Westcort Ointment Description

Westcort Ointment is a prescription strength topical corticosteroid ointment that may be recommended to treat the itching, inflamed, and swollen areas of skin that occur as contact, atopic, or allergic dermatitis. This can include eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy or oak, and bug bites or stings. Applying Westcort Ointment to the affected area can bring relief from the itching and calm down the redness and inflammation.

Westcort Ointment or generic Hydrocortisone Valerate is considered a medium-potency medication. The ointment formulation promotes a better absorption over lotions, gels, and creams and tends to be more potent. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Westcort Ointment Works on Your Immune System

When applied to the affected skin area as directed, Westcort Ointment is absorbed into your skin cells. Here, it decreases the inflammation by suppressing some of your immune responses, including the reduction of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins and minimizes the function of your white blood cells. All of these chemicals and responses are meant to promote the healing process, but inflammation can cause more inflammation and it can be a vicious cycle. Westcort Ointment calms down the process in order to reduce the itching and inflammation while you begin to heal.

Some Conditions Treated by Westcort Ointment

Eczema appears as patches of red, itchy, scaly skin that can be triggered by coming into contact with soaps, perfume, certain metals, and even changes in temperature or humidity. You itch, you scratch, you develop a red rash, and the cycle is repeated. Some of the most recent research has the medical community leaning towards the idea that eczema is a result of structural defects in the epidermis that has made it more permeable to antigens and toxins.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where your own immune system thinks there is danger and attacks your own tissues. A type of white blood cell, called T cells, are set into action by mistake and can activate other immune responses that can lead to edema, or swelling, and a rapid turnover of skin cells. When the old cells do not slough off fast enough, you are left with raised bumps or plaques that are inflamed and very itchy.

Before You Apply Westcort Ointment

Ask your doctor if Westcort Ointment is safe to apply if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. However, it is not recommended for use if you are nursing as it is unknown if any is excreted in breast milk. Inform your doctor of other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements as combining certain medications can cause unintended side effects or change their efficacy.

Westcort Ointment Precautions

After applying Westcort Ointment as directed, do not cover or bandage the area unless recommended by your doctor. Only use Westcort Ointment for the prescribed amount of time as long-term use can cause a thinning of the skin area. Remember to wash your hands before and after applying Westcort Ointment, unless it is your hands that are being treated.

Possible Side Effects of Westcort Ointment

• Mild irritation
• Acne
• Changes in your skin

Drugs Similar to Westcort Ointment

• Betnovate Ointment
• Elocom Ointment
• Diprosone Ointment