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

mometasone furoate

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Mometasone

Prescription only

Mometasone furoate is a topical steroid medication that's applied onto the skin. It's used to treat certain conditions that involve red, itchy, or dry skin, such as eczema and psoriasis. It comes in different formulations for adults and children. The cream and ointment are for people 2 years and older. And the topical solution and lotion are for people 12 years and older. You apply the medication to the affected area(s) of skin once daily. Temporary side effects include burning and itching where you applied the medication.

Indications for Mometasone

Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions (e.g., rash, eczema, psoriasis)

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and solution
Safe to use on children of certain ages (depends on formulation)
Only applied once a day

Cons

Not safe to use on sensitive areas, like the face, armpits, or groin
Should only use for short periods of time to lower the risk of skin thinning
Risk of topical steroid withdrawal after regularly using for a long time

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

Side effects aren't common. See other side effects.

Warnings for Mometasone

More side effects with longer use and coverings
Changes in stress hormone levels
Topical steroid withdrawal
Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma
Worsening of skin infections
Allergic skin reaction

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 Mometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg

$38.73$135.98

Get free coupons

More Information

Hydrocortisone1 tube / 30g of 2.5%

$12.55$13.99

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Mometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

mometasone furoate

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Mometasone

Indications for Mometasone

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

Warnings for Mometasone

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 Mometasone vs. Hydrocortisone

Compare other Eczema and Psoriasis drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

mometasone furoate

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Mometasone

Indications for Mometasone

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

Warnings for Mometasone

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

Warnings for Hydrocortisone