Acne medication needs to be administered with utmost care during pregnancy, so that no potential health hazards are caused to the fetus. In this article, you shall get complete knowledge about the drugs that are safe and unsafe during pregnancy.
Outbreak of acne is frequently observed during pregnancy, which occurs due to rise in the levels of certain hormones. There are several treatment options to cure acne in pregnant women. However, it is extremely important to consult the doctor before choosing any particular treatment. Before applying topical medications, one must ensure that they are absolutely safe for the mother as well as the unborn baby. Considering the safety guidelines laid by USFDA, there is a group of particular medicated creams and ointments that are considered safe for acne control in pregnancy.
Allopathic doctors, normally, do not recommend use of antibiotics as acne treatment for pregnant females. Treatment with topical creams and lotions is absolutely safe for expectant mothers. Doctors decide the dosage depending upon the severity of the outbreak and duration of the pregnancy. You can also get some good acne treatment tips from reputed salons and use them at home.
Safe Medications
Clindamycin
Clindamycin, also known as cleocin is fairly safe during pregnancy. This drug is available both as a prescriptive and a topical form and is related to erythromycin. It doesn’t pose any health risks to the fetus.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is one such antibiotic that is considered safe during pregnancy. Erythromycin forms the composition of many skin creams and oral contraceptives. Doctors prescribe these pills if there’s severe outbreak of acne. The dosage is decided with utmost care, as excess might cause harm to the fetus and also cause bacterial resistance.
Azelaic Acid
Azalaic acid is also known as azelex, finacea, and finevin. This is a cream for moderate flare-up of acne. The antibacterial effects show no damage to the fetus. The effects are quite positive in curing acne.
Unsafe Medications
Accutane
Accutane is one of the best medicines to cure zits, but only when you are not pregnant. This medicine is available in the form of pills or tablets and is also known as Isotretinoin. It poses a potential hazard to the fetus causing birth defects. Cases have also been detected wherein, the side effects lead to a miscarriage.
Adapalene
This is commonly known as differin gel. This synthetic retinoid has an anti-inflammatory effect. This drug gets absorbed into the blood and can pose a threat to the fetus. Therefore, it must be avoided during the entire term of pregnancy.
Tetracycline
Tertracycline is not a safe antibiotic for expecting females. Intake of tetracycline shows harmful effects on the mother as well as the fetus. It hampers bone growth in the fetus and causes discoloration of the teeth.
Retinods
Although retinol is effective for acne, it is not safe during the course of pregnancy. Topical retinoids, like, tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene adversely affect fetal development and cause problems during breastfeeding.
Sodium Sulfacetamide
This is a category of sulfa drugs that can harm the fetus if consumed orally. Although topical application is safe, it’s always wise not to take any risk during pregnancy.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy should never be carried out if there is an outbreak of acne in pregnant women. Acne develops due to the enhanced activity of androgen, estrogen, and progesterone during pregnancy. Any effort to replace a hormone or adjust their balance can prove detrimental to the mother and the fetus.
Apart from this, you need to maintain extreme hygiene during pregnancy. You will observe secretion of some extra oil and sebum on your face. Wash your face repeatedly with a good oil control face wash. If the acne is in moderation, you can opt for herbal remedies, rather than going in for complex medication. Do not touch the acne with unclean hands or try to pop them. Be patient and develop a regular routine for clearing acne naturally during the cycle of pregnancy. The acne will disappear gradually.
