2006-08-02 16:32:00 · 12 answers · asked by royrox 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
Hydrocortisone works by knocking down the part of the immune response that results in inflammation. If a rash is not caused by infection, but rather irritation or auto-immune reaction, cortisone will subdue it, but it can always come back.
For a rash caused by an infection, cortisone is the wrong choice. It will allow the infection to get a better hold by weakening your immune response.
2006-08-02 16:39:08 · answer #1 · answered by oohhbother 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrocortisone does help with some skin rashes but it should be used only for very short periods. It's no good for rosacea as in the long run it will make the skin more red. Hydrocortisone use over a long time will make the skin thin out and can actually make the skin redder.
2006-08-06 12:21:40 · answer #2 · answered by Garfield 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrocortisone is a steroid and reduces swelling. It does not mask the symptoms as such, but it does reduce the body's reaction that caused the rash.
For example, it can prevent the body from responding to a mosquito bite but the substance the body wants to react to is still present.
In the case of say poison ivy, the body will respond for an extended time to the oil that caused the rash. Hydrocortisone will help reduce that reaction so you stop scratching sooner which will help heal faster.
2006-08-02 16:49:01 · answer #3 · answered by toejam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Synthetic cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is used as a drug mainly to fight allergies and inflammation.
Which means it treats the symptoms not cures the rash.
2006-08-02 16:37:11 · answer #4 · answered by gnomes31 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Hydrocortisone creams and lotions contain a steroid medication that relieves a variety of itchy rashes and inflammatory skin conditions."
You can have allergic reactions to hydrocortisone as well so if things are not improving or getting worse, call the doctor.
2006-08-02 16:38:20 · answer #5 · answered by Becky H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine said there's steriods in hydrocortisones. Maybe look for another ointment for skin rashes that don't have steroids. It is bad if you use it long term.
2006-08-02 16:36:56 · answer #6 · answered by Equinox 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It breaks the cycle that causes the rash. It does not work to eliminate the causative agent from the body.
2006-08-02 17:45:09 · answer #7 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would definitely depend on what the rash is caused by..
2006-08-07 12:54:20 · answer #8 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it doesn't cure them but by masking the symptoms it allows your skin to heal without you scratching it.
2006-08-02 16:37:08 · answer #9 · answered by maharet3am 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It cures it.
But its hard on the body long term.
2006-08-02 16:35:51 · answer #10 · answered by Lisa the Pooh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋