Skin treatment risk for pregnancy

Friday September 13th, 2013

Pregnant women with skin conditions may face a small risk to their babies because of the steroid-based creams they use, researchers warned yesterday.

Pregnant women may set up their use of creams because their condition can aggravate conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

But a new study has found a slight risk this may lead to the women giving birth to babies that are underweight.

Experts said the findings suggest women should only use steroid ointments during pregnancy if it is essential.

Researcher Professor Fenella Wojnarowska, of the University of Oxford, UK, studied some 2,700 women who used steroids during pregnancy and compared them with another 7,200 pregnant women.

The findings have been published in the journal <i>JAMA Dermatology</i>.

Liz Campbell, director of Wellbeing of Women, which backed the research, said: "I am very pleased that Wellbeing of Women commissioned this study as it finally answers the question about whether topical steroids are safe during pregnancy.

"Pregnant women often worry about using these creams but until now we've had no conclusive evidence."

She added: "Looking at the data taken from nearly 10,000 pregnancies UK wide, the results show that strong topical steroids should be used only if essential and specialist obstetric care should be provided to monitor the baby's weight."

Tags: Childbirth and Pregnancy | Dermatology | UK News | Women's Health & Gynaecology

Printer friendly page