Mylocort contains hydrocortisone 1%, a mild topical steroid. It is used for short courses to calm mild inflammatory skin conditions — eczema, dermatitis, insect bites and mild allergic rashes. Being the mildest class of topical steroid, it is the one generally suitable for the face and for children.
What is Mylocort?
Mylocort contains hydrocortisone acetate 1% and is Schedule 2 in South Africa, available from a pharmacist.
Its position on the potency scale is the most useful thing to know about it. Topical corticosteroids are graded by strength, and the difference between classes is enormous:
| Potency class | Examples | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Hydrocortisone 1% (Mylocort) | Face, groin, children, mild eczema |
| Moderate | Betamethasone valerate 0.025% | Moderate eczema on the body |
| Potent | Betamethasone valerate 0.1% | More resistant eczema and psoriasis |
| Very potent | Clobetasol (Dovate) | Severe resistant conditions; short courses only |
Clobetasol is roughly 600 times more potent than hydrocortisone. They are not interchangeable, and a stronger steroid is not simply a faster version of a weaker one — the risk of skin thinning and other harm rises steeply with potency.
That mildness is precisely what makes hydrocortisone useful. It is gentle enough for delicate skin — the face, eyelids, armpits and groin, and children’s skin — where potent steroids cause thinning, visible blood vessels and stretch marks relatively quickly.
Hydrocortisone works by suppressing the local immune and inflammatory response: reducing inflammatory chemicals, calming immune cells in the skin, and narrowing small blood vessels to reduce redness and swelling.
It relieves inflammation and itch; it does not cure the underlying condition. Eczema, in particular, is managed rather than cured, and emollients do more of the long-term work than steroids do.
What is Mylocort commonly used for?
- Mild to moderate eczema and atopic dermatitis, especially on the face or in children.
- Contact dermatitis, from irritants or allergens such as nickel, soaps or detergents.
- Insect bites and stings, where inflammation and itch persist.
- Mild allergic skin reactions and hives.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis, including on the face.
- Mild psoriasis on delicate areas, though stronger steroids are usually needed elsewhere.
- Itchy rashes where the cause is known and inflammatory.
- Nappy rash, only on medical advice, since nappies act as an occlusive dressing and increase absorption.
It should not be used on:
- Fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot or thrush.
- Bacterial infections such as impetigo — see mupirocin.
- Viral sores, including cold sores and chickenpox.
- Acne or rosacea, both of which steroids worsen.
- Undiagnosed rashes, particularly if spreading.
Using a steroid on a fungal or bacterial rash makes it worse. It suppresses the local immune response, so the infection spreads while the redness temporarily fades — masking what is happening. Ringworm treated this way becomes an extensive, atypical rash that is harder to diagnose.
How Mylocort fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Topical corticosteroids | Hydrocortisone (Mylocort), betamethasone, clobetasol | Reduce inflammation, graded by potency |
| Emollients | Aqueous cream, ointments | Moisturise; the foundation of eczema care |
| Topical antifungals | Clotrimazole, miconazole | Ringworm, thrush, athlete’s foot |
| Topical antibiotics | Mupirocin, fusidic acid | Bacterial skin infections |
| Combination products | Fucibet (steroid + antibiotic) | Where both inflammation and infection are present |
| Antihistamines | Cetirizine, promethazine | Itch and allergic symptoms |
Emollients matter more than most people expect. In eczema, regular generous moisturising reduces how much steroid is needed and how often flares happen. The steroid treats the flare; the emollient keeps it away. See the skin and wound care medicines hub.
What to check before using Mylocort
Apply a thin layer, usually once or twice daily, to the affected area only. More does not work better.
Use it for a short course — commonly up to a week or two for a flare, and less on the face. If a rash needs continuous steroid treatment, it needs a diagnosis rather than an indefinite supply.
Keep using emollients, and apply them at a different time from the steroid.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Are unsure whether the rash is inflammatory, or if it might be infected or fungal.
- Are using it on a child, especially a baby — children absorb proportionally more relative to body size.
- Are using it for nappy rash, where nappies increase absorption considerably.
- Are using it on the face or eyelids, or near the eyes.
- Have rosacea, acne or perioral dermatitis.
- Have broken or weeping skin, or leg ulcers.
- Are applying it to large areas, or under dressings or plastic pants.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid applying it to the breast before feeding.
- Have diabetes, or already take oral or inhaled steroids.
Wash your hands after applying, unless treating your hands.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Mild hydrocortisone used correctly and briefly is well tolerated. Common effects are mild burning or stinging on application, dryness or irritation.
With prolonged use, on thin skin, or under occlusion, steroid effects can still develop — less readily than with potent steroids, but they do occur:
- Skin thinning, making skin fragile and easily bruised.
- Visible small blood vessels, particularly on the face.
- Perioral dermatitis — a rash around the mouth, characteristically caused by steroid use on the face.
- Acne-like eruptions, or worsening rosacea.
- Lightening or darkening of the skin.
- Increased hair growth at the site.
- Delayed healing, and more frequent skin infections.
Contact your doctor if:
- The condition worsens, or does not improve within a week or two.
- The area becomes more red, swollen, painful, warm, weeping or crusted — possible infection.
- The rash spreads or changes character, which may indicate a masked fungal infection.
- You develop thinning, visible blood vessels, or a rash around the mouth.
- You have been using it longer than intended, or the rash flares whenever you stop.
- The rash is widespread, or comes with fever or feeling unwell.
- A child’s rash is not settling.
- You develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
A rash that keeps coming back needs a diagnosis, not an ongoing supply of steroid cream. Identifying the trigger — a contact allergy, an irritant, or an underlying condition — usually does more than the cream.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Mylocort cream used for? Mild inflammatory skin conditions — eczema, dermatitis, insect bites and mild allergic rashes. It contains hydrocortisone 1%, a mild steroid.
What is Mylocort ointment used for? The same conditions. Ointments are greasier and more moisturising, suiting dry or scaly skin; creams suit moist or hair-bearing areas.
Is Mylocort strong? No — it is the mildest class of topical steroid, which is why it is generally suitable for the face and for children.
Can I use it on my face? Hydrocortisone is the class usually considered acceptable on the face, briefly and sparingly. Prolonged facial use can still cause thinning and a rash around the mouth.
Can I use it on a fungal rash? No. It suppresses the local immune response, so the infection spreads while the redness fades, making it worse and harder to diagnose.
Can I use it on my baby? Ask a pharmacist or doctor first, particularly for nappy rash, since nappies increase absorption.
How long can I use it? Short courses — commonly up to a week or two, and less on the face. Persistent rashes need a diagnosis.
Is it the same as Dovate? No. Dovate contains clobetasol, a very potent steroid roughly 600 times stronger. They are not interchangeable.