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What you should know about acne treatments during pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes including in the medications you can take. Here is what you should know about acne treatments while pregnant.

The forbidden acne medications during pregnancy

Some medications should not be taken during pregnancy.  These include:

• Isotretinoin
• Spironolactone
• Tazarotene
• Antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline

Not recommended acne treatments during pregnancy

Most experts recommend stopping the following treatments:

• Topical retinoids including adapalene and tretinoin creams.
• Topical dapsone, brand-name aczone. While dapsone has not caused birth defects in animal studies, physicians would not recommend it during pregnancy as research data is limited (researchers tend not to give medications to pregnant women.)

The safer acne treatments during pregnancy

While safer treatment options exist for pregnant women, you should always talk to your obstetrician or dermatologist before using products for your acne during pregnancy. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

• Azelaic acid is thought to be safe during pregnancy.
• Benzoyl peroxide, which can be found over the counter as an acne treatment, is safe to use in limited amounts.
• Topical clindamycin, a prescription antibiotic applied to the skin, is thought to be safe during pregnancy.
• Salicylic acid found in over-the-counter acne treatments can be safe for limited use
• Laser and light treatments are considered to be relatively safe in pregnancy, but it is recommended that you see a dermatologist before embarking on this treatment during pregnancy.

If you are suffering from acne during your pregnancy, SkinCare Physicians dermatologists can help to sort out your treatment options. Book a consultation online or call 617-731-1600.

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