Can anyone tell me the difference between otc Hydrocortisone and prescription Hydrocortisone Valerate?

[Nici]

Is VALERATE and ingredient? Is that what seperates the two?

Will long term use of both or either cause any side effects in small children??

My twins have eczema and these creams seem to do the best job. They are 2 yrs old now and have been using the creams for almost ALL of their lives. Some days it's just spot treatment, other days we need to use it like lotion, because they are having a "whole body" reaction.

[HONEY]

I am 41 and I have used hydro cortisone for years almost 40. The difference is the strength OTC only is 0.1% and Westcort the brand name for hydrocortisone w/VALERATE is 0.2%. Your best bet is to talk to the pharmacist about the two medications. Also as a child, I under went UV treatment and used a special soap, as well as a special diet. Many times they will out grown it and it will mainly be spot treatment as they get older. Mine was worse in the winter.