Topical Corticosteroid Creams for Infants

Safety and Efficacy

• Infants aged 0-6 months are particularly vulnerable to systemic absorption and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression due to their high body surface area-to-volume ratio compared to older children 1
• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using only low-potency corticosteroids in infants, as high-potency or ultra-high-potency formulations should be avoided 1

Application and Monitoring

• Apply topical corticosteroids to affected areas only, avoiding large body surface areas, and limit treatment duration and quantity supplied 1
• Parents and providers must watch for signs of skin atrophy or other local adverse effects, as well as symptoms suggesting HPA axis suppression with prolonged use 1

Contraindications

• The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using topical corticosteroids for conditions where diagnosis is uncertain and specialist evaluation is needed 2