Acne Treatment While Pregnant
Acne is a common ailment for pregnant women, and is caused by an increase in hormones, according to AmazingPregnancy.com. Acne can be mild to severe, depending upon the woman, and whether she had acne problems prior to her pregnancy. Prescription acne medications should be avoided or discontinued when pregnancy begins, as they pose harmful risks to a fetus and to a baby that is nursing. Examples include Accutane, hormone therapy, tetracyclines and topical retinoids. However, there are safe over-the-counter products that a woman can use for acne during pregnancy.
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Accutane
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Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is one of the most popular oral drugs on the market for severe acne. Its affects are so strong, that it is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or for women who are planning to become pregnant. According to Amazing Pregnancy, 25 to 35 percent of babies who are born to a mother who used isotretinoin during the first three months of pregnancy will suffer birth defects. These defects include those of the central nervous system and the heart. There is also an increased risk of miscarriage during the pregnancy, and a risk of SIDS after the baby is born. These risks are so serious that before a woman is to take Accutane, she should perform a pregnancy prevention test, in which she would use two different birth control methods one month before and one month after usage of the medicine. If a woman becomes pregnant during treatment, she must stop taking isotretinoin immediately.
Hormone Therapy
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During hormone therapy, spironolactone and flutamide are combined with estrogen to help cure a woman's acne. Pregnant women should not use hormone therapy, because spironolactone and flutamide are known to cause birth defects. A woman who is breastfeeding should also steer clear of such treatments, as the possible effects passed to a baby through a mother's milk are unknown.
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Tetracyclines
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Tetracyclines are antibiotics that are taken orally to treat acne. A pregnant woman should steer clear of these antibiotics, because they can cause a discoloration of teeth and can prevent bone growth in a fetus. Such defects can be passed on to a baby through breast milk as well. Doxycycline and and minocycline must also be avoided.
Topical Retinoids
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Topical retinoids are acne medications that are applied directly to the affected area of the skin. Examples include tretinoin, better known as Retin-A, tazarotene and adapalene. According to Amazing Pregnancy, about 10 percent of retinoids are passed from the skin application to the mother's blood, and an even smaller percentage can enter the placenta. Although little is known about possible defects to a fetus as a result of topical retinoid usage, it is still advised that a pregnant woman not use them.
Safe Treatments
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Only two acne medications are deemed as safe for pregnant women to use: benzoyl peroxide and azelic acid. Although benzoyl peroxide is contained in most prescription acne medications, it can be found in many over-the-counter products at drug and department stores. Salicylic acid is also a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne medicines, but is not safe for a pregnant woman to use. Aside from acne medicines, a pregnant woman should ensure that she properly cleanses and moisturizes her face twice a day, as well as exercises and eat healthy foods in order to help prevent acne.
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