Repeated use of hydrocortisone

It's been a while since I've posted here(because PJ's been healthy!) but I have a question. First, let me explain PJ's ear problem. She has a small polyp in her left ear. Because of where it's located it can't be removed using laser treatment, and because of PJ's age and the small size and apparent benignity of the polyp the vets do not want to perform a surgical operation(it would require removal of bone, so it would be a pretty major surgery). The polyp can trap debris and stuff inside the ear, very near the tympanum, so I have to keep it very clean. I clean PJ's ears with an alchohol-based ear cleanser every 3 to 4 days. It has been doing very well with this regime, but once in a while PJ's ear gets a bit inflamed and the itchiness drives her nuts. The vet gave me Epi-Otic HC; anti-inflammatory ear drops with hydrocortisone(1%) to use as needed when her ear gets inflamed. One treatment of 2 to 3 drops soothes the ear very quickly and life resumes as normal.

Well, the bottle of HC treatment is almost empty(it was a tiny bottle) and I'm wondering if I should get some more or not. Is hydrocortisone safe to keep using repeatedly? It's usually once every 2 weeks or so. The vets suspect that the inflammation is simply from PJ rubbing or cleaning her facing normally and causing irritation where the polyp is, as there hasn't been any infection or anything. When I asked the vet about refilling the prescription, they were pretty vague about any potential consequences. I do love that it helps quickly and reliably to make PJ comfortable, but I just want to make sure this is  the best option.

I've thought about cleaning PJ's ears every day with the alchohol solution, but there are a few reasons I don't: PJ hates it and it stresses her out, the vet said I could even do once a week because PJ's ears stay clean for a long time, and the inflammation doesn't seem to be related to the cleanness of the ears(sometimes it happens the same day that I cleaned them).

So if there's anything wrong with always using hydrocortisone, is there anything I can use as an alternative? I've tried leaving it alone to let the inflammation settle down on its own, but PJ always scratches at it and makes it worse so it can bother her for a long time.

Bumping this up since you've not rec'd any replies.  Have you tried pinning down your Vet for specifics.  I don't know PJ's age, but am thinking maybe  she's older?  My gut feeling is if it helps to use this, then I would continue, especially if she is already fairly old, and it helps her.  But, then again, I don't know all the specifics on her health.  I would think as long as she cannot lick it, thereby ingesting it, she should be ok.

Just my humble opinion, but I'm not a Vet.   

I tend to agree with mrsgreenjeans.  Yes, there are risks to any medication.  However, we weigh those risks to benefits.  As infrequently as you're using a topical low-dose steroid, I'd keep doing what you're doing.

Thanks! PJ is turning 16 in April, but she looks and acts like she's still 4!

Anyway, the ear drops always stay inside her ear, so I don't think ingestion is a concern at all. I'll go get the prescription refilled Thanks for your input!

I've had to use hydrocortisone for pretty much most of my life as I have recurring dermatitis. However, it's well known that long term repeated use is damaging to the skin, so you have to use it sparingly and not every day all the time.
Having said that, I would definitely get the refill for PJ. You're only using it once a fortnight or so, and it helps her so much it's worth it. IMO there wouldn't be any negative side effects from continuing on indefinitely with that regimine.