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Cloderm vs. Hydrocortisone

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

Clocortolone

(Cloderm)

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topical hydrocortisone

 

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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

Price Card Drug Icon
Clocortolone Pivalate1 tube / 45g of 0.1%
$88.73$348.37
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Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocortisone1 tube / 30g of 2.5%
$13.25$13.99
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