Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone for Eczema and Psoriasis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Alclometasone

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Alclometasone

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.

Indications for Alclometasone

Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions

Pros and Cons for Alclometasone

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

Common Side Effects for Alclometasone

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%)

Warnings for Alclometasone

Changes in stress hormone levels
Skin infection
Skin irritation

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Prescription or over-the-counter

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 for Hydrocortisone

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 for Hydrocortisone

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 for Hydrocortisone

Burning
Itching
Skin irritation
Dry skin
Inflamed hair follicles

Warnings for Hydrocortisone

Hormone problems and withdrawal
High blood sugar
New or worsened skin infection
Skin problems

Prices with our coupons for Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

Alclometasone1 tube / 15g of 0.05%

$17.36$65.99

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Hydrocortisone1 tube / 30g of 2.5%

$12.55$13.99

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Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

Alclometasone

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Alclometasone

Indications for Alclometasone

Pros and Cons for Alclometasone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Alclometasone

Warnings for Alclometasone

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

Warnings for Hydrocortisone

Prices with our coupons for Alclometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

Browse medications by letter

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Alclometasone

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Alclometasone

Indications for Alclometasone

Pros and Cons for Alclometasone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Alclometasone

Warnings for Alclometasone

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

Warnings for Hydrocortisone