Hydrocortisone Cream 1%

Hydrocortisone Cream 1% contains the same active ingredient as HC45 cream which retails for £3.49 in chemists and supermarkets. Hydrocortisone cream acts by altering the body's responses to inflammatory reactions. It is an effective treatment that reduces inflammation and relieves itching and irritation for up to 12 hours. Hydrocortisone cream also promotes healing, due to Insect bites, mild to moderate eczema, detergent hands, nickel allergy, plant allergy, strong detergent chemicals and dermatitis.

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone acetate, which is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to irritation, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful.

When hydrocortisone is applied to the skin it reduces the swelling, redness and the itch.

What is it used for?

Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that is applied to the skin to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema or insect bite reactions.

• Eczema
• Reactions to insect bites and stings
• Skin inflammation due to allergies or irritants (allergic or irritant dermatitis)

Product images shown are for illustration purposes only and may differ slightly from actual product appearance.

How can you sell this item for so much less than my local chemist?

We keep our overheads to a minimum, ensure the margins added are fair and work on larger sale volumes than a local chemist. All these measures provide major cost saving benefits to the consumer. Our prices on this medication are based on the non branded version of HC45 Cream. HC45 Cream's active ingredient is 1% Hydrocortisone which actually provides the desired effects.

Does your medication give me the same effect as the branded version?

Absolutely. When a pharmaceutical company develops a drug it is given unique rights to sell it for a number of years. Once that ends any company can make it providing they meet the regulations. Therefore, over the counter drugs have identical medical properties regardless of brand, packaging and advertising.

The key is the ‘active' ingredient - the chemical that actually treats the symptom.  Protections and quality control apply equally to all branded and non branded products. The non branded product must meet the same quality standards as the branded version. Packaging may vary, but the items are identical and the results will be the same.

Dr. Chris Steele GP, the resident Doctor on ITV1's This Morning agrees:

“The key is the active ingredient. Look on the brand you know, note the active ingredient and then check it's the same one at the same dose as the generic brand."

How do I use Hydrocortisone 1% Cream:

The active ingredient in Hydrocortisone:

Possible side effects when using Hydrocortisone Cream 1%:

Most people find using this cream causes no problems when used in the right amount for the correct length of time. If you find your condition gets worse during treatment you may be allergic to the cream or have a skin infection. Stop using the cream and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Using more than the correct amount may:

• Thin the skin so that it damages easily
• Allow the active ingredient to pass through the skin and affect other parts of the body
• In very rare cases, a change in the colour of the skin, or increased growth of hair in areas where the cream is used have been reported.
• If you feel unwell or have any unusual discomfort you do not understand, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Caution before using Hydrocortisone Cream 1%:

• Do not use on eyes or face, anal or genital areas, or on broken or infected skin; e.g. impetigo, cold sores, acne or athletes foot.
• Do not use in pregnancy or on children under 10 without medical advice.
• If the condition does not improve, or anything unusual happens, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Standard Delivery
For orders under £40 in value we charge £3.49 for UK mainland delivery, regardless of weight and size. The vast majority of orders (over 90%) are despatched either on the same working day or the following working day. A signature is required on receipt. Our standard delivery option includes packaging, handling, delivery insurance and Royal Mail 1st Class recorded delivery postal costs.
To ensure patient safety, private prescription orders are despatched via a courier delivery service and are not eligible for free delivery.
For orders that weigh 25kg or more (and for every subsequent 25kgs) there is an additional handling charge of £3.49 per 25kg. All other delivery conditions apply as above.

Delivery charges to Europe are shown at checkout dependent on the weight of your parcel and destination. Delivery is usually within 3-10 days from dispatch. Certain product and weight restrictions apply.

Delivery charges to regions outside of Europe are shown at checkout dependent on the weight of your parcel and destination. Delivery is usually 5-15 days from dispatch. All prices shown online include VAT At checkout VAT ( %) will be deducted where applicable.

Note: Certain weight and product restrictions apply.

To ensure patient safety, private prescription orders are despatched via a courier delivery service and are not eligible for free delivery.