hydrocortisone cream reaction

[shelley002]

Dear Doctor,

I was seen for some mild swelling on my face (probably due to some sunscreen or makeup I was using) on Jan. 24th and my doctor prescribed me some .02% hydrocortisone cream for my face.  I put it on my face and the remainder I rubbed in my hands.  I did this for three days, and afterward my skin was red and burning, and the skin has thinned and the skin is strange looking. I stopped as soon as I noticed something was wrong. It's still really damaged (March 10th).  Mostly discolored, thin, and lots of veins sticking out on both hands.  My face is starting to heal, but basically did the same thing as my hands.  Thinning of the skin mostly.  I tried to put moisturizer on my hands because they were dry yesterday, and my hands got all inflamed again and red.  I'm not sure what to do.  My skin was in great shape before this, I do not go out in the sun and have fair, usually beautiful skin.  How long does this take to heal?  Why did this happen?  What happened? Also the cuts on my hands are taking longer to heal.  

Anything I can do to help the situation?  I am praying every day that this goes away very soon.  I must go to work soon and travel, so any thoughts to help would be very appreciated.

[shelley002]

ok, thanks doctor.  they said it was probably an allergic reaction to that or textrol (spelling?) which was also prescribed.  So I stopped the treatments like they said.  

Ok, I'll schedule an appt.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

First, hydrocortisone .02% does not thin the skin
Second, hydrocortisone .02% does not damage the skin.

You are describing the signs of inflammation, probably the eczema the doctor that treated you in the first place.  Possibly the hydrocortisone .02% wasn't strong enough, or perhaps you need to use it longer.

Any way you look at it, you don't need to worry that your skin is permanently damaged.  You do need to speak to the doctor who treated you (or another one, if you want.)  But it has to be in person.  Internet research will not give you the answers (and treatment) you need.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[shelley002]

oops... I guess inflamed is not the right word for my hands... I meant burning sensation and redness