Key takeaways
Crisaborole (Eucrisa) and hydrocortisone are both topical medications used to treat eczema, but they belong to different medication classes. Crisaborole is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, while hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid. Crisaborole is specifically FDA-approved for mild-to-moderate eczema in people 3 months and older, whereas hydrocortisone is used for a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and skin rashes, and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Crisaborole is applied as an ointment twice daily, while hydrocortisone comes in various forms like creams and lotions, with dosing frequency depending on the formulation. Crisaborole's common side effect is burning or stinging at the application site, whereas hydrocortisone can cause skin irritation, thinning, and other side effects if used long-term. Unlike crisaborole, hydrocortisone can be used for short-term relief of skin irritations and is available as a lower-cost generic option.
