Acne Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy: A Guide to Safe Skincare
Acne medications to avoid during pregnancy
This article is all about acne medications to avoid during pregnancy. Here we will also discuss pimple safety during pregnancy.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects more than 85 percent of people at some point in their lives. For most people, acne goes away on its own after they hit puberty. But for others, it persists well into adulthood and can lead to scarring and permanent skin damage. There are many different types of acne medications available to treat this common skin condition. However, some acne medications should not be used during pregnancy because they could harm both the mother and her unborn baby (or babies).
This article will discuss some common acne medications that should not be taken during pregnancy as well as what other options exist if you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant soon.
Let’s discuss this in detail.
Top acne medications to avoid during pregnancy
Topical Retinoids
Topical Retinoids are the popular acne medication that’s often recommended by dermatologists. This acne medication can be applied to the skin and is available in different pharmacies. However, it should be avoided during the Prenatal stage because it can cause birth defects and low birth weight.
Studies have also revealed that these topical medicines possess teratogenic effects and it can affect the central nervous system, and face.
Due to its several potential side effects, it is advised not to use these medications during pregnancy. So, if you’re pregnant and using this product at home, talk to your doctor about switching over to another kind of treatment altogether.
Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret)
A prescription drug used for severe cystic acne that causes scarring or disfiguring pitting on the face, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of its potential side effects on developing babies’ organs and tissues, especially the brain, as well as miscarriage risk if taken early prenatal stage.
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are a form of birth control that contains hormones. They can be used to prevent pregnancy and treat acne in women who don’t want to get pregnant.
Oral contraceptives can affect the developing fetus, increasing the risk of birth defects if you take them during the Prenatal stage. They also increase your blood pressure and raise your chances of getting blood clots in the vein leading to your heart (the venous system). This makes it more likely that these clots will travel to other parts of your body like the lungs, which can cause death if they travel all the way there without being treated quickly enough or at all. Oral contraceptive pills may also cause headaches and nausea in some people who take them regularly over long periods and these side effects aren’t good for pregnant women either.
Pimple Safety during Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes in our body that normally affect all our body parts. Prenatal period, skin sebaceous glands become more active and cause more oil production. So, it can cause severe acne. But you should avoid using acne medications during pregnancy like benzoyl peroxide, isotretinoin, and several retinoids. So, the question is how you can do pimple safety during pregnancy. You can easily control your acne by avoiding these harmful medicines. Just follow the steps below.
Oral Medicines
You should go for oral medicines when topical medicines are not working. The most common oral medicines that are considered safe during pregnancy include antibiotics. These antibiotics include Erythromycin, Cephalexin, and Cefadroxil. These medicines are very effective in reducing acne-causing bacteria. So, if you are facing stubborn acne Carrying a child, then visit your doctor. He will prescribe you some good antibiotics to work on your acne. Don’t go for self-medication as it can cause harm to you and your baby.
Antibiotics
Topical medicines are generally better than oral medicines. Because of their low side effects. You can use antibiotics in topical form to avoid any problems and for acne relief. Some antibiotics are considered safe to use during pregnancy for acne treatment. Some famous antibiotics are Clindamycin and Erygel. However, use these antibiotics for a shorter time. Use it with the instruction of your health care provider.
Azelaic Acid
This topical medicine is available in the form of cream. Azelaic acid is also suitable to use in pregnancy. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It can also change your skin color. So, it is advised not to use it for an extended period.
Benzoyl peroxide
It is a common medicine safe to use in pregnancy for acne. This topical medicine works by killing acne bacteria. However, pregnant ladies should use benzoyl peroxide in lower concentrations. Or it should be used with the prescription of doctors.
Laser and light treatments
Lasers and light treatments are generally considered safe for pregnant women. These treatments are somewhat expensive. But their results are long-lasting and safe. To get laser treatment for your acne, book an appointment with your dermatologist. He will suggest which kind of laser treatment will be suitable for you according to your skin and health condition.
Things to consider for Pimple safety during pregnancy
⦁ Wash your face with the help of a gentle cleanser three times a day. Don’t use any facial scrub or skin cream that can worsen your acne.
⦁ Don’t pop out your pimples. Popping pimples on your face can lead to scarring and dark spots on your skin. It can also increase acne and can cause infections. So, don’t pick out pimples.
⦁ Don’t touch your face again and again. Touching your face, again and again, can spread acne to your whole face.
⦁ Don’t use any cosmetics and night creams, especially during pregnancy. Use sunblock with the advice of the doctor.
⦁ Avoid oily and greasy foods. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Drink more and more water as you can. Get enough sleep as it will make your skin healthy and glowing.
Final words
We hope this article has helped you understand the risks of using acne medications during pregnancy. And now you have proper guidelines about pimple safety during pregnancy. We know it’s hard to stop taking your medications, but we also want you and your baby to be safe. If you have any questions or concerns about stopping your medication, please talk with your doctor before making any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you avoid isotretinoin during pregnancy?
The reason is that these medications have been associated with birth defects and other adverse effects on fetal development.
What should I do if I’m currently using acne medication and I think I might be pregnant?
If you’re using acne medication and you think you might be pregnant, you should stop using the medication and contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What if I accidentally used acne medication during early pregnancy?
If you accidentally used an acne medication during early pregnancy, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss any potential risks and next steps.
