Help with Acne

Acne Help During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during early pregnancy often result in acne. Below is 2 list of acne medications which are safe to use during pregnancy and ones should be avoided. However, always consult a doctor before using any medication during pregnancy.

The first treatment option that doctors usually recommend are natural cures. This can range from herbal supplements to home-made remedies like lemon juice and peels, tomato facial pastes, oatmeal mixed with fresh milk, egg whites and other mixtures made from natural products. Most natural cures, though, are ineffective on severe cases of pimples and doctors have no option but to prescribe topical medications.

Safe Acne Help During Pregnancy:

Benzoyl peroxide: it’s very effective for treating acne. But if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, you shouldn’t use benzoyl peroxide topical without first talking to your doctor. You can then decide if the risks are low enough and the benefits are high enough for you to use it. If during pregnancy or breastfeeding, you’re advised to use a benzoyl peroxide combination product, it’s probably wisest to use one that contains erythromycin such as Benzamycin Gel, rather than one that contains clindamycin.

Erythromycin: there are many topical prescription products that contain this antibiotic.

Benzamycin Gel: combines erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide.

Hydrocortisone (Vanoxide-HC; with benzoyl peroxide): a topical steroid commonly prescribed for acne.  Most studies conducted have indicated no significant increase in birth defects risk.

Azelaic Acid: a natural chemical produced by yeast. While no human studies have been performed, animal science has indicated no significant association with birth defect in normal dosages (about 20% strength). It is the active ingredient in the prescription products Azelex and Finevin.

Salicylic Acid (Sal Ac, Beta Hydroxy, BHA): works by encouraging skin exfoliation. No studies have been performed for topical salicylic acid in relation to birth defects. But aspirin, an oral salicylic acid, has been associated with bleeding risk if taken late in the pregnancy.

Sulfacetamide/sulfur combinations: as with benzoyl peroxide products, these have been used safely for many years. Combinations of sulfacetamide and sulfur are contained in such products as Rosula, Rosac, Rosanil, Nicosyn, and Novacet.

These medications should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Note that these medications may pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding while using these medications isn’t recommended.

Acne Treatments You Should Avoid During Pregnancy:

(because of the potential harm they can cause to both the mother and the unborn baby)

Vitamin A Derivatives: Molecules such as isotretinoin, tretinoin, tazarotene, etc that are very potent for acne treatment must be totally avoided during, before, and after pregnancy.

Tetracycline: Tetracycline and its derivatives such as doxycycline may affect the bone growth and discolor teeth of the fetus, and the breast-fed child.

Anything which contains Accutane: this ingredient is extremely dangerous to you baby. Research has shown that it may lead to birth defects and miscarriage. It is also dangerous to use during your breast feeding period.

Female Hormone Therapy For Acne: certain hormones may be passed to your baby during pregnancy or breast feeding. Flutamide and Spironolactone may be passed to the fetus and cause birth defects. Estrogens and other anti androgens should also not be used during pregnancy. As a cautionary measure, during pregnancy and while breast-feeding use every medication only after consulting your doctor.