title: Updated evidence-based (S2e) European Dermatology Forum guideline on topical corticosteroids in pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical corticosteroids may be needed for treating skin conditions in pregnancy. Nevertheless, only limited data on the fetal effects of topical corticosteroids are available.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To update an evidence-based guideline on the safe use of topical corticosteroids in pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A guideline subcommittee of the European Dermatology Forum updated the guideline by adding and appraising new evidence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The current best evidence from 14 observational studies with 1 601 515 study subjects found no significant associations between maternal use of topical corticosteroids of any potency and some adverse pregnancy outcomes including mode of delivery, birth defect, preterm delivery and fetal death. However, maternal use of potent/very potent topical corticosteroids, especially in large amounts, is associated with an increase in the risk of low birthweight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mild/moderate topical corticosteroids should be preferred to potent/very potent ones in pregnancy. The well-known topical side-effects of corticosteroids on the mother's side need to be considered as well.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: C-C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chi
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kirtschig
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Aberer
authors.affiliation: Dermatologist, retired from private practice, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: J-P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Gabbud
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lipozenčić
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermato-oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kárpáti
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: U-F
authors.initials: UF
authors.lastname: Haustein
authors.affiliation: Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wojnarowska
authors.affiliation: Allergy-Centre-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zuberbier
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D005060:Europe; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones