Lidocaine is better than hydrocortisone as it provides more temporary relief because of it's numbing effect.
And hydrocortisone targets the root of the discomfort in the form of inflammation which results in gradual relief for longer periods of time.
Lidocaine and hydrocortisone combination is used to relieve pain and itching caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids, sunburn, minor burns, insect bites or stings, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, minor cuts, or scratches.
Hydrocortisone is a steroid that reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication).
It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.
In contrast to lidocaine cream, diclofenac gel is most effective at treating arthritis-related joint pain.
The full effects of diclofenac gel are typically felt within 7 days of applying four times daily (although it is possible to feel some relief after a few hours), and may last for 1-2 days after final application.
The anti-inflammatory properties of lidocaine are increasingly being acknowledged, and practitioners are frequently utilizing the drug against a vast number of inflammatory conditions such as in burn wounds, herpes simplex, ulcerative proctitis, and arthritis.
Hydrocortisone should not be used for the following conditions without a physician's advice: diaper rash, female itching when there is a vaginal discharge, vaginal thrush, any form of fungal skin infection (i.e., athlete's foot, ringworm of the body, jock itch), burns, acne, dandruff, hair loss, warts, corns, calluses, ...