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Can Hydrocortisone Cause Unwanted Hair Growth?
After treating a dry area on my forearms with hydrocortisone, it seems the skin is darker and I have grown dark hairs only in that area (never had them there before!) I have used Amlactin Ultra liberally, which has worked for my skin dryness in the past. Dryness somewhat improved, but still persistent. I am taking 3,000 IU omega-3 daily. I m 68-year-old female. My internist agreed my overuse of forearms on the counters may have caused this, I ve had mobility problems in the past, but I ve seriously cut out a lot of that. Possibilities of medication causing this? The only thing that I can think of that caused the hair growth was the hydrocortisone. Your thoughts?
posted on
Mon, 28 Jul 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 27 Aug 2014
Answered on
Wed, 27 Aug 2014
Last reviewed on
Hi! Excessive hair growth (Hypertrichosis) and darkening of the skin (Hyperpigmentation) are indeed side effects of locally applied hydrocortisone. Please talk to your doctor to change this medication. There is no way to reverse the hair growth other than removal by the usual techniques (shaving, chemical epilation,waxing, electrolysis & thermolysis and laser). Do write in for more info.
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User's Response
HI
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If you have used the hydrocortisone cream for more than enough period then this could cause hair grow but this condition may be reversible, still care need to be taken if possible stop the therapy, hope this information helps, take care.
Well come to HCM
If you have used the hydrocortisone cream for more than enough period then this could cause hair grow but this condition may be reversible, still care need to be taken if possible stop the therapy, hope this information helps, take care.
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