Steroid Cream for Baby

[Rose1999]

Hello, my baby had been prescribed Hydrocortisone 1% for a rash. However, I’ve read lots online suggesting it’s highly unsuitable. Has anyone used this on their baby before?

Not a mum but I was prescribed it for severe eczema as a newborn in the 60s though I don’t know the strength . My mum was delighted with the results as it cured the eczema quickly meaning it was only used for a short period and I was a much happier baby as a result.

Not on a baby but on my child. You apply it very thinly. Amazing for flare ups.

Both dc devrloped eczema at about 4 months old. After getting nowhere with assorted gentler lotions and potions, they were prescribed 1% hydrocortisone, which literally cleared up their skin overnight. I think ds had one thin application and dd had 2.

They are now 12 and 15, and have had no skin problems at all, whereas dh and I are still troubled to some extent by lifelong psoriasis.

Sorry to sound daft but how much cream would I use in order to apply it thinly?

Be cautious. I was also prescribed this for my baby's eczema and found that whilst it took away some inflammation, it got a lot worse when I stopped using it.

Subsequently got told by a paediatrician that it's a very strong dose, stronger than is often prescribed for adults even.

We managed it better without the steroid in the end. Only anecdotal obviously

Hydrocortisone 1% is a very weak steroid cream, I wouldn't hesitate to use it on a short term basis to make my baby comfortable. It's usually twice a day for up to 7 days and use sparingly. Then once the skin is clear it's about moisturising lots and avoiding any identified triggers like dust or pet hair. I suffered with severe eczema as a child and used far stronger steroids frequently. It's almost the weakest steroid there is, though I think you can get 0.5% if you're really worried.

It is v weak, I used it on my children

That's really weak and presumably it's been prescribed for a reason. I wouldn't hesitate.

During lockdown we couldn't get a doctor to look at my 4 month old with eczema and it got terribly bad and infected. I wish we had had access to topical steroids sooner.

We ended up having to use Elocon (a stronger steroid) and my son also developed many food allergies (there's a strong correlation between untreated eczema in babies and food allergies developing).

Worth talking to your doctor about early allergen introduction when weaning.

1% is the lowest dosage. Adults can buy it over the counter and it can also be used and is sold as a bite and sting cream.

Yes I've used on my babes for eczema. It's fine for short term use on babies.

I have used this on my baby (and then moved onto stronger ones) for severe eczema starting from about 3 months old. We had no side effects or long term damage. I personally wouldn’t think twice about using 1%.

@Rose1999 ooh now. I used a tiny pea sized amount at a time and smeared it over affected areas. No build up. I seem to remember that the cream is yellow. Definitely rub it in until you can't see the colour.

Pharmacist recommended to tap the cream on lightly. You can buy bite & sting cream that's 1% hydrocortisone in Savers for £1.

Really? I wish we still had a savers near me.

My DS was born with a red rash on cheeks, I put hydrocortisone cream on him for 3 days, just a small covering, it cleared up lovely.