A number of medicines are prescribed for the treatment of acne, some taken orally, others topically. When considering the probable risk of these medications during pregnancy, how your fetus might be exposed is crucial to consider. Topical creams and gels are less systemically available than drugs taken orally, eventually meaning the fetus is exposed to less of the medicine. As with any call about medicine during pregnancy, the potential hazards must be weighed against its advantages for the patient. Since there are assorted acne medicines available, it could be likely for a girl to discover a blend of medicines that is both effective and does not put her pregnancy at risk for major malformations.

Side Effects of Common Acne Treatments During Pregnancy

Benzoyl Peroxide (brevoxyl) (Benzac, Benzamycin, Beroxyl, Desquam, Triaz, Vanoxide)

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment for acne which has antibacterial effects and prompts skin peeling. About five pc of each topical dose is soaked up sytemically. There aren’t any animal or human reproductive studies on benzoyl peroxide, and so its potential teratogenic danger is undetermined. However as an acne treatment in pregnancy, benzoyl peroxide is often used, and there are no case reports about benzoyl peroxide and birth defects in the literature. This, combined with its topical exposure, provides some comfort that the chance of malformations is probably going to be low.

Hydrocortisone (Vanoxide-HC; w/ benzoyl peroxide)

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used topically to treat acne and other dermatologic conditions. The doses in the studies reviewed were possibly much bigger than a dose from a topical exposure. ( 1995 ) surveyed 468 girls exposed to all corticosteroids usually, and spotted no major increase in birth defects. However, this research did note a rise in split palate versus that anticipated ( two vs. Because a rise in clefting has been noted in mice exposed to corticosteroids ( Fraser et al, 1951 ), this finding is of potential concern. Ultimately , a retrospective study by Czeizel et al. ( 1997 ) followed 191 ladies exposed to topical cortisone during pregnancy and found no important increase in birth defects. ( 1951 and 1995 ), it is not likely a topical exposure to hydrocortisone as an acne treatment during pregnancy noticeably increases the hazard of birth defects, including oral splits.

Salicylic Acid (Sal Ac)

Salicylic acid is used to treat acne, warts and other dermatological issues. There are no studies particularly taking a look at topical salicylic acid as a acne treatment in pregnancy. Oral salicylic acid ( aspirin ) hasn’t been related to a rise in malformations if used during the 1st trimester, but use in late in pregnancy has been related to bleeding, particularly intracranial bleeding ( Rumack et al, 1981 ). The risks of aspirin late in pregnancy are obviously not topical. There seems little risk from a topical exposure of salicylic acid, even late in pregnancy, due to its low systemic levels.

Azelaic Acid (Azelex)

Azelaic acid is a topical cream for acne. The manufacturer’s studies in animals do not show an increase in malformations at doses much higher than the maximum human dose. There have not been any human reproductive studies to date.

While it is reassuring that animal studies do not show abnormal development and that the fetal dose is small because the medication is topical, the risk of azelaic acid as an acne pregnancy treatment is undetermined because there have been no human studies.

Almost all acne treatments during pregnancy present risks. Because of its proven birth defect rate, it is well known that isotretinoin (Accutane) is not a pregnancy safe acne treatment. Additionally, tetracycline and its derivatives should not be used after 16 weeks gestation due to its effects on calcium-containing tissue, particularly teeth. The risks of other medications such as tretinoin are less certain, while some commonly used medications, like benzoyl peroxide, appear to be pregnancy safe.

Because of the widely known birth defects of isotretinoin, many women are concerned about all acne medications during pregnancy. However, there are a wide variety of acne treatments, many of which pose a minimal risk (such as vinegar for acne) if applied topically during pregnancy.