HC45 hydrocortisone cream

HC45 Hydrocortisone Acetate Cream box for eczema dermatitis and insect bites white and blue packaging containing 1 percent hydrocortisone acetate available from Star Pharmacy.

HC45 hydrocortisone cream

Price range: £11.00 through £12.00

HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream is a mild corticosteroid ointment designed to provide quick and effective relief from redness, itching and inflammation caused by a variety of irritants. Whether it is eczema, insect bites, or dermatitis, it offers fast comfort by calming the skin’s inflammatory response.

✔ Trusted by dermatologists and pharmacists
✔ Suitable for eczema flare-ups, insect bites, dermatitis, and allergic skin reactions
✔ Fragrance-free and quickly absorbed
✔ No greasy residue

Star Pharmacy offers HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream as part of our reliable skin-soothing range. It is ideal for short-term use on small patches of affected skin, making it suitable for targeted treatment on the face, neck, hands, or body.

What is HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream?

HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream is a topical corticosteroid used to relieve skin inflammation caused by various conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, insect bites, and allergic reactions. It contains Hydrocortisone Acetate 1% w/w, which is a mild steroid designed for short-term relief of skin irritation. Its active ingredient, hydrocortisone acetate 1%, works by calming the skin’s overactive inflammatory response, providing noticeable relief within a short period. Whether your symptoms are caused by environmental triggers, insect bites, or mild allergic reactions, HC45 offers fast and effective comfort, allowing you to get back to feeling yourself again. When skin reacts to certain allergens and skin conditions, it often leads to redness, itching or soreness. The Hydrocortisone helps block this reaction, soothing the affected skin. This cream is often recommended as a first-line treatment for short-term relief. HC45 has a non-greasy and fast-absorbing formula that is easy to apply and gentle on dry and sensitive skin when used as directed.

How does it work?

Hydrocortisone mimics the effects of natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands. When applied to the skin, it works by suppressing the immune system’s inflammatory response, which helps reduce redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort. HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream is a mild corticosteroid treatment designed to relieve redness, itching, and swelling caused by common skin irritations.

Why choose HC45?

  • It has a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula for easy application
  • Suitable for dry and sensitive skin when used as directed
  • Provides targeted relief for small, affected areas
  • Mild steroid suitable for short-term use

What makes it effective?

Its active ingredient, Hydrocortisone Acetate, has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (anti-itch), and vasoconstrictive properties. It interrupts the skin’s inflammatory cycle, providing relief from irritation while helping to restore the skin’s natural barrier.

What types of conditions is it used for?

  • Eczema and dermatitis
  • Reactions to insect bites or stings
  • Allergic reactions to substances like nickel
  • Mild cases of psoriasis
  • Other localised non-infective skin irritations

Who can use HC45?

  • Adults and children over the age of 10
  • Individuals seeking short-term relief from mild inflammatory skin conditions
  • People with localised irritation, dry patches, or sensitive skin
  • Those looking for a low-strength, over-the-counter steroid treatment

It is not suitable for:

  • Children under 10, unless advised by a healthcare provider
  • Long-term daily use
  • Widespread skin application
  • Use on broken or infected skin

What skin conditions is it suitable for?

  • Eczema and contact dermatitis
  • Reactions from insect bites or stings
  • Allergic skin reactions, including those caused by nickel or cosmetics
  • Mild to moderate psoriasis on small patches
  • Irritated, itchy, or inflamed skin not caused by infection

Who should avoid using it?

  • Children under 10 years, unless specifically directed
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless advised by a healthcare professional
  • Anyone with broken, infected, or acne-prone skin
  • Those who require long-term daily treatment or application to large areas of skin

Important usage warnings:

  • For external use only
  • Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days unless directed by a healthcare provider
  • Avoid applying the cream to broken, infected, or acne-affected skin
  • Keep away from the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes

Storage warnings:

  • Keep the cream out of sight and reach of children
  • Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources

When to seek medical advice:

  • If symptoms persist or worsen after 7 days of use
  • If signs of an allergic reaction occur, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
  • If the treated area becomes painful, weepy, or infected
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before use
  • If you are taking other medications or using other topical treatments

General precautions:

  • Always read the patient information leaflet provided with the product before use
  • Do not use under occlusive dressings (bandages or wraps) unless advised
  • Wash your hands after applying, unless the hands themselves are being treated

Before application:

  • Wash and gently clean the affected area with mild soap and water
  • Pat dry thoroughly before applying the cream

Application instructions:

  • Squeeze out a thin layer of HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream
  • Gently rub into the affected area until fully absorbed
  • Apply once or twice daily, depending on the severity of symptoms
  • Do not exceed two applications in 24 hours

After use:

  • Wash hands thoroughly after applying, unless treating hands
  • Avoid covering the area with dressings unless directed
  • Do not apply cosmetics or other skin products over the treated area unless advised

Duration of use:

  • Use for a maximum of 7 days
  • If symptoms do not improve, consult a healthcare professional

Active Ingredient:

Hydrocortisone Acetate 1% w/w: 

A mild corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching by suppressing the skin’s immune response.

Inactive Ingredients:

These support the cream’s texture, stability, and absorption:

Benzoyl Alcohol: 

Used as a preservative; may have mild antiseptic properties

Ceteareth-20: 

An emulsifying agent that helps mix oil and water-based ingredients

Light Liquid Paraffin: 

A moisturiser that softens and protects dry skin

Glyceryl Monostearate: 

Used to stabilise and thicken the cream

White Soft Paraffin:

Provides a soothing, protective barrier on the skin

Cetostearyl Alcohol:

An emollient and stabiliser that softens the skin

Purified Water: 

Solvent and base for the cream formulation

Like all medicines, HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Common Side Effects:

  • Mild stinging or burning sensation at the site of application
  • Itching or dryness in the treated area

Uncommon Side Effects:

  • Skin thinning or discolouration with prolonged use
  • Redness, irritation, or rash from prolonged use or sensitivity
  • Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)

Rare Side Effects:

  • Allergic skin reactions such as swelling, itching, or blistering
  • Worsening of existing skin conditions if misused
  • Increased hair growth or visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) in the treated area

Effects of long-term or inappropriate use:

  • Skin thinning or stretch marks
  • Suppression of the skin’s natural hormone production
  • Increased risk of skin infections or delayed wound healing
  • Potential systemic absorption, especially when used on large areas or under occlusion

When to stop using and seek medical help:

  • If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction
  • If skin irritation worsens or becomes painful
  • If symptoms do not improve within 7 days

Reviews

user

Adam

Exceptional service. We needed medicine for my parents. The pharmacy was able to arrange stock and deliver the medication on the same day. The team really went the extra mile.

user

Galaxy 24

Really good staff! Very helpful and prompt. I had a really bad experience at my previous pharmacy, really happy I moved over. Recommend to everyone especially because they’re open 7 days a week even on bank holidays!

user

Aleena W

I had an excellent experience at Star Pharmacy! The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. They go above and beyond to answer questions and ensure you get the right medication. The store is clean, well-organized, and fully stocked with everything you need. Highly recommend this pharmacy for their outstanding customer service!

user

Rachel

Excellent pharmacy, quick and kind. Now that I’ve moved house, I still travel all the way here even though I could pick somewhere closer. Just couldn’t go anywhere else!

user

Krystal Clair

Always really helpful & so friendly. Even when not dispensing my medicine, the pharmacist has given me second opinion and checked me over. Have ordered me needles in that I had trouble getting elsewhere also. So refreshing to find a pharmacy who wants to help and is kind!

How it Works

Clinician review

From everyday health needs to skin concerns and travel essentials. Discover safe medicines tailored to your condition and needs. 

Pick up or fast delivery

Enjoy a one-to-one consultation with our expert. We’ll review your symptoms and history to recommend the safest treatment.

Receive Fast Delivery support

With discreet packaging, fast dispatch, and easy reordering, staying on top of your health has never been simpler.

FAQs

HC45 hydrocortisone cream is used to relieve inflammation, redness, and itching caused by eczema, dermatitis, insect bites, or allergic skin reactions. It is suitable for short-term use.

Apply a thin layer of HC45 cream to the affected area once or twice daily. Gently rub in and wash your hands after using. Do not use on broken or infected skin.

HC45 is not recommended for facial use unless advised by a healthcare professional, as facial skin is more sensitive to steroid use.

HC45 cream can be used for a maximum of 7 days unless a doctor instructs otherwise. Due to steroids, prolonged use can cause skin thinning and other side effects.

Consult your healthcare provider before using HC45 cream if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should only be used if needed and under medical supervision.

Possible side effects of HC45 cream include skin thinning, irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions with prolonged or inappropriate use. Discontinue if irritation occurs.

Do not cover the area with any dressings unless directed by a healthcare professional, as this increases absorption and the risk of side effects.

HC45 cream is suitable for children over 10 years old. For younger children, consult a healthcare professional before use.

HC45 cream should be stored below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Topical use is unlikely to cause interactions, but always tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about other treatments before using HC45 cream.

Book Free Consultation

Book Free Consultation