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Hydrocortisone shingles. Hydrocortisone for Shingles: Effectiveness, Treatments, and Alternatives

Can hydrocortisone cream be used on shingles rash. What are the recommended treatments for shingles. How to manage shingles symptoms and pain effectively. When to seek medical attention for shingles.

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Understanding Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, and Complications

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. This condition primarily affects adults who have previously had chickenpox, as the virus remains dormant in nerve cells for years before potentially reactivating.

The main symptoms of shingles include:

  • Painful rash that typically appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body or face
  • Burning, tingling, or numbness in the affected area
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Fever and fatigue
  • Headache

Complications from shingles can be severe, especially if left untreated. These may include:

  • Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) – persistent pain after the rash has healed
  • Vision problems if the rash affects the eye area
  • Skin infections
  • Neurological complications

The Role of Hydrocortisone in Shingles Treatment: Myths and Facts

Is hydrocortisone cream effective for treating shingles rash? Despite its popularity as an over-the-counter treatment for various skin conditions, hydrocortisone cream is not recommended for use on shingles rashes. There is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in managing shingles symptoms or reducing pain associated with the condition.

Why is hydrocortisone cream not suitable for shingles?

  • It may delay healing of the rash
  • It can potentially increase the risk of bacterial skin infections
  • It does not address the underlying viral cause of shingles

Instead of using hydrocortisone, healthcare professionals recommend keeping the rash clean and dry, and avoiding the application of any creams or lotions unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

Effective Treatments for Shingles: Antiviral Medications and Pain Management

The primary treatment for shingles involves antiviral medications, which are most effective when started within 72 hours of rash onset. These medications help reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak, as well as lower the risk of complications.

Commonly prescribed antiviral medications for shingles include:

  1. Acyclovir
  2. Valacyclovir
  3. Famciclovir

How do antiviral medications work against shingles? These drugs interfere with the virus’s ability to replicate, thereby limiting its spread and reducing the severity of symptoms. They are typically taken orally for 7-10 days, depending on the specific medication and the patient’s condition.

In addition to antiviral therapy, pain management is a crucial aspect of shingles treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or even nerve blocks in some cases.

Topical Treatments for Shingles: Safe and Effective Options

While hydrocortisone cream is not recommended, there are other topical treatments that can help manage shingles symptoms:

  • Calamine lotion: Provides a cooling effect and helps reduce itching
  • Wet compresses: Can soothe the affected area and provide relief
  • Colloidal oatmeal baths: Help relieve itching and promote healing

Are there any prescription topical medications for shingles? In some cases, doctors may prescribe lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream to help manage pain associated with shingles, particularly in cases of postherpetic neuralgia.

Prevention and Vaccination: Reducing the Risk of Shingles

While it’s not always possible to prevent shingles, vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition or experiencing severe complications.

Two vaccines are currently available for shingles prevention:

  1. Shingrix: Recommended for adults 50 years and older, given in two doses
  2. Zostavax: No longer available for use in the United States as of November 18, 2020, due to the availability of Shingrix

How effective are shingles vaccines? Shingrix is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia in adults 50 and older. It remains highly effective for at least the first four years after vaccination.

Who should consider getting vaccinated against shingles? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix vaccination for adults 50 years and older, including those who have previously had shingles or received the Zostavax vaccine.

Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies for Shingles Management

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle modifications and home remedies can help manage shingles symptoms and promote healing:

  • Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to avoid irritating the rash
  • Apply cool compresses to the affected area
  • Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate symptoms
  • Maintain good hygiene to prevent bacterial infections
  • Get plenty of rest to support your immune system

Can dietary changes help manage shingles? While there’s no specific diet for shingles, consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support your immune system. Foods high in lysine, such as fish, chicken, and eggs, may help suppress the virus that causes shingles.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Shingles

Early diagnosis and treatment of shingles can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect you have shingles, especially if:

  • You experience a painful rash with blisters
  • The rash occurs near your eyes or affects a large area of your body
  • You’re 60 years or older, as the risk of complications increases with age
  • You have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or cancer
  • You’re pregnant, as shingles can pose risks to the unborn child

How quickly should you seek medical attention after noticing shingles symptoms? Ideally, you should consult a healthcare provider within 72 hours of rash onset, as this is when antiviral medications are most effective.

Long-Term Management of Shingles: Dealing with Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of shingles, characterized by persistent pain in the affected area even after the rash has healed. Managing PHN often requires a multifaceted approach:

  1. Medications:
    • Anticonvulsants like gabapentin or pregabalin
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Topical lidocaine patches
  2. Physical therapy
  3. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  4. Psychological support and cognitive behavioral therapy

How long does postherpetic neuralgia typically last? The duration of PHN varies greatly between individuals. Some people experience pain for a few months, while others may have symptoms that persist for years. Early treatment of shingles can help reduce the risk and severity of PHN.

In conclusion, while hydrocortisone cream is not recommended for treating shingles, there are numerous effective treatments and management strategies available. Prompt medical attention, appropriate antiviral therapy, and proper symptom management can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with shingles. Additionally, vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing shingles and its complications in eligible adults. By understanding the condition and following appropriate treatment protocols, individuals can effectively manage shingles and minimize its impact on their quality of life.

Can I use hydrocortisone cream on shingles rash?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 25, 2022.

Hydrocortisone cream is not recommended to put on a shingles rash and there is no evidence that hydrocortisone cream will help treat the pain of a shingles rash. The preferred treatment for shingles are antiviral medicines that you take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. These require a prescription from your doctor.

It is best to keep the rash clean and dry and not put anything on the rash if possible. Cover the rash with a nonstick dressing to prevent the virus that causes shingles being passed onto other people. The shingles rash is contagious until all the blisters have scabbed over and are dry. If the blisters are covered with a dressing, it is unlikely that the virus will pass on to others.

In general, it is best to avoid applying lotions or creams (eg, moisturizer) to the affected area, as this can further irritate the skin. If you do want to put something on your shingles rash, then the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using calamine lotion for shingles. Calamine lotion has a cooling effect and can help reduce itching. Other topical treatments for shingles include wet compresses and colloidal oatmeal baths.

But oral antiviral treatment remains the preferred treatment for shingles and this will help the rash heal faster, reduce shingles pain, and reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (long-lasting nerve pain in an area of skin previously affected by shingles) developing. Oral antivirals are most effective when started within 72 hours after the shingles rash appears. The three antiviral drugs used to treat shingles are:

  • Acyclovir
  • Famciclovir
  • Valacyclovir.

Other oral treatments include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Sometimes, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed alongside oral antivirals if inflammation is severe.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Treating Shingles. July 1, 2019. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/treatment.html. [Accessed May 2, 2022].
  2. Santee JA. Corticosteroids for herpes zoster: what do they accomplish? Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(8):517-524. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203080-00001.
  3. Patient education: Shingles (Beyond the Basics) Updated Feb 15, 2022. Up to Date. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/shingles-beyond-the-basics
  4. Shingles: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 2022. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/shingles-treatment

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Best Pain Relief For Shingles: Creams And Antiviral Medication

Content
  • Overview
  • Symptoms of shingles
  • Treatment for shingles
  • Valacyclovir and famciclovir
  • What are the best over-the-counter creams for shingles?
  • Natural remedies
  • The lowdown

If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you’ve been infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VCZ). As a child, the concept of the virus remaining in your body forever may not seem very interesting. However, if the virus does reactivate later in life and causes shingles, it can be very painful and serious. 

Your doctor may refer to shingles as herpes zoster (HHV), as the virus is one of the herpes variations that can affect humans, specifically Human Herpesvirus 3 (HHV3). But no matter what it’s called, the virus lives in your nerve cells, and when it’s reactivated, it can cause a painful skin rash. About 30% of the adult population in the US will have shingles at some point.¹

There is medication to treat shingles, but one of the worst characteristics of the disease is the sometimes debilitating pain that can persist months after the rash has healed. If you catch a shingles outbreak early, your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to ease the acute symptoms and lower your chances of developing persistent postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

If you’re over 50, the shingles vaccine is recommended to combat the VZV virus — it significantly lowers your risk for both HZ and PHN.

Risks factors for getting shingles

Not everyone who has had chickenpox will get shingles, although there is always that chance. Not remembering you had chickenpox when you were three doesn’t mean the virus has been forgotten as well. If you’ve had the chickenpox vaccine, you may still get shingles later in life, although your risk is lower compared to those that have had chickenpox.

These are some of the risk factors for shingles:

  • Being over 50

  • Being immunocompromised

  • Having certain cancers and treatments

  • Taking immunosuppressant medication

  • Having HIV

  • Being female

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There are only a few symptoms of shingles — a tingling, itching sensation on one side of your body or face, limited to a single area innervated by a particular nerve termed a dermatome, followed a few days later by a rash in a single stripe in that area.  

If you have a weakened immune system, or in rare cases, the rash can spread over contiguous dermatomes and possibly cross the midline and resemble chickenpox. These are the other signs of shingles onset:

Shingles complications

Don’t try to treat shingles symptoms on your own — the VCZ virus that causes shingles can have serious complications. 

If the rash is on your face, you’re at risk for blisters to form around or in your eyes, which can lead to temporary — or even permanent — vision loss. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is also a possible complication — it is the major otologic complication of VZV reactivation, which typically involves a triad of ipsilateral (same-sided) facial paralysis, ear pain, and vesicles in the ear canal and on the auricle.²

Furthermore, Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) can also cause hearing problems, vertigo, and ipsilateral altered taste perception. 

These are some other possible complications of the shingles virus:

  • Hearing loss

  • Balance issues

  • Bacterial infections, typically Staphylococcus aureus 

  • Inflammation of blood vessels

  • Meningitis, hepatitis, pneumonia

  • Stroke

Treating shingles with antiviral medication reduces the severity of the outbreak. The sooner you start taking prescription meds, the shorter and milder the illness — see your doctor as soon as you have the first signs of the rash. Your doctor will prescribe one of three antivirals — Zovirax (acyclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir), or Famvir (famciclovir).

Topical adjunctive corticosteroids — can also be prescribed to manage inflammation in the case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. If you have persistent PHN pain, your doctor may recommend a tricyclic antidepressant or a gabapentinoid to help reduce postherpetic neuralgia symptoms. Opioid analgesics or lidocaine or capsaicin patches can also be used in patients with PHN. 

Topical creams

Creams, lotions, and ointments to treat shingles have a couple of benefits. They usually contain some form of analgesic to relieve the pain and other ingredients to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

Side effects of acyclovir

Acyclovir does have potential side effects. Malaise is common and not serious, but other side effects can create further problems. Here are some of the uncommon but severe side effects of acyclovir:

  • Tissue necrosis (IV use)

  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis

  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

  • TTP (immunocompromised pts)

  • Erythema multiforme

These are second-generation herpes drugs. Valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir, accelerates both pain relief and persistence in shingles patients. Famciclovir has the benefit of better bioavailability — the concentration of the drug when it reaches the target site, in this case, the inflamed neurons replicating the shingles virus. 

Studies comparing valacyclovir and famciclovir were inconclusive regarding superiority and found no differences in endpoints. However, a systematic review of high-quality trials established that famciclovir and valacyclovir were superior to acyclovir in reducing the possibility of prolonged pain.³

Capsaicin

Recent research indicates that capsaicin — the chemical compound that gives cayenne pepper its heat — can help with postherpetic neuralgia pain. Capsaicin can be a double-edged sword, unlike other topical shingles solutions, such as lidocaine or aloe vera.

While it does reduce substance P in the neurons by inhibiting the pain impulses between the peripheral and central nervous system, it can also make your skin burn wherever it’s applied. You can ease the burning by applying a thin layer of Salonpas or another analgesic to the area before the capsaicin. 

Capsaicin also has these possible side effects: 

  • Dry, red skin

  • High blood pressure

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Respiratory symptoms — sinusitis, bronchitis, cold, cough

  • Dizziness and headache

  • Limb pain

EMLA

EMLA, or a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics, is a combination of prilocaine and lidocaine. Studies indicate that applying EMLA cream to the shingles rash “significantly” improved the patient’s pain levels.⁴

Patches for PHN

A lidocaine patch (Dermalid, Lidoderm, Ztido) is available with a prescription. The patch is a 5% concentration, but patients can use up to three patches on a single area at any given time for pain management for up to 12 hours daily. Capsaicin patches have also shown positive outcomes in several studies.⁵

Whereas a cream must be applied several times daily to be effective, patients wear the patch for several hours, guaranteeing the constant transmission of the capsaicin chemicals. 

Choosing the right OTC shingles cream is largely a matter of personal preference. There is a range of ingredients, effectiveness, and cost of the different creams. Some creams contain natural ingredients, while others have analgesics that control pain. 

There isn’t a lot of research on which creams are most effective. Online reviews may be the best place to get unbiased information on OTC cream results. Expense is another consideration — some are quite expensive.

Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic that numbs the skin and underlying nerve tissue when applied. Prescription-strength lidocaine has better results for shingles pain, but it can ease some itching and burn in an OTC cream.⁶

The highest concentration you can get without a prescription is 5%. Whereas, as a prescription, the cream can be compounded as high as 10%. Some OTC medications with lidocaine include Aspercreme, Absorbine jr, and Salonpas.⁷

Calamine

You probably have some calamine lotion handy for treating poison ivy and mosquito bites, but you can also apply it to open lesions to reduce pain and pruritus.

Hydrocortisone/steroids

Hydrocortisone/steroid creams may seem like a good idea to stop the blister’s itching. But they don’t help with skin infections and would be contraindicated as they may suppress the immune system reacting to the infection.

You can get past shingles without medical intervention — people have been doing it for thousands of years. But they also had no recourse to manage complications and would have probably welcomed a pill to ease the pain. You can do some things to alleviate the symptoms while dealing with the infection, but they are not great substitutes for going to the doctor. 

Acupuncture

The Chinese have been using acupuncture for thousands of years. Although studies have not demonstrated a benefit for acupuncture in both shingles and PHN, you may still decide to try acupuncture.⁷

Honey

Clover and Manuka honey have significant antiviral properties that can combat the shingles virus, and they can be useful in managing the rash when applied topically. Citizens in developing nations use honey as a home remedy, and studies have shown that medical-grade honey is beneficial when treating cold sores — another herpes virus. 

There’s nothing wrong with trying home remedies to manage some of your shingles symptoms, but you should not attempt to “cure” an outbreak on your own. Shingles, like any other herpes virus, can’t be cured, only tamped down until it returns to a latent state. If you have shingles, you can transmit it to someone who’s never had chickenpox, and they’ll get that and be susceptible to shingles later.  

See your doctor if you think you’re getting shingles. Most people only have one outbreak in their lifetime, but some immunocompromised patients run the risk of recurrent infections. 

Before you begin self-treatment for shingles, consult your doctor for advice on the best OTC remedies.

ranking of the top 7 effective and inexpensive remedies according to the KP with doctors’ reviews

Zhibera pink lichen is an acute inflammatory skin disease, presumably of an infectious nature 1 .

Pityriasis rosea is more common in spring or autumn. First, a red-pink spot with a yellowish-brown scaly center appears on the body, up to 5 cm in diameter, which is called the “maternal plaque” 2 . A few days later, a rash appears all over the torso, arms and legs. In most cases, the general well-being of the patient does not worsen, but sometimes there may be irritation, itching, a slight increase in temperature 3 .

Pityriasis rosea usually does not require any treatment. If there are no complications, the disease resolves on its own within a few weeks. If the patient complains of irritation and itching, special ointments can be prescribed to speed up recovery.

Rating of the top 7 inexpensive ointments for pink lichen according to the KP version

To reduce itching, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticosteroids (GCS) and antihistamines 3 . Below we will talk about the various ointments that are indicated for the treatment of pink lichen 3 .

Important! All drugs have side effects and contraindications. Our material is an overview and does not serve as a guide to action. Before buying funds, consult your doctor.

Hydrocortisone-AKOS

The manufacturer did not fantasize with the name: the name of the active substance is indicated in large letters on the package. Hydrocortisone refers to synthetic hormones glucocorticosteroids, has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.

It is used to treat a wide range of diseases, including pink lichen, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis and others. In addition, the ointment can help with insect bites.

Contraindications : bacterial, viral, fungal skin diseases, skin tuberculosis, skin manifestations of syphilis, skin tumors and wounds, post-vaccination period, children under 2 years of age, rosacea, acne vulgaris.

Laticort

Another topical glucocorticosteroid based on hydrocortisone. According to the instructions, the drug has anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and antipruritic effects.

The ointment can help with non-infectious skin diseases accompanied by severe peeling. It is used not only for the treatment of pink lichen, but also for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin eczema.

Contraindications : bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic infections of the skin, tuberculosis and syphilitic skin lesions, acne, rosacea, post-vaccination period, violation of the integrity of the skin, hypersensitivity to the drug, pregnancy, lactation.

Lokoid

This medicine also contains hydrocortisone, which helps reduce inflammation, swelling and itching. The drug is used for non-infected skin diseases: dermatitis, psoriasis, reactions to insect bites, skin itching of various origins.

Contraindications : bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections of the skin, tuberculous and syphilitic skin lesions, acne, rosacea, post-vaccination period, wounds, ulcers, hypersensitivity to the drug, pregnancy, lactation.

Komfoderm

The ointment belongs to glucocorticosteroids for external use. The active ingredient methylprednisolone aceponate helps to suppress inflammatory and allergic skin reactions, helps to reduce swelling, itching, irritation and pain. Indications for the use of the ointment are atopic and allergic dermatitis, eczema of various origins.

Contraindications : tuberculosis or syphilitic processes on the skin, viral diseases in the area of ​​application of the drug, rosacea, post-vaccination reactions, children under 4 months of age, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Afloderm

The ointment is based on alklomethasone, a glucocorticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive and antipruritic effects. The drug is recommended for the treatment of chronic and acute dermatoses, inflammatory skin diseases, especially with dryness and flaking. Therefore, this ointment can help in the fight against irritation and itching with pink lichen.

Contraindications : skin tuberculosis, skin manifestations of syphilis, chickenpox, viral skin infections, skin reactions to vaccination, open wounds, trophic ulcers, rosacea, acne vulgaris, children under 6 months of age, hypersensitivity to alklomethasone.

Advantan

The active substance of the drug is methylprednisolone aceponate – GCS, which helps to reduce the symptoms of inflammation, itching, pain and irritation.

Ointment helps to eliminate dry skin and restore its normal fat content. Indications for the use of the drug are atopic and allergic dermatitis, eczema.

Contraindications : viral, tuberculous or syphilitic skin lesions in the area of ​​application of the drug, rosacea, skin areas with manifestations of a reaction to vaccination, children under 4 months of age, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Pimafucort

This drug can help in case of complications of rosacea if a bacterial or fungal infection has joined. In the composition, in addition to hydrocortisone, two more active substances: natamycin (antifungal agent) and neomycin (antibiotic). The combination of these components has an antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect.

Contraindications : skin tuberculosis, skin manifestations of syphilis, viral skin infections, open wounds, skin ulcers, acne, rosacea, ichthyosis, hypersensitivity to the drug components, age up to 1 year.

How to choose a rosacea ointment for a person

As a rule, when prescribing treatment, doctors are guided by the clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. According to these recommendations, Gibert’s pink lichen does not need to be treated unless there are complications and annoying symptoms. If the patient complains of severe itching, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticosteroids, as well as antihistamines.

Rosacea ointment should have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect at any stage of the disease. It should be easy to use and with a minimum of side effects 4 .

Reviews of doctors about ointments from pink lichen

Usually, doctors recommend not only external use (ointments, emulsions, creams), but also oral medication – that is, inside.

– As you already understood, the treatment of pink lichen is a simple matter. And even if it is necessary, it is possible to cope with the help of 1-2 drugs, says dermatologist Alexander Chizhov . “Therefore, you should consult a doctor first of all to establish a diagnosis. Indeed, under the guise of an almost harmless pink lichen, psoriasis, eczema and other diseases that require a completely different approach to treatment can be hidden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pityriasis rosea is often difficult to distinguish from other skin problems. Dermatologist Alexander Chizhov will answer the most popular questions about this disease.

How can I tell if rosacea is going away?

– As soon as fresh rashes cease to appear, this means that the disease has begun to pass.

Is it possible to cauterize with iodine pink lichen in humans?

– Better not – it will not speed up the recovery. On the contrary, irritation of the rashes often leads to an increase in their size and number.

Will traditional medicine help with pink lichen?

– If you look at articles about folk methods for treating pink lichen, you won’t see anything there! Lotions with vinegar, rubbing newspaper ashes into rashes, birch tar with butter, cabbage leaf compresses with kefir… medicine. In addition, the use of any means that have not passed clinical trials can be hazardous to health.

Photo: market.yandex.ru, KP

Sources :

  1. I.V. Tarasova. Rashes in allergic and non-allergic diseases // Allergology and Immunology in Pediatrics. 2019. Volume 56. No. 1. pp. 10-18 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sypi-pri-allergicheskih-i-neallergicheskih-boleznyah-algoritm-differentsialnoy-diagnostiki/viewer
  2. Grebenyuk V.N., Kochetkov M.A., Zatorskaya N.F., Basse F.B., Chudakova T.Yu., Bobrov M.A. Pink deprive Gibert in an unusual aspect. Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2020. Volume 19. No. 5. C. 758762
    https://www.mediasphera.ru/issues/klinicheskaya-dermatologiya-i-venerologiya/2020/5/1199728492020051758
  3. Pityriasis rosea Zhibera. Clinical guidelines. Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. 2020. https://cnikvi.ru/docs/clinic_recs/klinicheskie-rekomendatsii-2019-2020/files/KR%20Pink%20lichen%202020.docx
  4. Dermatology. Consensus of dermatologists of the CIS countries on dermatitis and eczema. Extra issue // Supplement to Consilium Medicum. 2014. 18 p.
    https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=42315725

Hydrocortisone instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Hydrocortisone ointment for external. approx. 1%: tube 10 g (11514)

💊 The composition of the drug Hydrocortisone

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Description of the active ingredients of the preparation

Hydrocortisone
(Hydrocortisone)

The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions.
decisions about the use of a particular drug.

Update date: 2020.06.02

Marketing authorization holder:

PROMOMED RUS, OOO
(Russia)

Manufactured:

BIOCHEMIK JSC

(Russia)

ATX code:

D07AA02

(Hydrocortisone)

Active substance:
hydrocortisone
(hydrocortisone)

Rec.INN

WHO registered

Dosage form

Hydrocortisone

Ointment for external use approx. 1%: tube 10 g

reg. No.: LS-001724
dated 14.09.11
– Indefinitely

Release form, packaging and composition
drug Hydrocortisone

10 g – aluminum tubes (1) – packs of cardboard.

Clinical and pharmacological group:

GCS for external use

Pharmacotherapeutic group:

Glucocorticosteroid for topical use

Pharmacological action

GCS. Suppresses the functions of leukocytes and tissue macrophages. Limits the migration of leukocytes to the area of ​​inflammation. Violates the ability of macrophages to phagocytosis, as well as to the formation of interleukin-1. Contributes to the stabilization of lysosomal membranes, thereby reducing the concentration of proteolytic enzymes in the area of ​​inflammation. Reduces capillary permeability due to the release of histamine. Suppresses the activity of fibroblasts and the formation of collagen.

Inhibits the activity of phospholipase A 2 , which leads to suppression of the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Suppresses the release of COX (mainly COX-2), which also helps to reduce the production of prostaglandins.

Reduces the number of circulating lymphocytes (T- and B-cells), monocytes, eosinophils and basophils due to their movement from the vascular bed into the lymphoid tissue; inhibits the formation of antibodies.

Hydrocortisone inhibits pituitary release of ACTH and β-lipotropin, but does not reduce circulating β-endorphin levels. Inhibits the secretion of TSH and FSH.

When applied directly to the vessels, it has a vasoconstrictor effect.

Hydrocortisone has a pronounced dose-dependent effect on the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Stimulates gluconeogenesis, promotes the uptake of amino acids by the liver and kidneys, and increases the activity of gluconeogenesis enzymes. In the liver, hydrocortisone enhances the deposition of glycogen, stimulating the activity of glycogen synthetase and the synthesis of glucose from protein metabolism products. An increase in blood glucose stimulates the secretion of insulin.

Hydrocortisone inhibits the uptake of glucose by fat cells, which leads to the activation of lipolysis. However, due to an increase in insulin secretion, lipogenesis is stimulated, which leads to fat accumulation.

Has a catabolic effect in lymphoid and connective tissue, muscles, adipose tissue, skin, bone tissue. To a lesser extent than mineralocorticoids, it affects the processes of water-electrolyte metabolism: it promotes the excretion of potassium and calcium ions, the retention of sodium and water ions in the body. Osteoporosis and Itsenko-Cushing’s syndrome are the main factors limiting long-term therapy with corticosteroids. As a result of the catabolic action, growth suppression in children is possible.

In high doses, hydrocortisone can increase the excitability of brain tissue and lower the seizure threshold. Stimulates excess production of hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach, which contributes to the development of peptic ulcers.

When applied externally and locally, the therapeutic activity of hydrocortisone is due to anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-exudative (due to the vasoconstrictor effect) action.

Anti-inflammatory activity is 4 times weaker than prednisolone, mineralocorticoid activity is superior to other GCS.

Pharmacokinetics

Plasma protein binding – 40-90%. It is metabolized mainly in the liver. T 1/2 – 80-120 min. Excreted by the kidneys mainly as metabolites.

Indications of the active substances of the drug

Hydrocortisone

For external use: allergic dermatitis, seborrhea, various forms of eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, lichen planus.

Open list of ICD-10 codes

L20. 8 Other atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis, eczema)
L21 Seborrheic dermatitis
L23 Allergic contact dermatitis
L24 Simple irritant contact dermatitis
L28.0 Simple chronic lichen (limited neurodermatitis)
L28.1 Scabies knotty
L28.2 Other scabies
L30.0 Coin-shaped eczema
L40 Psoriasis
L43 Lichen red flat

Dosage regimen

The method of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed.

External – 1-3 times/day.

Side effects

For external use: rarely – itching, hyperemia, burning, dryness, folliculitis, acne, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, skin maceration, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, prickly heat. With prolonged use or application to large areas of the skin, systemic side effects characteristic of GCS may develop.

Contraindications for use

For short-term use for health reasons – hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone.

For external use: bacterial, viral, fungal skin diseases, skin tuberculosis, skin manifestations of syphilis, skin tumors, post-vaccination period, violation of the integrity of the skin (ulcers, wounds), children’s age (up to 2 years, with itching in the area anus – up to 12 years), rosacea, acne vulgaris, perioral dermatitis.

Use in pregnancy and lactation

Use during pregnancy is possible only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus; it is recommended to use minimum doses and short-term therapy. Children whose mothers received hydrocortisone during pregnancy should be carefully monitored for signs of adrenal insufficiency.

If necessary, use during lactation should decide on the termination of breastfeeding.

In experimental studies it is shown that corticosteroids can cause fetal developmental disorders. Currently, there is no clear confirmation of these data in humans.

Use in hepatic impairment

Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.

Use in impaired renal function

Use with caution in severe chronic renal failure.

Pediatric use

Contraindications for external use: children under 2 years of age, with itching in the anus – up to 12 years.

Special instructions

Use with caution in parasitic and infectious diseases of a viral, fungal or bacterial nature (currently or recently transferred, including recent contact with a patient) – herpes simplex, herpes zoster (viremic phase), chicken pox, measles, amoebiasis, strongyloidiasis (established or suspected), systemic mycosis; active and latent tuberculosis.

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