How to deal with acne and skin problems during pregnancy

Author: Dr Scott Pendergraft

Skin problems during pregnancy are not unusual. Women get into unusual anxiety with their skin problems during pregnancy. It is however common to face pregnancy related skin problems. Acne is one of the most common pregnancy related skin disorder. On average out of every two pregnant women, one can develop acne. Only in a few cases the acne condition is severe.

The cause of acne problem is increased hormonal level during pregnancy with an additional increase in production of natural oils by the skin. It is not easy to predict the outburst of acne but women with history of acne are more prone to get the affected. Pregnant women who do not develop acne in the first trimester are unlikely to be affected during 2nd or 3rd trimester as well. Dealing with acne during pregnancy needs special attention as most of the over the counter drugs and prescriptions come with birth defects risks. Here we are going to disclose the best ways to deal with acne during pregnancy.

Acne and Pregnancy

Acne caused during pregnancy is because of hormonal changes and come back to normal as the hormonal balance is maintained. It is best in your interest to avoid any prescription medication or OTC drug or creams. Home remedies are best for treating such acne breakout. However it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting any acne treatment when you are pregnant.

What’s Unsafe

Drugs like Isotretinoin which are intensively used for the treatment of severe acne burst are very dangerous to use during pregnancy. The drug has known side effects on fetus and can result into serious birth defects. Hormone therapy using estrogen is equally unsafe. Oral tetracycyclines and topical retinoids should also be avoided.

Make note to avoid all these medications for acne treatment when you are pregnant. As most of the treatment formulations are not studied during the pregnancy it is not safe to use them during it. Birth defects can result from such medications.

Drug-Free Treatments

Acne during the pregnancy subsides on their own after the childbirth. It is best to maintain proper skin hygiene to avoid any allergies. Some methods to deal with acne during pregnancy are:

  • Limit washing of face twice per day and do it after heavy sweating only
  • Using soft washcloth or sonic cleansing system to clean the face
  • Cleanser to be used should be free from oil and alcohol and non abrasive. Wash face gently with it.
  • Rinse skin with lukewarm water after cleansing and moisturize it appropriately
  • Over cleansing should be avoided as it over stimulates the oil glands
  • If you have oily skin it is best to shampoo daily

Apart from all these methods it is a golden rule to avoid squeezing or popping of pimples. This will not be any help and will results into permanent scars. Clogged pores can be treated with professional facials but use no medications. These are some important tips to keep into account.

Tampa Abortion Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including abortions, physical examinations, family planning and counseling. Abortion Clinic.