Symptoms of a Drug Prescription
TOPICAL OINTMENT & CREAM BASIC FACTS
Picture displayed is general lotion and should not be used as a product identifier.
The following highlights the facts. More information can be obtained through the sites listed below as well as many other informational sites regarding topical lotion and cream. Product facts can change. Make sure you have all up-to-date information.
Quick facts YOU Need to Know
Topical lotion and cream:
- Prescription
- Over-the-Counter
Topicals for eczema:
- Medication applied to the skin to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation
Different types of topicals for eczema include:
- Topical cortisteroids
- Topical calcineaurin inhibitors (TCIs)
- Topical PDE 4 inhibitors
- Topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
Black Box Warning for TCIs:
In 2006, the FDA implemented a black box warning for TCIs regarding long-term safety and a possible risk of lymphoma. This risk should be discussed with your health care provider.
Common side effects of topical steriods include:
- Thinning of the skin
- Stretch marks
- Spider veins
- Perioral dematitis
- Acne or rosacea-like rashes
Rare side effects of topical sterioids may include:
- Hypothalamic-pitutary-adrenal axis suppression
- Growth retaration in young children
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Topical Steroid withdrawal
Hydrocortisone topical:
Hydrocortisone topical is used to treat redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions.
Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids.
It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Common side effects of Hydrocortisone include:
- burning, itching, irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin
- acne
- unwanted hair growth
- skin color changes
- tiny red bumps or rash around the mouth
- small white or red bumps on the skin
Serious side effects of Hydrocortisone can include:
- severe rash
- redness, swelling, or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied hydrocortisone
Medication and Eye Sight:
Some drugs whether prescription or over-the-counter, lotion or pill can affect your vision:
- Corticosteroids, cream or pill form, can cause swelling in the back of the eye or retina and potentially lead to cataracts
Chemical sensitivities may trigger side effects that normally wouldn’t occur from an over-the-counter topical lotion and may not be recognized by the medical community.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.
Even though it may be purchased over-the-counter, it may cause adverse reactions as well as interactions with other medications.
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Sources used:
- National Eczema Association, Prescription Topicals, accessed April 3, 2024.
- National Library of Medicine, Topical Steroid Withdrawal, Brookes TS, Barlow R, Mohandas P, Bewley A. Topical steroid withdrawal: an emerging clinical problem. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2023 Aug 25;48(9):1007-1011. doi: 10.1093/ced/llad161. PMID: 37119282, accessed April 3, 2024.
- National Library of Medicine, Topical Corticosteroids, Gabros S, Nessel TA, Zito PM. Topical Corticosteroids. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532940/. accessed April 3, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic, What to Do When Medications Affect Your Vision, accessed April 3, 2024.
- MedlinePlus, Hydrocortisone Topical, accessed April 3, 2024.
Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
Medical Disclaimer:
We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the Website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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