r/ContactDermatitisHelp

Primary Complaint: Severe contact dermatitis / stubborn redness
Duration: 2–3 weeks exposure (Using hydrocortisone 1% twice daily for the last 3.5 days)
Existing Medical Issues: -
Current Medications and Doses: Hydrocortisone 1% cream (applied twice a day) 

Age and Gender: 30, Female
Height: 158 cm
Weight: 52 kg
Country: Indonesia 

Drink: No
Smoke: No
Recreational Drugs: No 

Description:
I have severe contact dermatitis on both of my inner arms and my armpits. I have been applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream twice a day for the last 3.5 days, but the deep redness is not fading or clearing up at all. 

I want to ask the medical community about the situation of healing for this kind of severe rash: 

1. What are the normal stages or signs of healing I should look out for? 
2. Does the deep redness usually take a long time to start fading, or should I have seen some skin improvement by day 3? 
3. At what point should I stop using the OTC cream and see a local doctor for a stronger prescription steroid?