Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while using hydrocortisone for skin - Brand names: Dermacort, Derma Care, HC45

Hydrocortisone skin treatments and pregnancy

Hydrocortisone creams, ointments and lotions can be used in pregnancy.

Hydrocortisone butyrate, a stronger type of hydrocortisone that's only available on prescription, can also be used in pregnancy if you need it.

Check with your doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) to make sure you're using the best treatment.

The creams, ointments and lotions only contain a very low dose of hydrocortisone. Only small amounts will get into your blood and this will not harm your baby.

Hydrocortisone skin treatments and breastfeeding

You can use hydrocortisone skin treatments while you're breastfeeding, but try to apply it to the smallest areas possible, and try to avoid using it for long periods of time.

It's not known how much passes into breast milk, but it's likely to be a tiny amount, and your baby will not be able to absorb much of it into their body. It's unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

Take care that your baby does not touch any areas of your body where you've used hydrocortisone.

If you need to treat your breasts, wash off any cream or ointment from your breasts or nipples, then wash your hands before feeding your baby. It's usually better to use cream rather than ointment when breastfeeding, as it's easier to wash off.

Skin treatments containing hydrocortisone may also contain other ingredients such as antibacterials and antifungals. It's still OK to use them while breastfeeding.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, is not putting on weight as you would expect, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Hydrocortisone skin treatments and fertility

There's no evidence that hydrocortisone skin treatments affect fertility in either men or women.