What is Hycorum, and How is This Hydrocortisone Cream Used?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to regulatory documents, Hycorum is a brand of hydrocortisone 1% w/w cream, available in some regions to treat various inflammatory skin disorders. This topical corticosteroid works by reducing the inflammation, swelling, and itching associated with common skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis.

Quick Summary

Hycorum is a brand of hydrocortisone 1% cream, a topical corticosteroid used for mild to moderate inflammatory skin conditions. It treats eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites by reducing swelling, redness, and itching.

Key Points

Hycorum is Hydrocortisone: The term 'Hycorum' is a specific brand name for a hydrocortisone 1% w/w cream, not a unique generic drug.
Treats Inflammatory Skin Conditions: It is primarily used to relieve symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling associated with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and insect bites.
Reduces Inflammation: As a topical corticosteroid, its active ingredient, hydrocortisone, works by suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response at the application site.
Requires Caution with Long-Term Use: Prolonged application, especially on the face, to moist areas, or in infants, should be avoided to minimize the risk of side effects like skin thinning and systemic absorption.
Potential for Name Confusion: 'Hycorum' sounds similar to other medications, notably the opioid painkiller 'hydrocodone,' highlighting the importance of clear communication with healthcare providers.
Available Over-the-Counter and by Prescription: While milder hydrocortisone creams are sold over-the-counter, stronger formulations or use for specific conditions like diaper rash often require a prescription.
Safe When Used Correctly: Side effects are unlikely with short-term, correct use, but over-application or misuse can increase risk.

What is Hycorum?

Hycorum is the brand name for a topical hydrocortisone 1% w/w cream manufactured for use in certain countries, such as Kenya and Uganda. The name can be confusing, especially for those in regions where it is not commonly known or available, leading to questions about its identity and purpose. It is not a distinct drug but rather a specific formulation and brand of the well-known corticosteroid, hydrocortisone.

The product is a white, semi-solid cream designed for external application to the skin. The primary function of Hycorum, and any hydrocortisone cream, is to reduce the inflammation that causes discomfort and visible symptoms in various skin conditions. As a corticosteroid, it acts on the body’s immune system to suppress the inflammatory response directly at the site of application.

The active ingredient: Hydrocortisone 1% w/w

The effectiveness of Hycorum cream comes from its active ingredient, hydrocortisone, at a concentration of 1% w/w. Hydrocortisone is a mild-potency steroid used widely in dermatology. It works by mimicking the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands.

Mechanism of action

Hydrocortisone provides its anti-inflammatory effects through several mechanisms:

Stabilizes cell membranes: It prevents the release of inflammatory chemicals from white blood cells, such as neutrophils, effectively halting the inflammatory cascade.
Reduces chemical mediators: It decreases the formation, release, and action of various vasoactive chemicals involved in inflammation, which helps to reduce swelling and redness.
Suppresses gene expression: It inhibits the production of substances like cytokines that promote inflammation.

Therapeutic uses of Hycorum (hydrocortisone)

Hycorum cream is prescribed for the treatment of a range of mild to moderate skin disorders. These conditions often involve inflammation, itching (pruritus), and redness. Examples include:

Eczema: Various types, including atopic, infantile, discoid, and stasis eczema.
Dermatitis: Including seborrhoeic, intertrigo, contact, and allergic contact dermatitis.
Psoriasis: Specifically, fluxeral psoriasis.
Other irritations: Used for general irritant contact dermatitis, lichen simplex, and insect bite reactions.

It is important to note that Hycorum and other hydrocortisone creams are intended for external use only and should not be used on specific skin issues like untreated bacterial or fungal infections.

Potential confusion with similar drug names

In pharmacology, names that look or sound similar can lead to serious medication errors. The name "Hycorum" can be confused with other drugs, especially in spoken communication. The most prominent example is hydrocodone, which is an opioid pain medication, not a topical steroid. Unlike hydrocortisone, hydrocodone is a controlled substance with a high potential for abuse.

Another similar-sounding name is hydroxyzine, an antihistamine with sedative properties used for anxiety and allergies, which is also very different from a topical corticosteroid.

Hycorum (Hydrocortisone) vs. Hydrocodone vs. Ibuprofen


Feature	Hycorum (Hydrocortisone)	Hydrocodone	Ibuprofen (NSAID)
Drug Type	Topical Corticosteroid	Opioid (Narcotic)	Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Administration	Topical cream, applied to the skin.	Oral tablets or capsules, for systemic effect.	Oral tablets, capsules, or topical gels.
Primary Use	Reduces localized skin inflammation, itching, and redness.	Relieves severe and persistent pain.	Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation (oral).
Risk of Abuse	Very low when used correctly topically.	High potential for abuse and dependence.	Low, but long-term oral use can have side effects.
Mechanism of Action	Suppresses immune response locally in the skin.	Changes the brain's perception of pain.	Reduces inflammation systemically by inhibiting enzymes.

Application and precautions

Proper application of Hycorum is crucial for both efficacy and safety. The cream should be applied sparingly to the affected areas, according to healthcare provider instructions. Using it more frequently than directed will not increase the benefit and can increase the risk of systemic absorption.

For infants, treatment should be limited to short periods as advised by a healthcare professional, and the cream should not be used on the diaper area with occlusive dressings, as this increases absorption. All users should avoid prolonged application, especially on sensitive areas like the face, unless specifically advised by a doctor.

Conclusion

Hycorum cream is a brand of hydrocortisone 1% w/w cream, a topical corticosteroid effectively used to treat various inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites. It works by calming the body’s inflammatory response and alleviating symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching. It is essential to use this medication as directed by a healthcare professional, paying close attention to precautions, especially for children and infants, and to differentiate it from other, similarly named drugs that have very different uses and side effect profiles, like the opioid painkiller hydrocodone. Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on safe and effective usage.

For more information on topical hydrocortisone, visit the Drugs.com resource: Hydrocortisone Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hycorum is a brand name for a cream whose active ingredient is hydrocortisone 1% w/w. In other words, Hycorum is one specific brand of hydrocortisone cream, while hydrocortisone is the generic drug name.

The availability of Hycorum, or any hydrocortisone product, depends on the strength and local regulations. Weaker hydrocortisone creams (0.5% to 1%) are often available without a prescription, while stronger formulations require a doctor's prescription.

You should not use Hycorum cream on your face unless your doctor has specifically prescribed it for that purpose and duration. The skin on the face is more sensitive and can be damaged by prolonged use of corticosteroids.

Use of topical corticosteroids in infants, including Hycorum, requires extreme caution and should be limited to short periods unless a doctor advises otherwise. A doctor should oversee treatment, and a tight-fitting diaper should not cover the treated area.

Using too much Hycorum or applying it more frequently than directed will not increase its benefits. It can, however, lead to an increase in systemic absorption and potential side effects, especially with long-term use.

When used correctly and for a short duration, side effects are generally minimal. Possible side effects include mild skin irritation, redness, burning, stinging, or dryness at the application site.

No, Hycorum is not an opioid. This is a common point of confusion due to its similar-sounding name to the opioid painkiller hydrocodone. Hycorum is a topical corticosteroid used to treat skin inflammation, not severe pain.