Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMain DifferencesUsesSide EffectsInteractionsSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Main Differences
Uses
Side Effects
Interactions
Summary
Cortisoneandhydrocortisoneare bothcorticosteroids. They treat many different types of inflammatory conditions and, while similar, have several significant differences. For instance, hydrocortisone is available as an over-the-counter treatment, while cortisone requires a prescription.
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Hydrocortisone and cortisone are both corticosteroids (often shortened to “steroids”), which are manufactured hormones that suppress the immune system response. Both cortisone and hydrocortisone treat inflammatory autoimmune diseases and other health conditions. They are fast-acting medications, but they act in different ways.
Corticosteroids and Anabolic SteroidsCorticosteroidsare not the same thingas anabolic steroids.Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that act liketestosterone, used to build muscle. They can be used for weight gain, but they can also be abused and lead to both mental and physical damage.
Corticosteroids and Anabolic Steroids
Corticosteroidsare not the same thingas anabolic steroids.Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that act liketestosterone, used to build muscle. They can be used for weight gain, but they can also be abused and lead to both mental and physical damage.
Topical hydrocortisone comes in the form of:
CortisoneSevere rash or allergyAutoimmune diseaseInflammatory eye diseaseSome blood cancersSupplemental hormoneTopical HydrocortisoneInsect bitesPoison ivy or poison oakEczemaPsoriasisAnal itching (external)
CortisoneSevere rash or allergyAutoimmune diseaseInflammatory eye diseaseSome blood cancersSupplemental hormone
Severe rash or allergy
Autoimmune disease
Inflammatory eye disease
Some blood cancers
Supplemental hormone
Topical HydrocortisoneInsect bitesPoison ivy or poison oakEczemaPsoriasisAnal itching (external)
Insect bites
Poison ivy or poison oak
Eczema
Psoriasis
Anal itching (external)
What Is Hydrocortisone Used For?
Hydrocortisone is used for a number of conditions. When used topically as ananti-itch creamor lotion, it can help stop the itch or allergic reaction of many conditions. For example, Cortizone 10 is a mild hydrocortisone treatment sold over the counter as an anti-itch medication.
Hydrocortisone may be used to treat conditions including:
In oral or injectable form, hydrocortisone is used to treat other conditions like autoimmune diseases and infections and can alleviatenauseafromchemotherapy. These forms of hydrocortisone are only available through a healthcare provider.
What Is Cortisone Used For?
Cortisone can be used to treat the following:
Which Is More Effective?
The medication that is best for you depends on the condition you are treating. For example, treatment for a severe allergic reaction will require working with your healthcare provider and may involve the use of cortisone. But, while cortisone is faster acting, a topical hydrocortisone cream will probably be your best bet when treating a mosquito bite.
For more extensive rashes, you may seek out astronger steroid cream. The strongest steroid creams or topicals you can buy over the counter are hydrocortisone 1%. But you may not need the strongest product available. Your age, the severity of the condition, and the body part affected will help determine the best potency for you.
Hydrocortisone Side Effects
Over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone topicals, which contain 1% or less hydrocortisone, typically have mild side effects.The side effects of prescription-strength hydrocortisone topicals can be more significant.
Common topical hydrocortisone side effects include:
Oral hydrocortisone can have additional side effects, including:
There are other, more serious side effects of oral hydrocortisone, but these are rare. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following side effects from prescription-strength hydrocortisone, which include:
Cortisone Side Effects
Cortisone can cause a variety of side effects, including:
Seek emergency medical treatment if you have signs of an allergic reaction to cortisone, such as:
Because cortisone suppresses the immune system, it makes you more prone to infection. Therefore, when taking this medication, you may be given instructions on how to avoid exposure to infection.
Corticosteroids may interact with other medications, making them more or less effective. Other medications may also impact the effectiveness of a corticosteroid, so it is important to speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss potential interactions.
The following types of medications are known to interact with corticosteroids:
If you are on any of these medications, or if you are unsure if your medication falls into one of these categories, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Don’t use hydrocortisone cream if you have signs of a fungal infection like thrush or athlete’s foot. Don’t use it for diaper rash without checking with a healthcare provider. Don’t use it on your face without your provider’s permission. Don’t use it if you have an infection, have had an allergic reaction to corticosteroids, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Drug Abuse.Anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs).MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.National Health Service.Hydrocortisone for skin.Chemocare.Cortisone.National Eczema Society.Topical Steroids.Michigan Medicine.Hydrocortisone (oral).Prescriber’s Digital Reference.Cortisone acetate.UpToDate.Overview of the pharmacologic use of glucocorticoids.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Drug Abuse.Anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs).MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.National Health Service.Hydrocortisone for skin.Chemocare.Cortisone.National Eczema Society.Topical Steroids.Michigan Medicine.Hydrocortisone (oral).Prescriber’s Digital Reference.Cortisone acetate.UpToDate.Overview of the pharmacologic use of glucocorticoids.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Drug Abuse.Anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs).MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.National Health Service.Hydrocortisone for skin.Chemocare.Cortisone.National Eczema Society.Topical Steroids.Michigan Medicine.Hydrocortisone (oral).Prescriber’s Digital Reference.Cortisone acetate.UpToDate.Overview of the pharmacologic use of glucocorticoids.
National Institute of Drug Abuse.Anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs).
MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.
National Health Service.Hydrocortisone for skin.
Chemocare.Cortisone.
National Eczema Society.Topical Steroids.
Michigan Medicine.Hydrocortisone (oral).
Prescriber’s Digital Reference.Cortisone acetate.
UpToDate.Overview of the pharmacologic use of glucocorticoids.
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