But you should exercise caution, especially if you’re looking to apply these creams to your face.
Do not use topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, on your face every day or even regularly.
Group 1 contains the most potent topical steroid creams, referred to as ultra high potency.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Group 7 contains the least potent topical steroid creams, referred to as low potency.
Only the lowest-potency topical steroids should be used on your face.
This is because the skin on your face is thin.
And thin skin absorbs more of the steroid than other areas of your body.
The neck, groin, underneath the breast, and the armpit are among these sensitive areas.
Children are even more susceptible to increased absorption because of their larger ratio of skin surface to body mass.
Examples of low-potency topical steroids include Cortizone 10 (hydrocortisone), which is in Group 7.
Kenalog 0.025% (triamcinolone) is in Group 6.
Some lower-potency corticosteroids, like 1% hydrocortisone, are available over the counter.
Others, like 2.5% hydrocortisone, are available only by prescription.
They are also used for more severe skin diseases that are being treated by adermatologist, such aspsoriasis.
Side Effects
Your face is more vulnerable to developing side effects from topical steroids.
These side effects most often appear where the medication was applied.
Continuous use of topical steroids for long periods of time should also be avoided.
you’re able to use topical steroid cream when you’re pregnant.
Too little cream may not work and too much increases your risk of side effects.
Be sure to keep the cream away from your eyes.
It could cause serious eye problems, like glaucoma orcataracts.
In general, 2.5 fingertip units may be used on your face per system.
Still, confirm with your healthcare provider that this amount is right for you.
How Long Does It Take for Hydrocortisone Cream To Work?
You should start to see the effects of hydrocortisone cream within a week or so.
If you don’t see an improvement by the suggested time, contact your healthcare provider.
Nor do they lose effectiveness with prolonged use.
In addition, TCIs can be used on any skin, including the face and eyelids.
Just like any medication, however, even TCIs have possible side effects.
In fact, there areFDA warnings associated with Elidel and Protopic.
Though the risk is low, the agency reminds consumers to use the products “as recommended.”
Also, avoid getting the medication in your eyes.
Use steroid cream for the shortest amount of time possible.
Your healthcare provider may recommend non-steroid alternatives for use on the face instead.
In other words, slathering on a steroid cream for just any rash is not the way to go.
Instead, use the cream only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
World Health Organization.WHO model prescribing information: drugs used in skin diseases.
Ference JD, Last AR.Choosing topical corticosteroids.Am Fam Physician.
2009;79(2):135-40.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Atopic dermatitis clinical guideline.
2021;157(7):788-795. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.1090
MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.
Carr WW.Topical calcineurin inhibitors for atopic dermatitis: review and treatment recommendations.Paediatr Drugs.
