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Updated: May 31, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Evidence-based (S3) guideline on topical corticosteroids in pregnancy
C-C Chi1, G Kirtschig, W Aberer
1Department of Dermatology and Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Chiayi, 61363, Taiwan. chingchi@cgmh.org.tw
The British Journal of Dermatology
|July 7, 2011
Summary
Topical corticosteroids for skin conditions during pregnancy are generally safe. Mild to moderate formulations do not increase risks for orofacial clefts or fetal growth restriction.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Obstetrics
- Teratology
Background:
- Topical corticosteroids are frequently used for skin conditions in pregnant women.
- Limited data exists on their fetal effects, necessitating evidence-based guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an evidence-based guideline on topical corticosteroid use in pregnancy.
- To assess the risks of topical corticosteroids on fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing evidence, including a Cochrane Review.
- Analysis of a large UK population-based cohort study (84,133 pregnant women).
- Inclusion of findings from a Danish cohort study on topical corticosteroids and orofacial clefts.
Main Results:
- No association found between topical corticosteroid use of any potency and orofacial cleft, preterm delivery, or fetal death.
- Significant association between potent/very potent topical corticosteroids and fetal growth restriction.
- Mild/moderate topical corticosteroids showed no association with fetal growth restriction.
Conclusions:
- Mild/moderate topical corticosteroids are recommended over potent/very potent ones during pregnancy.
- The risk of fetal growth restriction is linked to potent/very potent topical corticosteroid use.
- Current evidence supports the safe use of mild/moderate topical corticosteroids in pregnancy.
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