Cortaid

Common use

Cortaid topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

Dosage and direction

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently. Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.
If the medicine is applied to the diaper area of an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Precautions

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland disorder) or Diabetes; Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head); Infection of the skin at or near the place of application; Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application.

Contraindications

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Possible side effect

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: acne or pimples; burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters; burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair; increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs; lightening of normal skin color; lightening of treated areas of dark skin; reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin; softening of the skin.

Drug interaction

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicine.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Overdose

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.