Just as before the periods some women might be exposed to acne rash during the time of pregnancy.
Usually acne rash increases at the beginning of pregnancy; however, further on it either decreases or disappears at all. The mentioned happens because of the alteration in the amount of female sex hormone – estrogen – in blood. Some women may have the opposite effect: due to hormonal changes in blood all traces of previous acne may be absolutely eliminated during pregnancy.

Were there no skin problems originally, acne disappears post partum. However, having suffered severe types of acne, some dark marks or scars might remain on skin. Thus, the way to act when being exposed to acne during pregnancy is worthwhile knowing:

First. If you have some spots, avoid touching them with your hands, in order to less infect skin with acne bacteria.

Second. Do not squeeze out comedones to avoid scars later on.

During pregnancy acne is allowed to be treated with medications based on benzyl peroxide and lepargylic acid.

Some drugs which are generally used for the treatment of acne cannot be used during pregnancy! These are insecure substances dangerous for the unborn baby:

• tetracycline – this antibiotic is available both in pills and ointment;
• salicylic acid;
• tretinoin;
• isotretinoin;
• retinoids (derivatives of vitamin A of synthetic and natural origin);
• retinoids of external application: tretinoin, adapalen, tazarotene.

It is known that tetracycline harms the development of bones. A physician can prescribe another antibiotic instead of tetracycline – erythromycin – that had no side effects observed.

Usage of izotretinoin during the first three months of pregnancy may cause great harm to the embryo. It may cause heart defects, central nervous system degeneracy and increase the risk of child’s death. If you breastfeed the baby, you are also not allowed to be taking medicine with this active substance.

In the USA people intending to use izotretinoin, as well as their physicians, are listed in a special registry; female patients take pregnancy test prior to taking the medicine. This health care program is named iPledge

Medical treatment for acne, which appeared because of pregnancy, is to be consulted with dermatologist and gynecologist.

It is also prohibited to apply hormonotherapy for acne treatment during pregnancy!