Topical application of therapeutic agents may lead to significant systemic absorption, the extent of which is influenced by factors such as: surface area and frequency of application; occlusion; absence of barrier function (eg in dermatitis); and region of application—drug absorption is higher from the face, intertriginous areas, perineum and mucosal surfaces.

Based on large population-based follow-up studies, topical corticosteroids are generally considered safe for use at any stage of pregnancy. Despite these studies the pregnancy categorisation given in the product information of topical corticosteroids varies, even between different brands of the same preparation. Prescribing medicines in pregnancy (prepared by the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee [ADEC] and available with updates at the Therapeutic Goods Administration [TGA] website) has a category A classification for hydrocortisone, betamethasone valerate and dipropionate, and triamcinolone.

Revised February 2009. ©Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd (etg31demo, July 2010)