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How long to use hydrocortisone cream.

Written by Paul B. at 24 Jun 2001 15:36:47:

As an answer to: How long can I safely use hydrocortizyl cream? written by Paul at 20 Jun 2001 12:47:14:

> Hi there; I'm going to be using 1% hydrocortizyl cream to help cure my phimosis. But I've heard
> that long-term use can be hazardous.

The principal risk is the development of candida - which may have already contributed to the
phimosis. You would be better to use a combination with an anti-candidal agent, such as Daktacort.

> I plan to use it sparingly, twice a day.

Only on the tight part.

> Does anyone have an idea how long I should use it for continually?
> And also, how long a break I should take before I begin to reuse it?

Given my suggestion above, as long as it takes. It is pretty safe really.

The cream (or better: ointment) which you should not use for longer than a month or so is the
fluorinated steroid such as Betnovate or Aristocort (or Elocon). But these would probably be far
more effective in causing the tight foreskin to stretch (applied only to the tight part).
Again, in the presence of any inflammation whatsoever, an antifungal (Daktarin) must be used as well.


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