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Pregnancy

Steroid creams in pregnancy.

7 replies

SpwJd · 28/02/2017 20:21

I'm struggling.
I suffer with a bad skin condition and normally take meds for it. Obviously when we planned to try to conceive I stopped taking them. Luckily we fell quickly but I wasn't ready for just how quickly my skin would deteriorate. It may sound trivial to some but literally my back,arms,chest and face are covered 've red in dry itchy eczemary skin. I've so far not used any steroid creams as I'm scared to as I've read they can cause cleft pallets and birth defect so obviously that has scared me to not use them. That said the daily struggles of being so so itchy and not sleeping due to it not to mention what it looks like is really getting to me and I'm finding myself staring at the medicine cabinet ( where the creams are kept) . I know theres risk but also risks of my skin getting infected if I keep scratching and it scabs etc.
Has anyone used either a weak hydrocortisone in pregnancy and everything been fine ? If so how much did you use and how often. I have stronger creams but I'm too scared. It's whether it's best to use weaker ones for longer or stronger o es for shorter period.in other pregnacies it's been so bad I've had to have light therApy.
Thanks in advance. X

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MissJC · 28/02/2017 20:27

Hi, I would consult your midwife and GP before using any steroid whilst pregnant as it needs to be monitored. The benefits would need to outweigh the risks and they would look at how far into your pregnancy you are and perhaps alter your dose. I would recommend buying a huge tub of Epaderm or Emulsifying ointment, get into a nice hot bath and scoop a big handful out and rub it into your dry patches as a soap substitute and gently pat yourself dry when you get out. Do this as often as you need to.
Depending on the size of the area you are treating with a steroid, absorption could be quite high. Give your GP a ring asap. Congrats on your pregnancy! Xx

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applespearsbears · 28/02/2017 20:32

I hope someone with more experience can come along and help. The only thing I can say is have you talked to your consultant about this? The pharmacy team at least should be able to put your mind at rest. I took a lot of medication while pregnant, one of which was an oral steroid and my child was born with no probs.

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Twinnypops · 28/02/2017 21:32

Talk to your gp. I was told it wasn't safe for use during pregnancy, but that might be because I have a milder problem. Obviously a bit of a way off, and you might not be planning to anyway, but you might also want to ask if it's safe to use while breastfeeding as well.

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SpwJd · 01/03/2017 10:08

Thanks.
I've seen the doctor in previous pregnacies when it was worse and they said the risk was low verses the state of my skin and ended up on the light therapy which helped. The sun massively helps but using a sunbed makes me feel guilty too although it does substantially help.
I can afford to do light therapy agai as the place they referred me to is miles away and I had to go three times per week for ages and couldn't afford the petrol. I'm using hydramol ointment which is like the other Ines recommended. I'm literally slapping it on.
I guess I just wanted to hear from others who had used it and had no problems. I'm only 7+5 so early days. I was hoping to wait till after 12 weeks before using it but not sure I can last.
Thanks for the replies ladies. X

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Rosetree123 · 01/03/2017 10:12

I feel your pain OP, I don't suffer from eczema but I suffer badly from psoriasis. I hate it! Most people when they are pregnant it seems to disappear but not with me. I usually go for a couple of sunbeds and use a steroid cream to keep it at bay but obviously can't being pregnant. I still use my steroid cream but doesnt seem to be helping this time and did when I had my DS previously and had no problems. Could you ask your GP to be referred to a dermatologist? I have a friend who's eczema broke out badly when she was pregnant and the dermatologist gave her steroid cream to use which seemed to help her.

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RuskBaby · 01/03/2017 10:16

I had a severe allergic reaction when pregnant, I was prescribed steroid cream and could only use it twice owing to risks. After that I used doublebase cream, you get it from the pharmacy, can be used on everyone even babies and it takes the itch out breaking that itch scratch cycle. May we'll be worth trying.