Is hydrocortisone acetate a steriod

Yes. But not the kind that gets all the bad press. It is a corticosteroid.

There are two basic types of steroids. Anabolic steroids are the ones used and abused by body builders and athletes to help build muscle and enhance performance. Corticosteroids are are are used in many forms swelling and inflamation from a variety of causes that may result in anything from itching to anaphylactic shock.

Used as directed by package directions or your doctor's instructions, hydrocortisone is safe and effective. (This is not to say that it and other corticosteroids can't be dangerous if misused.) It is not generally considered a performence enhancing drug (but check the rules for your specific sports organization.)