Over-the-counter cortisone
creams and skin rashes
Over-the-counter cortisone
creams may appear to be appropriate treatment for various kinds of skin rashes,
but at the same time, there can be pros and cons regarding their use. Thus, it
is important to understand what cortisone cream is and why you need to be
cautious.
Non-prescription,
over-the-counter cortisone creams are low-dosage, medicated creams and as a
result, they may not be effective for every kind of rash. In fact, they may
only give temporary relief. A prescription from a physician, for a potent
cortisone cream may be indicated in order to effectively resolve a skin rash.
Looking at the number of
cortisone creams that are currently on the market, a patient might wonder how
to determine the right kind of cortisone cream for any specific rash. Cortisone
creams are not all the same and neither are rashes.
Look at basic information about
cortisone and then, weigh the pros and cons of using over-the-counter cortisone
creams for skin rashes.
What is cortisone?
"Cortisone is a hormone
isolated from the cortex of the adrenal gland and also prepared synthetically.
It is closely related to cortisol; and is largely inactive in man until
converted to cortisol. It is important for its regulatory action in metabolism
if fats, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, and proteins." (1)
Cortisone cream is used as an
anti-inflammatory agent that helps to reduce the degree of vascular dilation,
fluid exudation and the accumulation of leukocytes or white blood cells that
accumulate when a skin rash occurs. (2)
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is an adrenocorticol
hormone that is referred to pharmaceutically as hydrocortisone and is closely
related to cortisone in terms of physiological effects. (3)
The kind of cortisone cream
that is indicated depends upon the type of skin rash that you have. Note that
not all rashes will respond well to the same kind of treatment. Having the
right kind of treatment immediately, can reduce your discomfort, as well as the
length of time that treatment is necessary.
"All types of cortisone
cream should only be used under the supervision of a doctor to determine the
appropriate strength and length of time of use necessary to treat the
condition." (4)
Pros for using cortisone cream
include the following benefits:
Relief of inflammation and
pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid sensitive dermatoses
Temporary relief of minor skin
irritations, itching and rashes - over-the-counter prescriptions (5)
Cons regarding the use of
cortisone cream include the following adverse side effects:
Local: Burning, irritation,
acneiform lesions, striae, skin atrophy, secondary infection
CNS: Glaucoma, cataracts after
periorbital use that allows the drug to enter the eyes
Systemic: Systemic absorption,
leading to the adverse effects experienced with system use; growth retardation
and suppression of the HPA (6)
Guidelines for use of cortisone
cream:
Use cortisone cream sparingly.
Rub the cortisone cream into
the skin, gently.
Be aware that washing the skin
prior to the application of the cortisone cream, may increase the drug
penetration.
Do not use occlusive dressings,
tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants over the area that has been treated with
cortisone cream.
Avoid prolonged use of
cortisone cream on the face and near the eyes. Also avoid long term usage on
the genitals, rectal area or in skin creases.
Avoid direct contact of
cortisone cream with the eyes.
Use the cortisone cream only
for the purpose for which it is indicated.
Do not apply cortisone cream to
any open lesions.
Always notify your physician if
the skin condition appears to be getting worse. If the rash persists or there
is burning of the skin, irritation or infection, medical advice should be
sought. (7)
Relax knowing that your
physician will be able to advise you regarding which over-the-counter cortisone
cream is the most appropriate for the kind of skin rash that you have.
(1) Taber's Cyclopedic Medical
Dictionary, Edition 14, F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia
(2) Ibid.
(3) Ibid.
(5) Amy R. Karsh, RN, MS., 2000
Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins,
(6) Ibid.
(7) Ibid.
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