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

Clocortolone

(Cloderm)

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Cloderm

Prescription only

Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical corticosteroid (or steroid) that's used to treat many types of skin problems that cause itchiness and inflammation (swelling and redness). This medication comes as a cream that's applied to the skin three times per day. Side effects aren't common but can include a burning sensation, dry skin, and skin irritation where the cream is applied.

Indications for Cloderm

Inflammatory skin conditions

Pros and Cons for Cloderm

Pros

A cream that's easy to apply
Treats many different skin conditions
Safe to use short term for children
Few side effects

Cons

Need to apply three times daily, which is more often than similar steroid medications
Risk of skin thinning with long-term use
Might not work well for severe skin conditions

Common Side Effects for Cloderm

Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

Warnings for Cloderm

Altered stress hormone levels

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 Cloderm vs. Hydrocortisone

Clocortolone Pivalate1 tube / 45g of 0.1%

$88.73$349.13

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Hydrocortisone1 tube / 30g of 2.5%

$12.35$13.99

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Cloderm vs. Hydrocortisone

Clocortolone

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Cloderm

Indications for Cloderm

Pros and Cons for Cloderm

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cloderm

Warnings for Cloderm

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 Cloderm vs. Hydrocortisone

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Clocortolone

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Cloderm

Indications for Cloderm

Pros and Cons for Cloderm

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cloderm

Warnings for Cloderm

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

Warnings for Hydrocortisone