Abstract

Hydrocortisone is now used on the skin much less than it was because the newer synthetic fluorinated steroids are more effective. 1% hydrocortisone creams and ointments nevertheless remain useful anti-inflammatory and antipruritic preparations which are relatively cheap (basic NHS cost about 5/- for 15 G). Formulations containing 0.5% (costing about 3/6d for 15 G) have also long been available from many manufacturers. Are still greater dilutions effective?