Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about breaking the itch cycle and restoring your skin’s natural radiance? Find answers below.
For medical questions, please contact your doctor or local poison control center.

Product Application

A CORTAID® hydrocortisone product should not be applied more than 3-4 times daily.

This product can be used for up to 7 days. Stop use and ask a doctor if condition worsens, symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have consulted a doctor.

CORTAID® hydrocortisone products are effective in providing maximum strength itch relief for itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation and rashes due to: eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, insect bites, soaps, detergents, cosmetics and jewelry. CORTAID® Maximum Strength Cream can also be used to temporarily relieve external and genital itching. Other uses of these products should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

CORTAID® hydrocortisone products are safe to apply to most body parts. Avoid contact with eyes, rectum or genital area if you have a vaginal discharge. Do not use for the treatment of diaper rash. CORTAID® hydrocortisone spray and CORTAID® 12 Hour Advanced Cream are not indicated for external anal and genital itching.

Both products provide maximum strength itch relief. Additionally, CORTAID® Intensive Therapy Cooling Spray has an original ITCH DISRUPTING FORMULA™ that provides instant cooling relief. And the unique ITCH SHIELD™ technology of CORTAID® 12-hour Advanced Anti-Itch Cream is clinically proven to seal maximum strength medicine for 12 hours.

No, covering an affected area is not recommended after applying a CORTAID® hydrocortisone product.

Health and Safety concerns

CORTAID® hydrocortisone products can be used on children 2 years of age or older to temporarily relieve itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to the labeled causes. You should consult a physician before using on children under the age of 2 years. Other uses of these products should be under the advice and supervision of a doctor. Do not use CORTAID® products for the treatment of diaper rash. Consult a doctor.

As with any drug product, please consult a doctor before using if you are a diabetic.

As with any medication, if pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a healthcare professional before using.

It should be fine to apply a CORTAID® hydrocortisone product and then still go out in the sun. CORTAID® hydrocortisone products are not a substitute for sunscreen.

Storage and Shelf-Life Information

To maintain product effectiveness throughout their expiration periods, CORTAID® products should be stored according to their labeled storage conditions, 20º to 25º C (68º to 77º F).

No. Using CORTAID® products after they have expired is not recommended. Please see the end of carton, bottle or tube crimp for lot number and expiration date.

Need further assistance?

Contact Us

Let us know of any comments, questions or concerns you may have about CORTAID® Brand products. For phone inquiries, call Our Consumer Care Center. If you are in the United States, you can call us toll free at: 1-800-451-5084 (TTY: 1-800-722-1322). We support Sorenson video relay service.