When a drug meant for treating any disease causes side effects, means that while treating one problem, you are setting yourself up for many other problems. Hence it is difficult to classify it as a treatment. This is the problem faced by women during pregnancy. Isotretinoin is the most widely used acne treatment. In case of severe acne that does not heal with other medications, Isotretinoin will certainly provide the respite. However it is difficult to ignore itsside effects. It is a retinoid obtained from vitamin A.
Though Isotretinoin is the best treatment for acne, no pregnant woman should take it. The drug can result in birth defects in the fetus. Consult your doctor regularly, if you are pregnant and have been advised to take this pill. Explain your pregnancy to the doctor. Weigh the pros and cons of this drug before starting the treatment in case you do not want a child with birth defects.
The side effects of Isotretinoin are: hair thinning, red itchy eyes, dry skin and dry nose. Sometimes depression, nausea or vomiting can also occur. When taking this drug, there are plenty of precautions that you must follow after talking to your doctor.
Before starting the Isotretinoin treatment, get yourself tested for pregnancy. You should inform your doctor about the pregnancy or if you plan to breast feed the baby. You should stop this drug immediately if you become pregnant in due course of this treatment. Doctors can even insist that you follow 2 fail-proof birth control methods before taking this drug.
Hormonal changes are to be expected in pregnancy that can lead to acne inflammation. The health of your skin can be excellent till you become pregnant. Then you may suffer from severe acne attack. As your pregnancy advances, the acne starts healing itself and your skin can regain its excellent health.
You need not ignore your acne while pregnant, but stay away from oral medications. They can be very risky. Use topical medications like Azelic acid or the trusted benzoyl peroxide. It is recommended to consult your physician before using any of the above medications.