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Compare Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Alclometasone
    Topical hydrocortisone
  • Alclometasone
    Topical hydrocortisone

  • Summary of Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Alclometasone dipropionate is a low potency (strength) topical steroid medication that comes in both cream and ointment. It's used to relieve inflammation and itching from various skin conditions, such as eczema or allergic reactions. The medication can be used in adults and children 1 year and older. Typically, it's applied to the affected area(s) of the skin 2 or 3 times a day. While most people experience few to no side effects, some might have skin irritation or burning at the application site.

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Topical hydrocortisone is a steroid medication used to treat different skin conditions, such as eczema. It's available in many different formulations, including cream, ointment, lotion, and solution. Some strengths are found over the counter (e.g., hydrocortisone 1%), while you need a prescription for others (e.g., hydrocortisone 2.5%). In general, most people experience few to no side effects while using topical hydrocortisone as directed. Rarely, topical hydrocortisone might cause topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Watch out for skin rashes and irritations that get worse after stopping this medication.

  • Indications of Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Indications for
    •Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of skin irritations (e.g., itching) due to:

    •Skin inflammation
    •Skin rashes
    •Eczema
    •Psoriasis
    •Insect bites
    •Poison ivy or oak
    •Skin allergies
    •Dry scalp
    •Genital or rectal irritation

  • Pros and Cons of Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Low potency topical steroid, so it has lower risk of side effects
    •Available in both cream and ointment
    •Can be used in children 1 year and older
    Cons
    •Only used short term
    •Might not work as well for serious skin conditions
    •Applied multiple times a day
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •Available over the counter
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and solution
    Cons
    •Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and high blood sugar
    •Applied multiple times a day
    •Might affect your body's ability to fight off infections

  • Common Side Effects of Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Common Side Effects for

    Alclometasone cream:

    •Itching (2%)
    •Burning (2%)
    •Skin redness (2%)
    •Dry skin (2%)
    •Irritation (2%)
    •Itchy red bumps (2%)

    Alclometasone ointment:

    •Itching (1%)
    •Burning (1%)
    •Skin redness (1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin
    •Inflamed hair follicles

  • Warnings of Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Skin infection
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hormone problems and withdrawal
    •High blood sugar
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Learn more about Alclometasone
    Learn more about Topical hydrocortisone

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