic medication may not always entirely match the patient information leaflet listed. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team
Content last updated:
08 Jun 2026