Hydrocortisone cream is an over-the-counter product that can provide itching relief, which makes it a favorite among people who have the skin condition seborrheic dermatitis. If your skin flakes, peels, and develops bumps, particularly along your hairline or in oily patches on your face, then it's likely seborrheic dermatitis. Before you reach for that hydrocortisone cream, though, you might want to take these concerns into consideration.
Thinning Skin
One of the problems with hydrocortisone cream is that its extended use can cause your skin to thin. This can make your skin more vulnerable to damage and even make the seborrheic dermatitis worse in the long run. For this reason, you should never view hydrocortisone cream as a cure or long-term treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.
Eye Damage
Hydrocortisone cream can be dangerous for the eyes if it gets in them. This is often a problem for people with seborrheic dermatitis because the condition tends to pop up on eyelids and eyebrows. While you might be tempted to use the cream in these areas, it's best to avoid it if you can so that none of it gets into your eyes. If you absolutely have to use it, make sure to use a very thin layer and never use it if you're sweating as your sweat could cause the cream to run into your eyes. Also, make sure that you wash your face every night before bed to remove all the remaining cream.
Infection Risk
Last but not least, you may have experienced a problem with your seborrheic dermatitis causing your skin to split open or to develop sores. If this happens to you, avoid the urge to apply hydrocortisone cream to the area.
Hydrocortisone cream reduces the immune response that the body has as with any steroid. If you have an open wound, you need your immune system to be on its toes to prevent foreign invaders from causing infections to your skin. So if you have to use anything on these patches, consider an antibiotic with a moisturizer in it instead.
To summarize, hydrocortisone cream isn't really a good solution for seborrheic dermatitis. If you want help with your skin condition, it's best to visit a dermatologist. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat your skin condition with methods that work and won't put your eyes or health at risk. So if you haven't yet, contact a dermatologist and set up an appointment to start getting control of your skin again.
For more information, reach out to a dermatologist in your area.
Dermatologists spend day in and day out helping patients improve the looks of their skin. Their primary goal is to get your skin healthy, but did you know that they also want you to feel confident? Skin problems like acne and psoriasis can leave patients with a lack of confidence. For some patients, this lack of confidence is so profound that they barely leave their homes. In helping to ease your skin conditions, dermatologists hope that you also get your confidence back. You can learn more about the work these doctors do on this website. Remember that by working with a dermatologist, you can improve the health of your skin and of your mind.