Hydrocortisone

Pros

• Effectively reduces redness and inflammation
• Provides quick relief for itching and allergic reactions
• Widely available as an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment
• Can help resolve minor skin flare-ups within a few days

Cons

• Risk of skin thinning (atrophy), especially on the face
• Potential to cause or worsen perioral dermatitis and breakouts
• Symptoms may rebound or return shortly after stopping use
• Risk of steroid dependency or misuse with prolonged application

Caveats

• Users warn against using it for longer than one week on the face
• Should not be applied to mucous membranes like the inside of the nose
• Often recommended to be used in conjunction with a heavy moisturizer like petroleum jelly

Best for

• Short-term relief of minor itching and inflammation
• Calming localized allergic skin reactions
• Temporary management of acute eczema or dermatitis flares

Avoid if

• You need a long-term solution for a chronic skin condition
• You are applying it to sensitive areas with very thin skin for more than a few days
• You have a history of perioral dermatitis