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Does Hydrocortisone Help Cure Redness Under The Arms?

Posted on Fri, 18 Aug 2017

Question: Hi doctor , my baby completed 2 months ,his skin became reddish under neck and under arms and also in under knees .i visited doctor and she gave betnovate c cream ... can i use that for my 2 month baby ..i heared benovate cream is not safe enough, i dono why doctor suggested ,i am bit confussed plz clear me out

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better to use low potency steroid like Hydrocortisone if needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for asking on this platform,

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern.

The common cause of redness in this age in the specific area is some dermatitis(most likely atopic dermatitis).

Steroid application helps in such case. It is better to avoid high potency steroids and low or intermediate potency steroid are preferred.

Betnovate contains betamethasone which is a very potent steroid with significant side effects.
I'd prefer hydrocortisone which is a low potency steroid or mometasone which is an intermediate potent steroid for this age.

Keep the affected area dry as moisture further aggravates the condition.
So, I request you to get a second opinion.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (7 hours later)

Hi doctor,yesterday i have applied virgin coconut oil to my baby i feel little better now ....
One more doubt while i searched many use betnovate for skin complexion also.... me and my husband are normal in color but my son was dark in color ... can i use this for cream for skin complexion or suggest me pls any other cream or soap for skin complexion ...everyone killing me in asking question "why u both are in good color and your child in dark color" ... or can i use this betnovate n cream for my baby skin complexion ...

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroid should not be used, just for fair complexion

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Steroid should not be used unnecessarily because of its side effects.
Depigmentation and thinning of skin is considered as a side effect and it should not be taken as treatment. Long term use of steroid increases the chance of infection.
Personally I don't recommend steroid as a treatment for fair complexion.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng