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Increase Your Awareness with Basic Facts about Topicals
Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ August 4, 2026
*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
Topicals are creams, lotions, ointments, gels, sprays or patches used directly on the skin.
Topicals can be a prescription or purchased over-the-counter.
Topical medications include:
- Corticosteroids (for inflammation and itching)
- Antibacterials (for cuts and infections)
- Antifungals (for yeast and ringworm)
- Pain Relievers and Anesthetics
Topicals for eczema include:
- Topical cortisteroids
- Topical calcineaurin inhibitors (TCIs)
- Topical PDE 4 inhibitors
- Topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
Topical coristeroids (steroids) are classified by their strength (or potency):
- Class 1: super potent to
- Class 7: least potent
Most common side effects of topical steroids include:
- skin thinning
- acne
- skin discoloration
- stretch marks
More serious side effects of topical steroids may include:
- Hypothalamic-pitutary-adrenal axis suppression
- Growth retaration in young children
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Topical Steroid withdrawal
The systemic adverse effects of topical corticosteroids include:
- glaucoma, hypothalamic-pituitary axis suppression
- Cushing syndrome
- hypertension
- hyperglycemia
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.
Hydrocortisone 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
Children who use hydrocortisone topical may have an increased risk of side effects including slowed growth and delayed weight gain.
Chemical Sensitivities:
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.
Important:
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.
Sources used:
- National Eczema Association, Prescription Topicals, accessed July 22, 2026.
- 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 July 22, 2026.
- 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 July 22, 2026.
- MedlinePlus, Hydrocortisone Topical, accessed July 22, 2026.
- National Eczema Foundation, What does a black box warning mean, accessed July 22, 2026.
- National Library of Medicine, Ocular side-effects of Topicals, Daniel BS, Orchard D. Ocular side-effects of topical corticosteroids: what a dermatologist needs to know. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Aug;56(3):164-9. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12292. Epub 2015 Mar 5. PMID: 25754554, accessed July 24, 2026.
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