Acne during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, numerous acne treatments and medicines are not to be used. Eventhough it is common for acne to worsen during pregnancy, and new skin changes to appear, it is crucial to follow physicians guidelines on acne drugs. This is due to known and also postulated effects on the developing embryo and fetus, as many acne drugs enter the bloodstream and can be passed on to the fetal bloodstream.

Products and drugs that are allowed to be taken during pregnancy are: benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin, topical benzoyl peroxide/antibiotic combinations, isolated intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (steroid) for nodules only. Contraindicated are all the retinoids and vitamin A derivatives, such as all topical retinoids, isotretinoin (Accutane, Clarus), any hormonal therapy and oral antibiotics, tetracycline and erythromycin, due to their effects on developing teeth, cartilage, and the ear.