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Published on: July 11, 2013
Complications of topical hydrocortisone
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Long-term, continuous use of 1% hydrocortisone cream can cause skin issues like rosacea and eyelid atrophy. Intermittent application is recommended to prevent adverse effects from topical corticosteroids.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical corticosteroids are widely used for various skin conditions.
- 1% hydrocortisone is a common, lower-potency topical corticosteroid.
- Understanding the long-term safety profile of topical corticosteroids is crucial.
Observation:
- Six patients experienced adverse effects from chronic, uninterrupted 1% hydrocortisone use.
- Reported complications included rosacea-like eruptions, perioral dermatitis, and eyelid atrophy with telangiectasia.
- These complications were generally less severe than those associated with more potent corticosteroids.
Findings:
- Chronic uninterrupted application of 1% hydrocortisone can lead to significant dermatological complications.
- Patients developed conditions such as rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and skin atrophy.
- Withdrawal from hydrocortisone cream also precipitated a severe rosacea exacerbation in one case.
Implications:
- Therapy with effective topical corticosteroids, including 1% hydrocortisone, should ideally be intermittent.
- Susceptible individuals and sensitive areas like the eyelids require particular caution during treatment.
- This highlights the importance of judicious use and monitoring for adverse effects with topical steroid therapy.
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