| Brand | Cortizone-10 |
| Product Line | Maximum Strength Soothing Aloe |
| Product Type | Anti-itch corticosteroid cream |
| Active Ingredient | Hydrocortisone 1% |
| Additional Ingredient | Aloe barbadensis leaf juice |
| Dosage Form | Topical cream |
| Package | 1 oz (28 g) tube |
| Primary Purpose | Temporary relief of itching and minor skin inflammation |
| Application Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times daily |
| Age Guidance | Ages 2 and older for general skin itching; ask a doctor for children under 2 |
| Prescription Status | Over-the-counter (OTC) |
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream for Itch Relief
Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength Soothing Aloe Cream provides temporary relief from itching caused by minor skin irritation, inflammation and certain rashes. It combines 1% hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, with aloe leaf juice in a topical cream base.
The formula is intended for short-term treatment of affected skin, including itching associated with eczema, insect bites and contact with common irritants.
Pharmacy Availability
Find pharmacy locations and contact information through the Sweetwater Medical Center pharmacy finder.
What Cortizone-10 Soothing Aloe Treats
Itching can develop when the skin reacts to an allergen, an irritating substance or an inflammatory condition. Hydrocortisone helps calm the local inflammatory response, reducing the discomfort that can lead to repeated scratching.
The product’s Drug Facts label identifies several uses:
- Eczema: temporary relief of itching associated with mild flare-ups.
- Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis: relief of itching and minor inflammation.
- Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac: reduction of itching from contact-related rashes.
- Insect bites: relief of localized irritation.
- Contact irritation: itching associated with soaps, detergents, jewelry and cosmetics.
Hydrocortisone controls symptoms; it does not remove the underlying cause. For example, skin exposed to an irritating detergent may continue to react until contact with that substance stops.
It is not an antifungal or antibiotic treatment. A rash caused by an infection may need a different medication.
How the Hydrocortisone and Aloe Formula Works
Hydrocortisone is a low-potency topical corticosteroid. It reduces inflammatory activity in the treated skin, helping ease itching, redness and irritation. The 1% concentration is the maximum hydrocortisone strength generally available in nonprescription skin creams in the United States.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice is included among the inactive ingredients. It contributes to the soothing cream formulation but is not the active anti-itch medication.
The cream also contains ingredients such as glycerin, mineral oil and petrolatum. These help give it a spreadable consistency and support the skin’s moisture barrier.
Despite the word “maximum” on the package, this remains a low-potency corticosteroid. Stronger prescription topical steroids are available for conditions requiring more intensive treatment.
How to Apply Cortizone-10 Cream
For ordinary skin irritation and rashes, adults and children ages 2 and older may apply the cream to the affected area no more than three to four times daily. Children younger than 2 require medical guidance before use.
Prepare the Skin
Gently clean and dry the area if needed. Avoid harsh scrubbing, particularly when the skin is already irritated.
Apply a Thin Layer
Spread a small amount of cream over the itchy area. Use only enough to cover the affected skin rather than applying a thick coating.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands after application unless they are the area being treated. Avoid transferring the cream to the eyes.
Do not use the cream more frequently than the label allows. If symptoms continue for more than seven days, worsen or disappear and return within a few days, stop use and seek medical advice.
Special Precautions for Sensitive Areas
Skin on the face, around the eyes and in body folds can be more sensitive to topical corticosteroids. Avoid applying Cortizone-10 near the eyes, and do not use it extensively on delicate skin without appropriate guidance.
The product is also labeled to relieve external anal and genital itching in adults, with specific restrictions. For these uses, the area should be gently cleaned, rinsed and dried before applying the cream. Children under 12 should not use it for external anal or genital itching without a doctor’s advice.
Do not apply the product inside the rectum with fingers or an applicator. The label also advises against genital use when vaginal discharge is present and prohibits self-treatment of diaper rash.
Rectal bleeding is a reason to stop use and obtain medical evaluation.
When to Avoid Hydrocortisone Cream
Not every itchy rash is caused by inflammation that should be treated with a corticosteroid. Fungal infections, bacterial skin infections and some other conditions can resemble eczema or contact dermatitis. Hydrocortisone may temporarily reduce visible redness without treating an underlying infection.
Avoid using the cream on an unexplained, spreading or visibly infected rash without appropriate evaluation. It should not be applied to open wounds as a substitute for wound treatment.
Using topical steroids too often, for too long or under tightly sealed coverings can increase the chance of unwanted effects, including skin thinning or changes in skin appearance. Follow the recommended treatment period and avoid combining multiple hydrocortisone products unless directed by a doctor.
Stop use if significant burning, increased irritation or an allergic reaction develops.
Storage and Tube Handling
Keep the cap firmly closed between applications and store the tube according to the temperature instructions on its packaging. Protect it from excessive heat and contamination.
Avoid touching the tube opening directly to irritated or broken skin. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.
If the cream is swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.