Can You Use Hydrocortisone Cream While Pregnant? Safety & How to Use

Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It reduces inflammation and swelling, and it’s available over-the-counter in most pharmacies. But can you use hydrocortisone cream while pregnant? Read on for the answer.
can you use hydrocortisone cream while pregnant

What Skin Conditions Can Hydrocortisone Cream Help With?

Hydrocortisone cream can be used to relieve the symptoms of many different skin conditions, including:

  • eczema;
  • dermatitis;
  • psoriasis;
  • rashes;
  • bug bites;
  • poison ivy.

Hydrocortisone cream can be used to relieve the itchiness, swelling, redness, and rashes associated with these conditions. Unfortunately, they’re becoming more and more common during pregnancy because of all the hormonal changes going on and environmental factors, like increased stress and pollution.

If you suffer from any of these skin conditions and you’re pregnant, you may be wondering: can you use hydrocortisone cream while pregnant? Let’s find out.

Can You Use Hydrocortisone Cream While Pregnant?

The moment of truth: can you use hydrocortisone cream while pregnant? Yes, hydrocortisone cream is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, it can be a great way to relieve the itchiness and irritation that often comes along with pregnancy. 

The active ingredient in this topical cream won’t enter your bloodstream in large enough amounts to affect your baby’s development. However, you should always speak with your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy. This is especially important if you already take other medications.

How to Use Hydrocortisone Cream?

For best results, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream to the affected area two or three times per day. Make sure to wash your hands after each application. You should only use hydrocortisone cream for as long as necessary; longer than two weeks of continuous use is not recommended. If your symptoms do not improve within two weeks, or if they worsen, stop using the cream and speak with your doctor.

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Once you’ve given birth and are no longer pregnant, you can continue using hydrocortisone cream if you need to. However, if you’re using it on your breasts, make sure to wash it off before breastfeeding.

It’s Not the Same as Hydrocortisone Butyrate

It’s important to note that hydrocortisone butyrate should not be used during pregnancy. This is a prescription steroid cream that is used to treat more serious skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Doctors only prescribe it during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Conclusion

So, can you use hydrocortisone cream while pregnant? Absolutely! Not only is it safe, but it can also provide much-needed relief. Just make sure to speak with your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy, even over-the-counter medications like hydrocortisone cream. At the very least, consult a healthcare professional if you’re taking other medications at the same time.

Do you have any other questions about using medication while pregnant? Ask your doctor or read our other guides first to get a general understanding of what might not be safe.

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