Dermatological conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, may lead a
physician to prescribe a treatment of hydrocortisone in order to
minimize the inflammation to the immune system these conditions can
cause.
Hydrocortisone is a synthetic form of a naturally
occurring hormone, cortisol, that is produced in the cortex of the
adrenal glands. The human body has two adrenal glands, each one located
atop a kidney.
Conditions caused or exacerbated by stress or
inflammation usually subside when hydrocortisone treatment is given.
Chronic allergic conditions, such as rheumatic arthritis and atopic
dermatitis, are usually relieved, too.
Cortisol is known as
the “stress hormone” because it is released during times of stress in
an effort to restore our body functions (blood pressure, heart and
respiratory rates, etc.) to normal once the stressful episode is passed.
During
periods of chronic stress, such as prolonged inflammation or allergic
reaction), extra cortisol may be needed to maintain homeostasis. It’s
in these events that hydrocortisone may be prescribed.
The
amount of cortisol in circulation in the bloodstream varies over the
course of the day. Levels are highest early in the morning and lowest
after several hours of sleep. Since the body’s natural production of
cortisol fluctuates this way, therapeutic doses of hydrocortisone may
be scheduled accordingly for optimum benefit.
When long-term
hydrocortisone therapy is undertaken, careful attention must be paid to
the demands of a typical lifestyle. Stress-inducing events such as
travel, illness, and holidays may alter the effect of the dosage
routinely taken and adjustments may be in order.
Adjustments
to hydrocortisone dosage may also be called for when facing surgery or
during and after illness, injury, or similar traumatic experiences.
Hydrocortisone
is most often given as an oral medication or intravenous injection.
Creams and ointments featuring hydrocortisone in low concentrations are
available without prescription but stronger concentrations require
prescriptions.
When prednisolone, another common steroid
treatment, cannot be tolerated, hydrocortisone is often substituted for
either its anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive actions.