What are the side effects of topical cream?

Author: Miss Frances Dare  |  Last update: Friday, November 14, 2025

These reactions may include burning, crusting, dryness, flaking, itching, oozing, pain, redness, sores or ulcers, or swelling. Scarring or permanent pigment change from the cream is very unusual.

Do topical creams have side effects?

Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What are the disadvantages of topical ointment?

Disadvantages of topical formulations include:
  • They can be time-consuming to apply.
  • At times, the regimen can be complicated, especially if several different formulations have been prescribed.
  • The applications may also be messy or uncomfortable.

Do topical creams enter the bloodstream?

So, can skincare be absorbed into the bloodstream? Most skincare formulas are designed to work on the top layers of the skin, or penetrate to slightly deeper layers, but that doesn't mean absorption into the bloodstream isn't possible, however, it's pretty unlikely.

Can you use too much topical cream?

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. 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.

The Dangers AND Benefits of Steroid Creams | Dr Davin Lim

What happens if you put too much cream on your skin?

When you over-moisturise your skin, it interferes with your body's sebum production and can result in actually drying out your skin. Ironic, we know, but moisturising your skin too much can leave your skin feeling dry.

What are the symptoms of topical steroid overuse?

redness or changes in skin colour (this may not be as noticeable on brown or black skin) burning, stinging, itching or peeling of the skin, or oozing, open sores. a flare up of the skin condition you were treating.

How long does it take for topical cream to absorb?

It typically depends on whether it's oil- or gel-based, but most serums start absorbing immediately. Some skincare formulas can take up to 30 minutes to fully absorb — but that doesn't mean you have to wait that long between skincare steps. Most skincare products are designed to begin absorbing right away.

Can topical creams cause high blood pressure?

Topical diclofenac may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.

What must you never use to apply a topical medication?

Never apply a heating pad over the patch, as it will affect the rate of absorption with potentially serious adverse effects. Choose an area free of hair, abrasions, or irritation. Use gloves when applying ointment, cream, and lotion to avoid absorption of the medication into your skin.

Does topical cream interact with medications?

Topical Drug Interactions

Drugs applied topically may thus have interactions with other topical medications as well as systemic medications [Table 5]. [13] The concept underlying the usage of different drugs and combinations in topical form is to avoid systemic side effects of systemic preparations [Table 6].

How to know if a cream has steroids?

The presence of TC in skin-whitening cosmetic creams can be detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Since HPLC is expensive, time-taking and not easily available, we suggest the use of histamine wheal test as a simple and inexpensive test to detect the presence of topical steroids in fairness cream.

What are the side effects of topical corticosteroids on human skin?

Topical corticosteroids are an essential tool for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Topical corticosteroids are classified by strength and the risk of adverse effects such as atrophy, striae, rosacea, telangiectasias, purpura, and other cutaneous and systemic reactions.

Where should you not use hydrocortisone cream?

Do not use this medication for diaper rash unless directed to do so by your health care provider. If applying this medication to the diaper area, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medication that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious effects.

What are the side effects of cream gel?

The most common side effects are application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching, and redness), dizziness, rectal bleeding, and headache. There are other, rarer side effects, some of them serious. Ask your doctor and read the leaflet which comes with the medicine to make sure you are keeping safe.

Do topical pain creams enter the bloodstream?

Regional effects are experienced when a drug is applied to the skin near the intended site of action. In this setting, a small concentration of the drug may enter into the systemic circulation, even though this may not be the intended action of the drug.

Why can't people over 65 use Voltaren?

Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug.

Are topical creams bad for you?

Side effects can occur, however, usually with overuse. These ordinarily take weeks to months to appear and include skin thinning, stretch marks, easy bruising, dilated blood vessels and, less commonly, increased hair growth. Using topical steroids on the face may cause a red rash around the mouth or an acne-like rash.

Do skin creams enter the bloodstream?

Absorption does happen, but it is probably more difficult than you'd think. This is because the skin does a very good job in acting as a barrier that blocks substances from getting into the body. It would take high doses and regular use of some of the most intense chemicals to get absorbed into the bloodstream.

What are the disadvantages of ointment?

Disadvantages of an ointment

1) These oily semisolid preparations are staining and cosmetically less aesthetic. 2) Application with finger tip may contaminate the formulation or cause irritation when applied. 3) As compared to solid dosage forms, semisolid preparation are more bulky to handle.

How long should cream stay on skin?

Considering that no two products are the same, there's no hard and fast answer for how long exactly you need to wait it out based on what you could be using, but dermatologists recommend up to half an hour for the heavier products (lotions, creams, oils). So the cover all answer here is 30 minutes.

What is the most common local side effect of topical steroids?

Local side effects

The most common include atrophy, striae, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, acne and purpura. Hypertrichosis, pigment alteration, delayed wound healing and exacerbation of skin infections are less frequent.

What are the side effects of face cream?

Most emollients can be used safely and effectively with no side effects. However, burning, stinging, redness, or irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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