I have paid as little as $3 for a prescription of
Elocon, Aristocort, Hydrocortisone Valerate, Betamethasone Valerate, or
Triamcinolone Acetonide. (and may have received free samples). They're available in an ointment or a cream base; for me,
ointment works best around water.
At your next checkup, ask your doctor—and hold on to that tube. It appears to work for years following its expiration date.