THE SAFETY OF TOPICAL CORTICOSTERIODS DURING PREGNANCY

THIS MEDICATION CAN CAUSE HARM TO YOUR BABY: High potency topical corticosteroids used during pregnancy can increase the risk that your baby is born at a low birth weight.

What are topical corticosteroids?

Topical corticosteroids are medications that are applied externally to the surface of your skin. They are available as gels, ointments, creams, foams, solutions, or lotions. These medications may also be prescribed as a shampoo that you apply to your scalp. Topical corticosteroids are used to relieve itching, redness, swelling, and irritation of the skin that may be caused by many different problems. They are available in a variety of potencies, or strengths, to treat different age groups and conditions. Except for low-strength hydrocortisone which can be purchased over-the-counter, these medications are only available by prescription from your doctor. Types of topical corticosteroids that are available include: betamethasone, triamcinolone, amcinonide, fluocinonide, desoximetasone, clobetasol, desonide, and methylprednisolone.