Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
If you are interested in engaging in an acne treatment during pregnancy, it is imperative that you proceed with caution. There is a natural elevation involving the hormones during pregnancy. As a result of these elevated levels, many changes occur within the body. Skin changes are considered to be one of the most common occurrences during this time. While it is true that one of the most popular skin changes is the natural “glow” that commonly happens when a female becomes pregnant, another not so favorable change is the onset of acne. Unfortunately, it is not advised that you use a medicated acne treatment during pregnancy. Common prescriptions that are typically used to treat acne have been linked to birth defects and other complications.
The Impact of Pregnancy on the Skin
As stated previously, the natural elevation of the hormones within the body during pregnancy may result in the onset of acne. The hormones that are specifically responsible for this occurrence are identified by medical professionals as “Androgens”.
Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
When flowing through the body in higher levels, they have the potential to increase the size of the glands that are identified as “Sebaceous”. Due to the increased size of the glands, there are higher levels of the oil based substance which is called “Sebum”. While this is being produced at higher rates, the dead cells from the skin mix with it and fill the pores with varying degrees of debris. As a result of this debris, bacterium that is natural found on the skin starts to multiply rapidly. As a result, inflammation develops and blemishes may start to appear on the skin.
Acne Treatment During Pregnancy – Common Acne Prescriptions that Should be Not be Used
As stated previously, there are many prescription acne treatments that should be avoided during pregnancy. Not only do these medications increase your chance of experiencing a miscarriage, they may lead to serious health complications that may affect both you and your unborn child, as well as potentially serious birth defects that could affect the child’s quality of life once they are born. The most commonly prescribed medications for acne outbreaks are Retin-A, Accutane, and Tetracycline. The following outlines these medications, as well as the complications that have been linked to them:
• Retin-A is a cream that is provided to a patient through the means of a prescription that is intended to be placed on the skin to prevent and treat acne outbreaks. It is often referred to by its generic name, which is “Tretinoin”. There is a special organization that is identified as the “Organization of Teratology Information Services” or the “OTIS” that states that it has been found that, overall, less than ten percent of this particular medication is passed from the skin of the mother into the bloodstream to the child. However, pregnant women are still advised to avoid using this medication while they are carrying a child. If you want to use this medication as an acne treatment during pregnancy, it is important to consult a medical professional’s opinion and only use under the direct supervision of that professional.
• Accutane is a medication that is taken by mouth in order to treat outbreaks associated with acne. It is known generically as “Isotretinoin”. Many infants were evaluated whose mothers took this prescription medication while they carried them. It was estimated that up to thirty five percent of the children were born with some type of birth defect. There were defects that were craniofacial based, those that directly involved the heart, as well as many that had an impact on the central nervous system. Additionally, it was found that many women suffered from miscarriages while others that gave birth had an infant that died shortly after birth.
• Tetracycline is an antibiotic acne treatment that is taken by mouth. It is also used for the treatment of infections that affect the respiratory system. When evaluating the effects of this medication, it has been established that it delays the growth of the bones in an unborn child. Furthermore, it is believed that it affects the color that is associated with the teeth in a baby.
Which Acne Treatment During Pregnancy?
Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments
If you are pregnant, it is important to be extremely cautious about using an over-the-counter acne treatment during pregnancy. Not only does medication taken orally affect your unborn child, but medication that is used topically on the skin may affect your unborn child as well. It is important to understand that many products have ingredients that will be absorbed by the skin and will go directly into the bloodstream. If you want to ensure your safety and the safety of your unborn child, it is important to avoid the following products that are sold over-the-counter:
• Retinoids
• Salicylic Acid
• Soy
• Hair Removers
• Sunscreen
• Products Designed to Eliminate Acne
• Makeup Products with Harsh Ingredients
Best Methods for Treating Acne during Pregnancy
If you find that you suffer from embarrassing and painful acne outbreaks during pregnancy, it is important to avoid prescription and over-the-counter medications, creams, and ointments that may pose harm to you and/or your unborn child. However, there are several strategies that may be used to successfully treat this skin condition. The following tips are considered to be the best methods for treating acne during pregnancy:
• It is important to use a gentle cleansing product on the affected areas of the skin up to twice daily.
• You should avoid causing any type of irritation to the skin that is affected.
• When cleaning the skin, be certain that you do not scrub it. Rather, you should gently pat the skin.
• You should avoid using any type of soap, makeup, or moisturizing product that contains any type of oil. It is best to use water based products.
• You should increase the amount of water that you drink daily so that the skin is hydrated and purified naturally.
It is challenging to discover a safe acne treatment during pregnancy. However, it is a must. It is important to avoid taking medications or using topical medications that contain harsh ingredients that have the potential of affecting your health and the health of your unborn child. Not only can acne treatment during pregnancy increase the likelihood of miscarriage, they have the potential of resulting in birth defects and even infant death.
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