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Eucrisa vs. Hydrocortisone

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

Eucrisa

(crisaborole)

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topical hydrocortisone

 

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Summary for Eucrisa

Prescription only

Eucrisa (crisaborole) is an ointment that's used to treat eczema for people 3 months and older. The medication is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that works to help reduce skin inflammation and itching from eczema. The ointment is usually applied to the affected area(s) of skin twice a day. The most common side effect is burning or stinging on the skin where you apply the medication.

Indications for Eucrisa

Pros and Cons for Eucrisa

Pros

  • Easy-to-apply ointment
  • Safe to use on children as young as 3 months old
  • Can start to see improvement in your skin in about 1 week
  • An alternative to topical steroids to treat eczema

Cons

  • Must use twice daily
  • Can cause pain, burning, or stinging on the skin
  • Not approved for severe eczema
  • No lower-cost generic available

Common Side Effects for Eucrisa

  • Pain, burning, or stinging where the medication is applied (4%)

Warnings for Eucrisa

  • Allergic reactions

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 Eucrisa vs. Hydrocortisone

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Eucrisa1 tube / 60g of 2%
$158.48$939.01
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Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocortisone1 tube / 30g of 2.5%
$13.22$42.29
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