Hydrocortisone Cream During Pregnancy: Is It Safe to Use?

Hydrocortisone cream is a popular anti-itch remedy that provides relief for localised itching sensations. During pregnancy, the skin stretches extensively to make way for an enlarging uterus and to accommodate the baby. This could result in an itching sensation, and you may be tempted to itch your body parts, particularly your tummy. While a number of discomforts can be relieved using OTC medications like hydrocortisone, it’s wise to be aware of their safety profile and side effects before you use any medication, especially during a delicate phase like pregnancy. The topical application of hydrocortisone cream in pregnancy remains a grey area, as there are several speculations regarding the safety of using hydrocortisone cream while pregnant.

To know the verdict on whether hydrocortisone cream and pregnancy go together, read the following post.

What Is Hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone, cortisone, or hydrocortisone cream is a form of medication that contains steroids, which help treat certain skin conditions. But is the hydrocortisone cream safe for pregnancy?

As per the US FDA pregnancy category, hydrocortisone cream falls under the ‘C’ category of pregnancy-related medicines. It means that there are no well-controlled or adequate studies in humans and the animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the offspring (1). This makes it harmful for the foetus, even in its lowest strength. This is the very reason why a doctor’s recommendation is highly required before using it.

While strong topical corticosteroids may carry higher risks during pregnancy, the mild OTC versions are considered safe (2).

For Which Skin Conditions Is Hydrocortisone Cream Used?

Hydrocortisone cream can provide relief from some skin problems like skin allergies, itching, redness, and rashes. And since this cream treats various skin conditions, it is a primary choice of medication, even among pregnant women. As the instances of suffering from eczema or dermatitis, along with swelling of the skin, redness, and rashes are high in pregnancy, and if a woman sweats during pregnancy, these skin problems might exacerbate (3). A woman might be tempted to use this cream if she experiences any skin problems; however, this cream should be used only after consulting with a doctor.

Is It Important to Consult a Doctor Before Using Cortisone Cream During Pregnancy?

Sometimes, a doctor might suggest hydrocortisone cream to a pregnant woman, depending on the stage of her pregnancy and the body part to be treated. However, the application of any kind of topical corticosteroid should not be taken lightly. Although hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter, that does not mean you can use it on your tummy and breasts without consulting your doctor.

If you have any skin problems during pregnancy, let your doctor examine your skin condition and recommend a remedy accordingly. Chances are, your doctor will either suggest a mild topical corticosteroid cream or a better alternative to hydrocortisone cream.

The topical hydrocortisone does get absorbed into the bloodstream, about 1% to 7%, depending on where it is applied and the skin condition it is used for (2). If your doctor has prescribed a mild topical corticosteroid, they will likely advise you to apply it in the smallest amount necessary for the shortest amount of time possible (4).

As with all kinds of steroid use, the lowest dose for the shortest period of time possible is advised, as little is known about their safety in pregnancy (5).

Risk of Using Hydrocortisone While Pregnant

When used during the first trimester, studies show that it results in a higher rate of babies born with orofacial clefts — cleft lip or palate. OTC hydrocortisone is the lowest-strength topical corticosteroid one can use. Therefore, it has the lowest risk of all topical corticosteroids.

Can Using Cortisone Cream Be Harmful to the Foetus?

There is a high chance that hydrocortisone cream can prove to be harmful to the health of your baby. Drugs can easily find their way to the placenta once they enter the body. Usage of this cream in a higher strength for an extended duration can affect the development of the foetus (6).

As we said in the beginning, the safety assessment of topical hydrocortisone remains in the grey area, let us provide more context on that.

Some studies call hydrocortisone low-potency and high-metabolising in the placenta, calling it safe during pregnancy. Other human studies have observed the transfer of 3H-cortisol from mother to fetus conducted before abortion, making it unsafe for pregnancy. Another study in humans showed a direct correlation between maternal and fetal serum cortisol concentrations. Thus, the use of hydrocortisone during pregnancy could still influence the fetus (5).

Can You Use the Low-strength Hydrocortisone Cream?

Low-strength hydrocortisone cream is available without any prescription and can provide relief from itching and rashes. High-strength creams, on the other hand, can treat inflammation and skin problems and is usually prescribed by the doctor in case the condition is severe. However, neither is safe during pregnancy, so it’s best that you avoid using hydrocortisone cream on your own. Consult your doctor for a prescription.

Alternatives to Hydrocortisone While Pregnant

Let’s take a look at some of the alternatives to hydrocortisone during pregnancy. Remember to consult your doctor before using these alternatives.

• Benadryl can be used for itching or an allergic reaction. This OTC is an oral medication and a topical cream. It’s also helpful for treating itching due to poison ivy or insect bites, and more.
• You can also use calamine lotion for itching, especially if you have a rash from being exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

Remedies for Itching

While there is no way to avoid the occurrence of itching during pregnancy, there are definitely some ways in which you can lower the intensity. Avoid using hot water while bathing. Similarly, replace your usual soap with a moisturising one that is made from natural substances. For intense bouts of itching, an oatmeal bath is highly recommended. Also, wear clothes that allow your skin to breathe and that soak sweat easily.

FAQs

1. Is hydrocortisone cream safe to use during pregnancy?

Low-strength hydrocortisone cream is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used for short periods. In case of pregnancy, if your doctor recommends hydrocortisone cream, it would likely be of the lowest effective strength to be applied to the smallest area possible.

2. Should I avoid applying hydrocortisone cream to large areas of skin?

3. Can the use of topical corticosteroid cream increase the risk of miscarriage?

There’s not enough evidence to prove that the application of topical corticosteroids increases the risk of miscarriage (7).

4. Is hydrocortisone cream safe while breastfeeding?

Short-term use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. If applied to the breast area, the cream should be wiped off before feeding and should only be used after nursing for eczema. It is crucial for mothers to make sure that their babies’ skin does not come in contact with the cream or the areas treated with the ointment (8).

If you are not sure about using hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy, it is recommended that you consult a doctor whom you trust implicitly. In either case, try out natural alternatives to combat itching and choose the cream only when they fail to have a considerable effect.

Also Read: 

Glycolic Acid when Pregnant
Hair Removal Cream in Pregnancy
Is Calamine Lotion Safe to Use during Pregnancy?

Our Editorial Policy

Parenting is a huge responsibility, for you as a caregiver, but also for us as a parenting content platform. We understand that and take our responsibility of creating credible content seriously. FirstCry Parenting articles are written and published only after extensive research using factually sound references to deliver quality content that is accurate, validated by experts, and completely reliable. To understand how we go about creating content that is credible, read our editorial policy here.

Sources References

1. Drugs.com – Hydrocortisone Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

2. American Family Physician – Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy

3. NHS – Hydrocortisone for skin

4. European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology – Use of steroid creams in pregnancy 

5. National Library of Medicine – Safety of topical corticosteroids in pregnancy

6. Poison Control – Hydrocortisone: Uses and safety considerations

7. National Library of Medicine – Topical Corticosteroids

8. National Library of Medicine – Hydrocortisone, Topical