What is Cortisone Cream?
Cortisone cream, most commonly known by its generic name hydrocortisone, is a type of medication called a corticosteroid. It is designed to work by suppressing the inflammatory response of the body. When you experience a bug bite, allergic reaction, or a flare-up of eczema, your body releases inflammatory substances that cause redness, swelling, and itching. Hydrocortisone activates natural substances in the skin to calm this reaction, offering relief from the associated discomfort. Cortisone creams are available both over-the-counter in lower potencies (0.5% or 1.0%) and by prescription in higher strengths for more severe conditions. However, as noted by the Mayo Clinic, it's important to only use them on the skin conditions they are meant for.
Common uses for cortisone cream include:
- Eczema and dermatitis flare-ups
- Insect bites and stings
- Allergic skin rashes, like poison ivy
- Psoriasis patches
Cortisone cream is not effective against infections and can actually make them worse by suppressing the body's immune defenses.
What is an Antibiotic Cream?
In contrast, an antibiotic cream is specifically formulated to treat or prevent bacterial infections. These topical medications contain anti-infective components, such as neomycin, polymyxin B, or bacitracin, which kill bacteria or stop their growth. A common example is Neosporin®, which contains a combination of antibiotics. Antibiotic creams are used for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent bacterial contamination and aid in healing. They do not contain anti-inflammatory steroids and therefore will not treat the swelling and itching caused by non-infected rashes.
Common uses for antibiotic cream include:
- Minor cuts and scrapes
- Small burns
- Preventing infection after minor skin injury
- Treating existing bacterial skin infections, sometimes by prescription
Why the Confusion? The Role of Combination Creams
The primary reason for the confusion is the existence of combination products that contain both a corticosteroid like hydrocortisone and one or more antibiotics. Brand names like CORTISPORIN® are a prime example. In these cases, the steroid component is included to reduce the inflammation, itching, and redness that often accompany a skin infection, while the antibiotic components target the bacteria causing the infection. These prescription-only creams are used to treat corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions with secondary infection. It is important to note that these combinations are not for general use and should be applied only under a doctor's guidance, as improper use can be harmful. For example, applying a steroid to a fungal infection without an antifungal can cause it to spread.
Cortisone Cream vs. Antibiotic Cream: A Comparison
| Feature | Cortisone Cream (e.g., Hydrocortisone) | Antibiotic Cream (e.g., Neosporin®) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Action | Reduces inflammation, swelling, and itching. | Kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria. |
| Drug Class | Corticosteroid. | Antibacterial. |
| Use Case | Rashes, eczema, dermatitis, insect bites, allergic reactions. | Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent infection. |
| What It Treats | Inflammatory, non-infectious skin conditions. | Bacterial infections. |
| Effect on Infections | Can make bacterial, viral, or fungal infections worse. | Treats and prevents bacterial infections. |
| Common Ingredients | Hydrocortisone, Hydrocortisone acetate. | Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Bacitracin. |
When to Use Each Type of Cream
Choosing the correct cream depends entirely on the underlying cause of your skin issue. If the problem is an inflammatory condition like eczema, a bug bite, or a non-infected rash, a cortisone cream can provide targeted relief from the itching and swelling. However, if you have a minor cut, scrape, or burn, an antibiotic cream is the right choice to prevent bacteria from causing an infection. Never use a cortisone cream on an open wound or suspected infection, as it can worsen the problem. For anything beyond a minor, superficial injury or inflammation, or for any signs of worsening infection (redness, swelling, pus), consult a healthcare professional. Combination creams containing both a corticosteroid and an antibiotic are only for specific conditions diagnosed by a doctor and should be used as prescribed.
Conclusion
The simple answer to the question "Is cortisone cream an antibiotic?" is no. Cortisone cream is a steroid designed to reduce inflammation, while an antibiotic cream is designed to fight bacteria. Understanding this key difference is essential for proper and safe self-treatment. While some prescription products combine both types of medication for specific infected inflammatory conditions, a basic over-the-counter cortisone cream and an antibiotic cream are not interchangeable. Always identify the root cause of your skin problem—whether it's inflammation or a potential infection—and select the appropriate medication. For serious skin conditions or worsening symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is always the safest course of action.
