What is Benzoyl Perox-Hydrocortisone? Uses, warnings & side effects

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on diaper rash or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.

Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.

For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of lotion before using it.

For the foam: Do not use the foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking.

This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine). Make sure you understand how to use the applicator. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

If this medicine is to be used on the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to steroid medicines such as hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone. You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about ingredients in the corticosteroid combination that you are using. You should not use this medicine to treat a fungal infection or an infection like chicken pox.

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, planning on becoming pregnant, or if you have a tuberculosis infection of the skin. Tell your doctor if you have a history of diabetes, asthma, or stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you currently have an active outbreak of herpes or cold sores. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfites, or to any other medicine.

This medicine may raise your blood sugar.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

New or worsening skin rash, blisters, or peeling skin.

Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the area being treated.

Do not use any other medicine that contains a steroid while you are using this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other medicine which makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Corticosteroid combination medicines have different ingredients, depending on the type and brand of medicine it is. The drugs or food you may need to avoid depend on the specific corticosteroid combination you are using. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. Avoid using medicated, irritating, or drying soaps or cleansers on the area being treated.