Women and Acne
Pregnancy and acne
Treatment options: First, talk to your doctor. The vast majority of acne treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter, have not been studied in pregnant or lactating mothers.2 Your doctor may have options for you that he/she considers safe for use during your pregnancy.
One option that is absolutely unsafe is Accutane. The active ingredient in Accutane, isotretinoin, is highly teratogenic (causes birth defects).3 It is absolutely vital that women who plan on becoming pregnant or who are already pregnant avoid any products containing isotretinoin.
Your baby: Yes, even babies can have acne.4 It is referred to as neonatal acne, and it normally subsides on its own. If your son or daughter show signs of acne as an infant, they may also suffer with acne as an adolescent. Be sure to have an open and honest talk with them if they start breaking out as a teenager and explain their options. I sure wish someone had done that with me when I was 11!
References
1. Fulton JE. Acne Rx. James E. Fulton Jr., M.D., PhD, 2001.
2. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A and Einarson A. "Safety of skin care products during pregnancy." Canadian Family Physician. 2011; 57(6): 665-667.
3. Honein MA, Paulozzi LJ and Erickson JD. "Continued occurrence of Accutane-exposed pregnancies." Teratology. 2001; 64(3): 142-7.
4. Hello M, et al. "Infantile acne: A retrospective study of 16 cases." Pediatric Dermatology. 2008; 25(4): 434-438.
Further Reading
Roche Accutane (isotretinoin capsules). Roche Laboratories, Inc. Oct. 2007.

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