What does hydrocortisone mean?
Hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone that is chemically identical to cortisol, the main glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It helps the body regulate metabolism, blood sugar, and responses to stress and inflammation. In medicine, hydrocortisone is also used to reduce swelling, itching, and irritation, especially in creams and ointments applied to the skin; it is also used in injections and eye preparations when appropriate. The name combines a reference to water or the adrenal cortex with cortisone, a closely related corticosteroid. In everyday use, “hydrocortisone cream” usually refers to a topical preparation for minor skin irritation, although the exact product and its concentration can vary. The distinction between hydrocortisone and cortisone is important: hydrocortisone is the biologically active form commonly called cortisol, while cortisone is converted by the body into hydrocortisone.
nounA steroid hormone and corticosteroid medication chemically identical to cortisol, used to reduce inflammation and treat certain skin conditions. It is also the principal glucocorticoid produced by the human adrenal cortex.
- The corticosteroid medication used to relieve inflammation, especially in topical skin preparations.
- The steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, chemically identical to cortisol.
"The pharmacist recommended a small amount of hydrocortisone cream for the irritated skin."
"A thin layer of hydrocortisone eased the rash on her wrist."
"Hydrocortisone is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress and helps regulate metabolism and immune activity."
The plural is uncommon. In ordinary medical usage, hydrocortisone is generally treated as an uncountable name for the substance or a specific preparation.
"The clinic stocked several hydrocortisones for different clinical uses."
Hydrocortisone is both a natural hormone and one of the most widely used skin creams, bringing a complex adrenal-cortex messenger into an everyday tube of cream.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydrocortisone come from?
Hydrocortisone was formed in the 20th century by combining “hydro-” with “cortisone,” adapting the name of a related adrenal-cortex steroid. Its name reflects its chemical relationship to corticosteroid compounds associated with the adrenal cortex. The element “hydro-” comes from Greek hudōr, meaning “water,” while “cortisone” is derived from “cortex,” referring to the outer layer of the adrenal gland.
How hydrocortisone is actually used
In medicine, the term may refer either to the hormone or to pharmaceutical formulations of the compound. The word names a specific corticosteroid, whereas “corticosteroid” denotes the much larger drug class that includes it.
Easily confused with hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is identical to cortisol and is the active glucocorticoid form, whereas cortisone is a closely related steroid that the body converts into hydrocortisone.