Featuring Cortizone-10 With Elyse Love, MD
Dermatologists are routinely asked about over-the-counter skin products by patients, and most have a go-to product or product line for any condition or skin type.
In this new series, the Dermatology Digest asks top physicians about their over-the-counter (OTC) picks for various skin concerns. Here, Elyse Love, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, talks about the Cortizone-10 product line and its role in itch relief. Cortizone-10 products contain the maximum 1% strength hydrocortisone available over the counter.
TDD: There’s lots of talk about steroid stewardship especially with the growing availability of non-steroid topical treatments for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. How does Cortizone-10 fit into this conversation?
Elyse Love, MD: “Topical steroids are, and have always been, an important treatment option for eczema. It is true that they should be used on an as-needed, short-term basis, not for chronic treatment. But what we know is that we all often call eczema the itch that rashes. It typically starts with an itch sensation, and then from that point, it can develop into a red, scaly, raised, itchy rash, and with the scratching that can come along with it, you also can get breaks in the skin which can lead to infections of the skin. So the most important thing when it comes to any type of itch on the skin is to treat it fast and immediately. And so, having that option to have something that’s a lower potency that’s safe and just kind of ready to go is a great option for consumers.”
TDD: How and when do you suggest patients use these products?
Dr. Love: “It is mostly for the general consumer who doesn’t battle with a chronic condition or for the people who will develop a patch of itchiness or an itchy bug bite sporadically throughout the year. It’s going to be great for poison ivy. I think it’s going to be great for bug bites. I think it’s going to be great for irritation with the sun or any sun-induced rash, but also for healing a pretty bad sunburn. I think that those are all going to be relevant uses for the cortizone-10 product line.”
TDD: What should dermatologists tell patients about treating itch?
Dr. Love: “The message dermatologists should give patients is that itch should be treated immediately, and there’s an over-the-counter medication to do that. We, as dermatologists, take itch very seriously. It’s helpful for dermatologists to have options to empower their patients beyond prescription topical steroids.”
TDD: Are there any risks or precautions with Cortizone-10?
Dr. Love: “It should be used as directed on the product label. If you’ve been treating anything for more than two weeks, and it’s not resolving. I always recommend seeing your dermatologist.”
Disclosures: Dr. Love is a Cortizone-10 dermatologist partner.
