Redness Caused by Mild Dermatitis

• Most drugstore creams designed to treat mild dermatitis contain 1 percent hydrocortisone, a type of corticosteroid. Corticosteroids control local inflammation when applied directly to the skin. Creams containing hydrocortisone are effective in controlling local inflammation whatever the cause. You can treat insect bites, contact dermatitis and other conditions with over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone.
  
  

Redness From Sunburn

• You can use drugstore creams containing hydrocortisone to treat severe redness and swelling caused by sunburn. For moderate sunburn with redness and no swelling, however, over-the-counter creams containing aloe or chamomile are recommended. Corticosteroids act on body chemicals, primarily prostaglandins, that cause swelling. Moderate sunburn does not result from this inflammation, though, and medical experts suggest using milder topical ingredients.
  
  

Redness Caused by Chronic Conditions

• Chronic eczema is a skin condition that causes redness and inflammation without a known cause or "trigger." Stress, weather changes and allergies of unknown origin may play a part in eczema outbreaks. Drugstore creams containing corticosteroids can help with eczema symptoms, but sufferers sometimes need stronger treatments. Consult a doctor if you have the persistent redness and inflammation characteristic of chronic eczema.
  
  

Other Types of Skin Redness

• Some types of skin redness do not respond to drugstore creams. Topical medications and lotions, even if they contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, have little effect on redness caused by rosacea, a condition in which areas of the skin are chronically inflamed. Some serious conditions, such as lupus, can cause skin rashes and redness that do not improve with time. If the redness does not subside with ordinary treatment, consult a doctor.