Who can and cannot use hydrocortisone for piles and itchy bottom

Most adults aged 18 years old and over can use hydrocortisone treatments for piles and itchy bottom.

Young people aged 16 or 17 years old can only use some products.

Children aged 2 to 15 years old can use some hydrocortisone treatments if a doctor prescribes them.

Hydrocortisone treatments are not suitable for some people. To make sure they're safe for you, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, any local anaesthetics or any other medicine
• have a skin infection
• are taking other medicines, such as codeine, that might be making you constipated – being constipated means you're more likely to get piles