Hydrocortisone is used without a prescription for the temporary relief of minor skin irritations, itching, and rashes caused by eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and jewelry; itching and irritation of the scalp. It is also used to relieve the discomfort of dry flakey or irritated skin due to the use of glycolic acid. It is considered a gentle antipruritic treatment for atopic dermatitis.