Treatment of Acne During Pregnancy

Many women find acne during pregnancy a bit troublesome. Actually, pregnancy acne is not particularly unique, and there are many methods available to treat it, including self-care and medication.

While it's not entirely clear what causes acne to worsen during pregnancy, it is likely due to hormonal imbalances that increase sebum production, exacerbating acne symptoms.

Self-Care Methods

You can start with the following self-care methods:

• Wash your face twice a day with warm water. If using a facial cleanser, choose a mild one.
• If you have oily hair, avoid letting your hair touch your face and consider washing your hair daily.
• Avoid picking or squeezing acne, as this can cause infection and lead to scarring.
• If you want to use cosmetics, choose water-based products instead of oil-based ones.
• Avoid prolonged contact of your face with other surfaces, such as resting your face on your arms. This can trap oil and sweat against your skin, aggravating acne.

Medication Treatment

If self-care methods are not effective, you may consider medication. However, be aware that any medication applied to the skin or taken orally will enter your bloodstream, so use them with caution during pregnancy.

• Erythromycin is often the first choice for treating pregnancy acne. If it is ineffective, you can try azelaic acid. These medications are usually applied as a lotion or gel directly to the skin.
• The safety of using benzoyl peroxide for treating pregnancy acne is debated. Research is limited, and while no issues have been found so far, it’s best to avoid it to be safe.
• Additionally, you should avoid medications that may cause birth defects, including isotretinoin and other forms of vitamin A, as well as minocycline and doxycycline.

If you have any doubts, it's best to consult a doctor before using any medication.