topical acne treatment when pregnant

Topical medications

• Azelaic acid. Azelaic acid (Azelex) is generally thought to be safe for use during pregnancy. The exact way it works for...
• Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is considered safe for use in limited amounts during pregnancy. It works by killing...
• Antibiotics. Erythromycin (Erygel) and clindamycin (Cleocin T) are two topical antibiotics that are often...

Full Answer

How to cure pregnancy acne?

In general, they have suggested topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid, or glycolic acid for treatment of acne in pregnancy. I use a topical acne treatment. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant? While not well studied, use of topical acne treatments is not expected to make it harder to get pregnant. Does using topical acne treatments increase the …

Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?

Nov 01, 2021 · benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. Prescription topical acne medications might include. tretinoin, adapalene, dapsone, or antibiotics such as erythromycin or clindamycin. Products will vary in how strong the. active ingredient is and how much of the medication is in the product.

How to tackle acne during pregnancy?

Mar 01, 2016 · There are no studies of topical salicylic acid use by humans during pregnancy, though malformations in rat embryos have resulted from systemic salicylic acid and aspirin administration during pregnancy. 1 It is a keratolytic agent that is commonplace in over-the-counter acne remedies. Widespread application of high-concentration salicylic acid on …

Is it normal to get acne while pregnant?

Oral retinoids are teratogenic and absolutely contraindicated for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy. Although some complementary therapies including micronutrients and nonpharmacologic treatments seem to be well tolerated, limited data exist regarding their safety and efficacy, and they are not currently recommended during pregnancy.

What is the best treatment for acne?

Oral Antibiotics. Oral antibiotics improve inflammatory acne by inhibiting the growth of P. acnes in the pilosebaceous unit. Tetracycline antibiotics (including doxycycline and minocycline) also exert direct anti-inflammatory effects.

What antibiotics are used for acne?

Topical antibiotics have long been used for the treatment of inflammatory acne; erythromycin and clindamycin are the 2 most commonly prescribed agents. Both are classified as pregnancy category B. Short-term use of topical erythromycin and clindamycin is safe during pregnancy. 5 However, studies addressing the effects of chronic use are not available. 1 Given the reported association of cases of Clostridium difficile diarrhea with topical clindamycin, it should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease. 8, 9 Topical clindamycin and erythromycin reduce the amount of P. acnes in the sebaceous follicle by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and thereby suppressing inflammatory acne. Combining topical antibiotic therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide decreases the development of bacterial resistance and improves treatment efficacy. 10, 11

What is acne vulgaris?

Pregnancy. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and is characterized by noninflammatory (comedones) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) that can cause scarring and psychological distress.

Can prednisone be used for cystic acne?

A short course of oral prednisolone may be useful for treating fulminant nodular cystic acne after the first trimester. In general, topical and oral antibiotics should not be used as monotherapy, but combined with topical benzoyl peroxide to decrease bacterial resistance.

Is benzoyl peroxide safe for pregnancy?

To date, resistance of P. acnes to benzoyl peroxide has not been identified. 5, 7 Benzoyl peroxide is considered safe during pregnancy and helps to prevent the development of resistance when used in conjunction with antibiotics. 3, 6.

Is azelaic acid safe for pregnancy?

Azelaic acid is classified as pregnancy category B because animal studies have shown no teratogenicity, but human data do not exist. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with antimicrobial, comedolytic, and mild anti-inflammatory properties, with an added benefit of decreasing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. There are no indications that Propionibacterium acnes may become resistant to azelaic acid. Following topical application, approximately 4% of the drug is absorbed systemically. 5

Can pregnant women take zinc sulfate?

Zinc provides another option for pregnant patients with acne. Zinc sulfate is considered a FDA pregnancy category C drug, whereas zinc gluconate has not been formally categorized. Animal studies and human studies including pregnant women treated for acne have not revealed increased risks of fetal abnormalities, and the risk of fetal harm at doses <75 mg/day is remote. 30 Zinc has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antisebum properties, and has been found to be effective against mild to moderate inflammatory acne when used alone or in combination with other anti-acne agents. 17, 31, 32 The recommended dietary allowance for zinc during pregnancy is 11 mg/day. Potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, usually on a dose-dependent and transient basis. 17

What is the best treatment for acne?

A combination of topical erythromycin or clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide is recommended for inflammatory acne. Oral erythromycin or cephalexin is generally considered safe for moderate to severe inflammatory acne when used for a few weeks.

What is acne vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is a common disease of the pilosebaceous unit and affects adolescents and adults. Because high-quality guidelines regarding treatment of acne in pregnancy are scarce, management of this condition can be challenging.

Can you use topical antibiotics as monotherapy?

In general, topical and oral antibiotics should not be used as monotherapy, but combined with topical benzoyl peroxide to decrease bacterial resistance. Oral retinoids are teratogenic and absolutely contraindicated for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy.

Can you take micronutrients while pregnant?

Although some complementary therapies including micronutrients and nonpharmacologic treatments seem to be well tolerated, limited data exist regarding their safety and efficacy, and they are not currently recommended during pregnancy.

Is acne vulgaris a disease?

Treatment of Acne in Pregnancy. Acne vulgaris is a common disease of the pilosebaceous unit and affects adolescents and adults. Because high-quality guidelines regarding treatment of acne in pregnancy are scarce, management of this condition can be challenging.

How to get rid of acne on face?

Twice a day, use your hands to wash your face with a mild soap and warm water. Avoid certain products, such as facial scrubs, astringents and masks, because they tend to irritate skin, which can worsen acne. Excessive washing and scrubbing also can irritate skin. Shampoo regularly.

Can acne be used during pregnancy?

While most ingredients in over-the-counter topical acne treatments haven't been studied in pregnancy, typically only small amounts are absorbed into the skin. This makes it unlikely that the treatments would pose a risk to a developing baby.

Can pregnancy cause acne?

Pregnancy acne isn't a special form of acne. Some women simply seem to have trouble with acne during pregnancy. The likely culprit is an overproduction of oil (sebum) — which happens when certain hormones go into overdrive. To treat pregnancy acne, start with self-care: Wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser.

Can you take medication for acne while pregnant?

Sweat and oils can contribute to acne. Medication also can be used to treat pregnancy acne but any medication applied to your skin or swallowed during pregnancy can enter your bloodstream and affect your baby.

Is it safe to take clindamycin while pregnant?

Antibiotics (you apply to your skin): Applying clindamycin during pregnancy is thought to be safe . Before using it while you’re pregnant, it’s best to check with your obstetrician or dermatologist. Antibiotics (you take): Cefadroxil is an antibiotic that can help clear severe acne.

Can you take Cefadroxil while pregnant?

Antibiotics (you take): Cefadroxil is an antibiotic that can help clear severe acne. In giving pregnant animals large amounts of this antibiotic, researchers haven’t seen birth defects. The antibiotics that are often used to treat acne, such as azithromycin and clarithromycin, also seem safe during pregnancy.

Can pregnant women take dapsone?

While that’s great news, we don’t have much information about what happens when pregnant women take it. This is a newer acne treatment. For this reason, experts recommend that doctors be very cautious when they prescribe dapsone to women who are pregnant.

Can you use salicylic acid on a baby?

Salicylic acid: Often found in acne treatment you can buy without a prescription, salicylic acid is generally considered safe when used for a limited time.

Can you treat acne while pregnant?

Researchers don’t give pregnant women medications, so there are no studies to tell us what happens when pregnant women use a treatment.

Can you use lasers while pregnant?

As such, lasers are considered relatively safe for women who are pregnant. If you are considering using a laser or light treatment for your acne while pregnant, please make an appointment to see a dermatologist first. There are many different types of lasers and light treatments.

Is it safe to use Benzoyl Peroxide while pregnant?

Azelaic acid: This is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, researchers haven’t seen birth defects. Benzoyl peroxide: Often found in acne treatment you can buy without a prescription, experts say it’s safe to use in limited amounts. For this reason, you should talk with your obstetrician or dermatologist before using it ...

What is the best treatment for acne during pregnancy?

Other antibiotics that may be prescribed are penicillins and cephalosporins. Light and laser therapies for acne are also safe.

What medications should not be taken during pregnancy?

Do not use topical preparations containing: Do not take the following oral medicines: Tetracyclines in later pregnancy, eg doxycycline, minocycline, lymecycline – these may discolour the teeth of the baby.

Can acne be treated while pregnant?

Treatment of acne in pregnancy. On the whole, it is preferable to avoid drugs in pregnancy in case they have an effect on the fetus.

Can acne get worse during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the severity of acne can improve or get worse. It is common for acne to get a bit worse in early pregnancy and for it to improve as pregnancy progresses. This may relate to the increased levels of oestrogen present in pregnancy.

What is the best treatment for comedonal acne?

Topical retinoids such as tretinoin or adapalene are effective in many patients with comedonal acne. Patients with inflammatory lesions benefit from treatment with benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or topical antibiotics. Frequently, the use of comedonal and antibacterial agents is required.

What is the treatment vehicle for acne?

Treatment Vehicle. In the treatment of acne, the vehicle (cream, gel, lotion or solution) may be as important as the active agent. Consequently, it is important to assess the patient's skin type. Creams are appropriate for patients with sensitive or dry skin who require a nonirritating, nondrying formulation.

Why is acne a problem?

Acne is a common problem in adolescents and young adults. The disorder is caused by abnormal desquamation of follicular epithelium that results in obstruction of the pilosebaceous canal. This obstruction leads to the formation of comedones, which can become inflamed because of overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes.

What is the pathophysiology of acne?

Pathophysiology. Understanding the pathophysiology of acne can help the physician tailor therapy to the individual patient. Acne lesions arise from pilosebaceous units, which consist of sebaceous glands and small hair follicles. These units are found everywhere on the body except the palms and soles.

Where are acne lesions found?

These units are found everywhere on the body except the palms and soles. Pilosebaceous density is greatest on the face, upper neck and chest, at roughly nine times the concentration found elsewhere on the body. 4.

Can neonates have acne?

Thus, neonates can present with acne. The pilosebaceous units atrophy during childhood but, under the influence of androgens, reemerge during adolescence. Obstruction of the pilosebaceous canal is the primary cause of acne and occurs because of a variety of factors.

Is sulfur good for acne?

Sulfur preparations have been used to treat acne since the time of Hippocrates. Sulfur is combined with various other acne medications in many over-the-counter washes and cleansing bars. This agent has been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne lesions, most likely as a result of keratolysis. However, efficacy may also be related to an irritative effect. 12