Hydrocortisone creams during pregnancy

Is it safe to use a hydrocortisone cream for my underarm rash if I am in my first trimester of pregnancy?


This discussion is related to Armpit Rash.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Topical corticosteroids are category C drugs which means that they are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.