Topical corticosteroid during pregnancy: Indications, safety and precautions

Abstract

The systemic availability of topical corticosteroids alters during pregnancy due to alterations in the cutaneous hydration and blood flow. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to treat cutaneous manifestation associated with inflammatory conditions, autoimmune response as well as dermatoses associated with atopy such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis and lichen planus. During the first trimester of pregnancy as per existing data the safety of corticosteroids is difficult to interpret and often conflicting. Due to concerns for possible fetal harm, the pregnant women sometimes get under treated because of 'steroid phobia'.