What it is and what it is used for

for

The name of this medicine is Boots DermaCare Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Ointment, but will be referred to as DermaCare Ointment throughout this leaflet. DermaCare Ointment contains the active substance micronised hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids, which act to relieve pain and swelling. DermaCare Ointment is a topical anti-inflammatory used in the treatment of:

• irritant dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
• contact allergic dermatitis
• insect bite reactions
• mild to moderate eczema (inflammation of the skin).

What you need to know before you take it

e DermaCare Ointment

Corticosteroid ointments come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. Be aware the percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Hydrocortisone 1% is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Do not use DermaCare Ointment:

• If you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• If you have an untreated skin infection such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis), chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (Herpes zoster), cold sores (Herpes simplex), impetigo, ringworm or thrush, infected lesions, ulcerative conditions, red appearance on face, peri-oral dermatitis, or acne.
• On the eyes and face, or ano-genital area.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using DermaCare Ointment:

• If you have psoriasis; the condition may become worse after stopping long-term treatment.
• If you will be applying the ointment to your face. This ointment should not be used for long on the

face as it may damage the facial skin.

• If you will be using the ointment for the treatment of dermatitis or nappy rash on children and infants. In this case the courses of treatment should not normally exceed 7 days.
• If you are using this ointment under an occlusive dressing that can considerably increase the absorption of this ointment.
• If your condition worsens during use consult a pharmacist or doctor – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition requires a different treatment.
• If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the ointment without consulting a pharmacist or doctor.
• If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment. Caution should be taken to keep away from the eyes. Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Children This product is not recommended for use on children under 10 years of age without medical supervision. Treatment in children should be restricted to no more than 5-7 days. Other medicines and DermaCare Ointment Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. If you are breast-feeding, do not apply the product to your chest area. DermaCare Ointment contains wool fat (lanolin) This may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).

How to take it

DermaCare Ointment

Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist have told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Wash your hands before and after applying DermaCare Ointment, but if applying to the hands, do not wash after application.

• Apply a small amount of ointment and smooth over the affected area.
• If the affected area becomes weepy or infected, stop using the ointment and speak to your doctor. You may need to start antibiotic treatment, especially if the infection spreads.
• You should not normally use DermaCare Ointment on the face for many weeks or months, unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose is: Adults (including the elderly)
• Gently apply ointment to the affected area(s) once or twice a day, reducing as the skin heals. Children and Infants
• Apply as for adults but avoid long-term use. Treatment should be limited to seven days especially in infants

• The lowest concentration suitable should be used
• Do not use under a nappy or an airtight dressing (such as a plaster) on an infant because this will enable too much active ingredient to pass through the skin. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully if using to treat nappy rash. This product is not recommended for use on children under 10 years of age without medical supervision. If you use more DermaCare Ointment than you should If you have squeezed out too much ointment, wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Do not use the ointment under dressings (such as plasters) or nappies because too much hydrocortisone may be absorbed and may result in adverse effects upon adrenal gland function. If you forget to use DermaCare Ointment If you forget to apply the DermaCare Ointment, apply it as soon as possible and carry on as before. If it is 3 hours or less until the next application, then ignore the missed dose. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most patients using DermaCare Ointment will have no problems when used in the correct amount for the prescribed time. If the following happens, stop using the ointment and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:

• an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing; skin rash or hives). This is a very serious but rare side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. Other effects which may occur:
• The skin may become thinner when used in the nappy areas of children where conditions are moist.
• If DermaCare Ointment is used often and for a long time, especially under dressings, adverse effects on adrenal gland function are more likely. These effects are also more likely in children and infants.
• Prolonged use, especially on sensitive areas including skin folds, may result in thinning of the skin, widening of the blood vessels, stretch marks and may suppress the functioning of the adrenal gland.
• Blurred vision. This side effect has been reported, but the frequency for it to occur is not known.
• Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction, which might appear to be different from the previous condition, may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping treatment, with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores. If your condition becomes worse during treatment you may have an allergy to one of the ingredients or an infection. Stop using the ointment and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. WBA-5833

How to store it

DermaCare Ointment

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25°C. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What DermaCare Ointment contains The active substance is micronised hydrocortisone. The other ingredients are wool fat (see section 2), liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin. What DermaCare Ointment looks like and contents of the pack A collapsible aluminium tube, with a membrane seal at the nozzle, internal epoxy lacquer, latex endseal band in the crimp seal area and a white plastic cap for reclosure after piercing membrane. DermaCare Ointment is provided in 10g and 15g tubes. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Strides Pharma UK Ltd., Unit 4, The Metro Centre, Dwight Road, Watford, WD18 9SS, United Kingdom. Manufacturer Beltapharm SpA, Via Stelvio, 66 – 20095 Cusano, Milanino – Milan – Italy. Distributed by The Boots Company PLC, Nottingham, NG2 3AA. This leaflet was last revised in February 2025. If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact The Boots Company PLC, Nottingham, NG2 3AA.

Other formats

To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product name: Boots DermaCare Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Ointment Reference: 13606/0187 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible