Biocort is a hydrocortisone 1% cream, a mild topical corticosteroid. It relieves the redness, itching and inflammation of eczema, dermatitis, insect bites and mild allergic skin reactions. It treats inflammation, not infection, and should be used in short courses.
What is Biocort?
Biocort contains hydrocortisone acetate 1%, a mild topical corticosteroid. It is a Schedule 4 medicine in this formulation.
Corticosteroids applied to the skin work by switching off the genes that drive inflammation locally. Redness, swelling and itching settle because the inflammatory process producing them is suppressed at the source.
Potency is the thing to understand about topical steroids, because they are not interchangeable:
| Potency | Examples | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Hydrocortisone 1% (Biocort) | Face, skin folds, children, mild eczema |
| Moderate | Clobetasone | More stubborn eczema on the body |
| Potent | Betamethasone (as in Clomaderm) | Marked inflammation, short courses |
| Very potent | Clobetasol | Specialist use, thick or resistant areas |
Hydrocortisone 1% sits at the mild end, which is precisely why it is the one used on the face, in skin folds and in children — areas where skin is thin and absorbs far more.
It treats inflammation, not infection. That distinction matters more than any other on this page. A steroid applied to a fungal or bacterial rash suppresses the redness while the infection continues underneath and often spreads — which is why identifying the rash comes first.
What is Biocort commonly used for?
- Eczema and atopic dermatitis, for flares.
- Contact dermatitis — reactions to soaps, detergents, nickel, plants or cosmetics.
- Insect bite reactions, where itching and swelling are marked.
- Mild allergic skin reactions.
- Irritant dermatitis, including some hand dermatitis.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis, in some cases.
- Mild inflammatory rashes that have been identified.
For eczema, it is worth being clear about how it fits into treatment.
Emollients (moisturisers) are the foundation, not the steroid. Eczema is fundamentally a barrier problem — skin that loses water and lets irritants in. Applying a generous emollient regularly, several times a day, treats that, and reduces how often flares happen and how much steroid is needed. Many people under-use emollients and over-rely on steroid.
The steroid treats the flare. Use it on inflamed skin for the period directed, then stop and continue the emollient. Using it in short, adequate bursts works better than smearing a thin film on for months.
Do not under-treat out of steroid fear. Anxiety about topical steroids is common and leads to using too little for too short a time, so the flare never settles and the cycle continues. Used correctly, mild hydrocortisone on the right rash is a safe and effective medicine.
How Biocort fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Mild topical steroids | Hydrocortisone 1% (Biocort) | Eczema, dermatitis, bites; face and folds |
| Potent topical steroids | Betamethasone | Marked inflammation, short courses |
| Antibiotic + steroid | Fucidin H | Infected eczema |
| Antifungal + steroid | Clomaderm | Inflamed fungal infections |
| Topical antifungals | Clotrimazole (Fungistop Topical) | Fungal infection — not inflammation |
| Topical antibiotics | Fusidic acid, mupirocin (Supiroban) | Bacterial skin infection |
See the skin, wound and topical medicines hub.
What to check before using Biocort
Be reasonably sure the rash is inflammatory rather than infected. If it has not been identified, ask a pharmacist or doctor — this is the check that prevents most problems with topical steroids.
Apply a thin layer to affected skin only, once or twice daily as directed, and use it for the period stated rather than indefinitely. Apply emollient generously alongside, leaving a gap between the two.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using it if:
- The rash is weeping, crusted, blistered or has pus — that suggests infection, which a steroid alone will worsen.
- The rash is spreading, or you have a fever.
- It is for the face, particularly around the eyes, or for skin folds — mild steroid is the right choice there, but these areas absorb far more and need shorter courses.
- The medicine is for a baby or young child.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding, and do not apply it to the nipple area while breastfeeding.
- You have rosacea or acne — steroids can worsen both, and cause a persistent facial rash called perioral dermatitis.
- You have diabetes or a suppressed immune system.
- The area is large, or you would be using it over a wide surface.
- The rash has not improved after the recommended period.
Do not use it on a rash you cannot identify, and do not keep it as a general-purpose cream for anything itchy.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Steroid on an unrecognised fungal infection makes it worse. The result — sometimes called tinea incognito — is a rash that looks better because the redness has settled while the fungus spreads and becomes harder to identify. This is the commonest way topical steroid treatment goes wrong.
Prolonged use thins the skin. Even mild hydrocortisone, used continuously for long periods, causes skin thinning, stretch marks and visible small blood vessels — more quickly on the face and in skin folds. Short adequate courses avoid this; indefinite low-level use does not.
On the face, be particularly careful. Steroid-induced perioral dermatitis and worsened rosacea are common consequences of prolonged facial use.
Do not cover with an airtight dressing unless directed — that substantially increases absorption.
If the rash has not improved as expected, stop and get it reassessed rather than continuing or escalating to something stronger.
Emollients do the long-term work. If you are needing steroid frequently, more emollient and identifying triggers usually helps more than a stronger steroid.
Seek medical attention for spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or red streaking, which suggest bacterial infection; for fever with a skin infection; for a rash that worsens on treatment; for skin thinning or stretch marks; for a facial rash that appears or worsens with use; or for any rash in someone with diabetes or a suppressed immune system.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Biocort cream used for? The redness, itching and inflammation of eczema, dermatitis, insect bites and mild allergic skin reactions. It contains hydrocortisone 1%.
Is it strong? No — hydrocortisone 1% is a mild topical steroid, which is why it is the one used on the face, in skin folds and in children.
Can I use it on any itchy rash? No. It treats inflammation, not infection. On a fungal or bacterial rash it settles the redness while the infection spreads underneath.
Can I use it on my face? Mild steroids are used on the face, but briefly and on advice. Prolonged facial use causes perioral dermatitis and can worsen rosacea.
How long can I use it? For the period directed — typically days to a week or two, not indefinitely. Continuous long-term use thins the skin.
Should I use moisturiser as well? Yes, and generously. Emollients are the foundation of eczema treatment and reduce how much steroid you need.