Hydrocortisone is one type of adrenocorticoids (cortisone-like medicines). These are used to provide relief for inflamed areas of the body. They lessen swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. They are often used as part of the treatment for a number of different diseases, such as severe allergies or skin problems, asthma, or arthritis.

Hydrocortisone is a type of steroid. All steroids are derived from the four-ring structure shown at the left. Steroids vary by the functional groups present in the molecules. Cholesterol, testosterone, and estrogens are all steroids.