Hydrocortisone cream for acne

Hey Guys,

I’ve noticed a lot of discussion about spot treatments here, but there isn’t much mention of using hydrocortisone cream for large, swollen, and red pimples. I happened to have Cortizone-10 cream in my medicine cabinet and a particularly stubborn pimple on my chin, so I decided to give it a try. Before bed, I applied a small amount with a Qtip directly on the pimple, then covered it with a Cosrx pimple patch. Surprisingly, it seemed to help shrink the pimple and reduce redness by the next morning.

I’m wondering if anyone else uses hydrocortisone cream in this way and if it’s safe for use as a spot treatment on the face? TIA

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While your experience sounds positive, it’s generally not recommended for long-term use on the face. Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation which can shrink pimples quickly, but it doesn’t tackle the root cause of acne. Frequent use on the face can even thin the skin. Sticking to acne-fighting products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is a safer bet. If you have stubborn pimples, a dermatologist can recommend the best course of action for your skin.

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Hydrocortisone and Acne:

Temporary Relief:

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Hydrocortisone is a steroid cream that reduces inflammation and redness, which can temporarily calm a large, inflamed pimple.
  • Not a Cure: It doesn’t address the underlying causes of acne, such as excess oil production and bacteria.

Long-Term Use Concerns:

  • Skin Thinning: Prolonged use of hydrocortisone on the face can lead to thinning of the skin and other side effects.
  • Not Recommended: It’s generally not advisable to use hydrocortisone as a regular acne treatment.

Safer Alternatives for Acne:

Over-the-Counter Treatments:

  • Effective Ingredients: Products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) target the root causes of acne.
  • Readily Available: These treatments can be found in most drugstores and are effective for many people.

Dermatologist Consultation:

  • Personalized Plan: For stubborn or severe acne, a dermatologist can recommend a personalized treatment plan.
  • Prescription Options: They may prescribe stronger topical treatments or oral medications.

Safety of Hydrocortisone Cream:

Short-Term Use:

  • Occasional Use: Using hydrocortisone cream for a day or two on a particularly inflamed pimple might be okay.
  • Doctor’s Advice: It’s best to consult a doctor for advice on proper usage.

Sensitive Skin:

  • Potential Irritation: Be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as hydrocortisone can cause irritation.

Moving Forward:

Consult a Doctor:

  • Persistent Acne: If you have persistent acne, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.
  • Tailored Treatment: They can recommend a safe and effective acne treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Spot Treatments:

  • Formulated for Acne: Consider using spot treatments specifically formulated for acne.
  • Targeted Action: These products often contain ingredients that address the underlying causes of acne.

Using steroid creams on your face presents a catch-22 situation. While they initially reduce inflammation and redness, prolonged use can lead to dependency, causing increased inflammation and irritation unless the cream is continuously applied. This can eventually result in perioral dermatitis.

My dad, who is a physician, warned me never to use hydrocortisone cream on my face when I asked him the same question some time ago.

My mother usually advises against using steroids as much as possible.

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Is your mother a medical professional or something?

I have tried it ,Hydrocortisone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a mild corticosteroid.