Hydrocortisone cream is a topical corticosteroid used to treat minor skin irritations, inflammation, itching, and rashes caused by conditions like eczema or insect bites. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires this medication to bear an expiration date. This date marks the point at which the manufacturer guarantees the product retains its full strength, quality, and purity when stored correctly. Using the cream after this date can introduce potential issues related to both effectiveness and safety.
Reduced Therapeutic Effect
The most immediate consequence of using expired hydrocortisone cream is a noticeable reduction in its ability to treat the skin condition. Over time, the active ingredient, hydrocortisone, undergoes a process of chemical degradation. This breakdown results in a lower concentration of the medication than is stated on the label, meaning the cream loses its therapeutic potency.
The cream may still provide some moisturizing benefit from its base ingredients, but its anti-inflammatory action will be significantly diminished or entirely absent. When a flare-up of dermatitis or a persistent itch does not improve, the user may mistakenly believe their condition is worsening or that the medication is simply ineffective. This failure to treat the underlying issue can prolong discomfort, potentially leading the person to apply the cream more frequently or liberally, which is a form of misuse.
Risk of Adverse Skin Reactions
Beyond a simple loss of effectiveness, expired hydrocortisone cream can pose direct safety concerns to the skin. The inactive ingredients, which include preservatives, stabilizers, and emulsifiers, can chemically change once their guaranteed shelf life has passed. The decomposition of these excipients may produce new substances that can trigger localized skin irritation, redness, or even allergic contact dermatitis.
Any topical cream that has been opened is susceptible to microbial contamination. If the cream is exposed to air or stored improperly, bacteria or mold can begin to grow within the product. Applying this contaminated cream to skin compromised by a rash or eczema increases the risk of introducing a secondary skin infection. This risk of infection is a serious concern, as it can lead to complications requiring further medical treatment.
Proper Handling and Storage
To maximize the stability and effectiveness of hydrocortisone cream, proper storage is necessary. The product should be kept in its original container in a cool, dry location, away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Common places like a bathroom medicine cabinet are often unsuitable due to humidity fluctuations from showers.
When the cream is expired or no longer needed, it should be disposed of safely rather than thrown into the trash or flushed. The best disposal method is often a community drug take-back program or a permanent drop-off site, available at some pharmacies or police departments. If a take-back option is unavailable, the FDA recommends mixing the cream with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or cat litter. This mixture should then be sealed in a plastic bag or container before being placed in the household trash, making it unappealing to children or pets.