3 Reasons You Should Visit A Dermatologist If You Suffer From Pregnancy Acne
Posted on: 16 September 2016
Pregnancy is often associated with healthy, glowing skin. However, for some women, the hormones during pregnancy can cause acne breakouts. Pregnancy acne usually shows up during the first trimester, when your hormone levels are the highest, and may stay throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. While some pregnancy acne is mild and can be treated by simple dietary changes and a careful moisturizing and cleansing routine, other pregnancy acne can be more severe, which can lead to embarrassment for some women.
If you suffer from pregnancy acne, you may have heard that many over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments are off-limits to pregnant and nursing women. While this is true, it does not mean that you have to suffer with your acne throughout your entire pregnancy. Below are three reasons that you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if you are unhappy with your pregnancy acne.
There Are Treatment Options Available
Despite the number of common treatments that you should avoid during pregnancy, there are still a number of treatments that are available to pregnant women. For example, some category-B topical medications are only partially absorbed through the skin, putting your baby at very little risk. For more severe acne, there are certain oral antibiotics that are rated category B and are considered safe when necessary. Additionally, your dermatologist may prescribe light therapy to help reduce your acne. Most of these category-B medications are only available through prescription and should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist if you are pregnant.
While these medications may be appropriate, you will need the help of a dermatologist to decide if they are right for you. Preferably, your dermatologist will have experience working with pregnant woman or will be willing to work closely with your obstetrician to help create a treatment plan for your pregnancy acne.
It Is Important To Discuss Medications With Both an Obstetrician and a Dermatologist
Some medications can exacerbate acne. If your obstetrician prescribes you a certain medication, you may want to check with your dermatologist before using it. In some cases, your dermatologist may be able to recommend an alternative medication that will be less likely to contribute to increased acne issues. Similarly, your dermatologist may suggest an alternative prenatal vitamin to make sure you are getting the vitamins your skin needs while your baby is also getting the vitamins it needs.
Your dermatologist and your obstetrician should work together as a team to make sure you have a safe pregnancy while also managing your pregnancy acne.
Acne Can Contribute to Depression
14–23% of pregnant women suffer from depression at some point during their pregnancy. Pregnancy depression can be caused by a number of factors, including changes in hormones during pregnancy, body image issues due to weight gain, stress from balancing life obligations such as work or taking care of older children and physical symptoms of pregnancy, and worrying about taking care of a newborn baby. It is a problem because it can cause you to stop taking care of yourself and your unborn baby and drastically lower your quality of life.
Acne can also contribute to pregnancy depression, especially if you struggled with acne throughout your teenage years or have self-esteem issues stemming from body image issues. If acne is contributing to your pregnancy depression, it is important to get it treated so you can have a healthy, happy pregnancy.
If you suffer from pregnancy acne, you may not have to suffer your entire pregnancy. A certified dermatologist can help you with dietary and lifestyle changes that may improve your acne. Additionally, you may be able to seek medical treatment. However, it is important you discuss your problem with a dermatologist. For more information, contact a dermatology center like Associated Skin Care Specialists.
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