DermAid Soft Cream (Hydrocortisone 1% W/W)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is DermAid Soft Cream Used For?
DermAid Soft 1% cream is a topical medication that helps relieve skin problems by reducing inflammation and itching.
Primary Uses
This cream treats eczema, rashes caused by soap, detergent, cosmetics and jewelry, itching in genital and anal areas (not due to infections), sunburn, and other types of dermatitis.
How It Works
The active ingredient hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and itching, providing relief from symptoms associated with dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
Good to know: Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend this cream for other skin conditions beyond those listed.
How to Use DermAid Soft Cream
This cream is for external use only and should be applied directly to affected skin areas.
Application Instructions
Apply a thin layer to your skin 2 to 4 times a day. Use exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Using it less often may not work as well, while using it more often may not improve results faster and may cause side effects. For dry skin, you may use an emollient like QV Cream between applications.
What If You Miss an Application?
If you forget to apply the cream, use it as soon as you remember and then return to your normal application schedule. Do not try to make up for missed applications by using more than you would normally use.
Important: If your condition persists for more than 7 days, stop using the cream and see your doctor or pharmacist.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Slight stinging sensation
- Itching
- Redness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reaction
- Thinning of the skin
- Blurred vision or other vision disturbances
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before using this cream.
Who Should Not Use DermAid Soft Cream
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, other corticosteroids, or phenethyl alcohol. Do not use for acne, in the eyes, or if you have viral skin infections (cold sores, shingles, chicken pox), fungal infections (thrush, tinea, ringworm), or bacterial infections (impetigo, boils) unless your doctor tells you to.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
The cream can mask signs of infection, so keep the treated area clean. If there’s a possibility of infection, it should be controlled first. Do not use under plastic film unless specified by your doctor. Avoid getting cream in your eyes – if this happens, rinse with clean water.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your doctor will determine if you can use this cream during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Do not apply to breasts before breast-feeding.
Children Under 2: Do not use on children under 2 years of age unless your doctor tells you to.
Drug Interactions
It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and topical treatments you’re using.
- Other creams, ointments or lotions
- Any other medicines you are taking
Alcohol & Driving
No specific restrictions mentioned for this topical cream regarding alcohol consumption or driving ability.
Storage
Keep DermAid Soft 1% cream where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is ideal. Store in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Do not leave in the car or on windowsills as heat can destroy the medicine. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally apply too much cream, simply wipe off any excess. If the cream is accidentally swallowed, contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 03 474 7000 in New Zealand), or contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cream should be applied 2-4 times daily. If your condition persists for more than 7 days, discontinue use and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Be careful not to get the cream in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with clean water. The cream is for external use only on affected skin areas.
You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your doctor will tell you if you can use the cream during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other creams, ointments or lotions. For dry skin, you may find an emollient such as QV Cream provides further relief between applications.
If you forget to use the cream, apply it as soon as you remember and then go back to your normal application times. Do not try to make up for missed applications by using more than normal.
Do not use on children under 2 years of age unless your doctor tells you to. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using on children.
Do not use if you have viral skin infections (cold sores, shingles, chicken pox), fungal infections (thrush, tinea, ringworm), or bacterial infections (impetigo, boils) unless your doctor tells you to.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.