How Long Does Hydrocortisone Cream Take to Work?

When it comes to the many virtues of those suffering from itch, patience should not have to be one of them. It's almost impossible to articulate the extreme urgency one feels to rid themselves of the sensation.

Read on to learn more about how long it takes for topical steroids like hydrocortisone cream to work, and some of the risks involved with their use.

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid medication. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including eczema, allergies, and inflammatory skin conditions. They work by reducing the activity of the immune system, which often plays a critical role in these ailments.

By reducing the activity of the immune system, corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and itch.

Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are sometimes used by athletes to increase muscle mass. Anabolic steroids work by mimicking the effects of testosterone, a hormone that plays an important role in muscle growth.

Anabolic steroids are controversial because they can provide unfair advantages to athletes. They can also cause serious side effects. Some of the potential side effects of anabolic steroids include:

Corticosteroids, on the other hand, do not have these same effects. However, there are still some risks involved with their use, which we will touch upon a bit later.

Corticosteroids come in a variety of different forms and mediums. These include creams, ointments, tablets, and injections. They can also be inhaled, taken as a powder, administered orally as a liquid, or applied directly to the skin. When used on skin, they are typically applied as a cream or ointment.

Corticosteroids are also separated into two different categories, hydrocortisone and cortisone:

Hydrocortisone is a low-potency corticosteroid. It is typically used for the treatment of mild to moderate skin conditions. It is available over the counter in many countries; including the United States.

Both cortisone and hydrocortisone are effective at treating inflammation and itch. Because of its wide accessibility, hydrocortisone is the more popular choice for most people. 

The best relief in the world doesn't mean much in the moment it's needed if you have to wait weeks or even months to feel it. So, how long does hydrocortisone cream take to work? 

The amount of time it takes for hydrocortisone cream to work will vary according to the individual. The strength of the medication and the severity of the condition also play a role.

Hydrocortisone cream comes in various strengths. Over-the-counter options are typically lower in strength (0.5% or 1%), while prescription options can be as high as 4%. The stronger the cream, the faster it is likely to work; but it will also come with a greater risk of side effects.

For most people, hydrocortisone cream can begin working within a day of application, no matter the strength. But starting to work, and actually seeing and feeling results are two different things. The majority of people start seeing significant improvement within one to two weeks. If you're not seeing improvements in that time period, most likely that particular cream won't be effective.

Hydrocortisone cream is more likely to work quicker on mild conditions than a more severe condition such as eczema or psoriasis. These ailments may take longer to see results; even with a higher-strength prescription cream. 

When all you can think about is your itch, it's easy to put the prospect of relief above any possible side effects. But it's important to be informed about the potential risks involved in using hydrocortisone cream before you start using it. 

The most common side effect of hydrocortisone cream is skin irritation. This can manifest as burning, stinging, or redness at the site of application. This is quite a trade-off. If you relive the itch, only for it to be replaced with red, stinging and burning skin, are you that much better off?

Burning, stinging and red skin are actually on the lower end of the spectrum of serious side effects from long-term corticosteroid use. If used for too long, or over a large area of the skin, corticosteroids can lead to:

With short-term use of topical steroids, the risks of these side effects are significantly lower than for longer-term use. But when the intended results of the medication can take so long to manifest, it's easy for it to be used longer than recommended.

If you experience any of the above serious side effects, it's important to stop using the cream and speak with your doctor.

If you're looking for relief without waiting for weeks or risking serious side effects, the best choice in treatment may not be a topical steroid.

Dermeleve itch relief cream uses natural ingredients to provide relief within minutes. All without any of the risks associated with steroids.

When applied to the affected area, the cream instantly goes to work to start relieving itch and soothe inflammation. A single application lasts for hours, allowing you to get on with your day or sleep through the night without the constant distraction of an itch.

Dermeleve contains shea butter, ceramides, and essential vitamins. Each protect, refresh and enhance the skin. Even better, Dermeleve is available without a prescription and can be shipped directly to you without the need for a trip to the pharmacy.

If you're looking for safe and effective relief from itching, hydrocortisone cream might not be the best choice. Dermeleve's may be the answer for you.

Hydrocortisone cream can provide relief for mild inflammatory skin conditions, such as itching and inflammation caused by eczema or other skin problems.

However, it's crucial to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it, especially if you have broken or infected skin, as side effects may occur.

Hydrocortisone cream is available in different strengths and can be applied to the affected area of skin as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

The cream usually starts to work within a day, but significant improvements may take 1-2 weeks. If you do not see any improvements after this period, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments like Dermeleve itch relief cream.

Remember to never use hydrocortisone cream for longer than prescribed, as long-term use may cause side effects like thinning skin, stretch marks, or discoloration.

Always follow the directions on your prescription and consult your doctor if you experience any severe side effects.