Acne is a very common skin condition that is known to affect not just teenagers but also adults. The sebaceous glands, which are found in the skin, produce an oily substance called sebum—excessive sebum results in acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Acne usually develops on the face, but it may also affect other parts of the body like the back or neck. Usually, this condition doesn't come with adverse side effects but it can make you self conscious thus warranting acne treatment. Singapore is one of the regions you may want to look up to for your treatment because of how popular this treatment is in the region and how advanced the treatment options are.
It has been observed that pregnancy can worsen existing acne lesions and may also cause acne to develop for the first time. These hormonal fluctuations often increase oil production, resulting in even more clogged pores, leading to harder stages of acne treatment and finally recovery.
So what should be done? Under these circumstances, doctors generally recommend using medications with minimum risk while trying to treat acne. During pregnancy, certain oral medications should be avoided, while some topical treatments are considered safe and can be used when appropriate.
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for treating inflammatory acne lesions as these drugs have anti-inflammatory properties without any hormonal effects. Oral contraceptives pills are also seen to treat acne by controlling sebum production, but they should not be taken when a patient is already taking antibiotics as they may nullify each other's action, thus resulting in diminished effectiveness of treatment.
Preferably, it would help if you do not take oral corticosteroids during pregnancy unless advised by an experienced dermatologist. Many dermatologists recommend Spironolactone, an anti androgen medication, which can be used for treating acne in women.
Some of the 'safest' topical treatments include erythromycin and clindamycin; both antibiotics are applied directly on the skin to kill P. acnes bacteria without exhibiting any hormonal effects as most oral contraceptives pills do. Both these drugs have been found safe during pregnancy and may be used twice daily for best results.
Many dermatologists also prescribe benzoyl peroxide, a common over-the-counter drug available in an average pharmacy. Benzoyl peroxide is not very different from hydrogen peroxide and works by killing bacteria; it has anti-inflammatory properties, thus helps to reduce swelling or redness of acne lesions and peeling of the skin that often occurs with other topical medications.
Another very effective acne treatment that is safe during pregnancy and can be used twice a day is retinol or tretinoin, an anti-inflammatory medication. This drug unclogs the pores by helping to shed dead skin cells. It also lightens dark spots left behind due to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Tetracycline and isotretinoin are two medications that should not be taken during pregnancy because they have been found unsafe for both mother and unborn baby. It is recommended that anyone considering acne treatment in Singapore when pregnant to consult their family doctor before taking any acne medications as most oral contraceptives pills available on pharmacy shelves worldwide display a warning on their label that they may cause congenital disabilities or other problems when taken by pregnant women.
Above all, it is best that pregnant women eat healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, to reduce stress as much as possible because both these factors have been seen to worsen acne lesions. The doctor may also prescribe specific vitamins and minerals along with new medication for best results.
What should you avoid when trying to get rid of Acne?
There are some things your doctor will advise you against when you begin your acne treatment in Singapore. For example, you should avoid touching the affected area because this may cause the bacteria to spread. It may also worsen the infection, and make your acne even harder to treat. It would help if you also stayed away from products that contain alcohol or cause skin irritation or redness since they will dry out your skin and worsen your condition. Products containing benzoyl peroxide are better for mild cases of acne. You shouldn't use combination cosmetics while treating your acne unless under a board-certified dermatologist's supervision. There is a risk that they can irritate your skin and even worsen your condition. Be sure not to smoke, as this can also affect how well treatments work since it can suppress your immune system. The most important part of the treatment is follow-up care. Most people don't get the full benefits of treatment because they stop too early. You should continue taking care of your skin after you start treating your acne, or it will come back. Don't make a mistake of using harsher treatments thinking that they will clear up acne faster. Even though this is a common belief, it isn't entirely true as harsh treatments can cause more side effects, worsen your condition and cause damage to your body. It is also advisable that you avoid self-administered home remedies or products containing benzoyl peroxide when pregnant. These treatments may be unsafe for pregnant women to use and could harm an unborn baby if used wrongly while trying to get rid of acne.What are Some Effective Long-term Acne Treatments?
The most important part about any long-term acne treatment in Singapore is choosing what works best for you. The treatment options discussed above are effective, but only if you are a good candidate and you use them as advised. Usually, the top treatment for long-term acne care is the birth control pill. By regulating hormones, these pills can lower androgen levels in your body (androgen causes excessive oil production), which helps to decrease acne formation. It will also help to regulate your periods and reduce monthly breakouts. There are many other options available that may be just as good or better than the birth control pill, so talk to your dermatologist about your options if this treatment isn't right for you. When trying any type of long-term acne treatment, one thing to keep in mind is that it doesn't work overnight. It would be best if you gave each one a chance before giving up on it.The Bottom Line
Pregnancy is a beautiful life event, but it can cause some unexpected changes to your body. Acne is one of those things that many pregnant women deal with during their pregnancy. If you have acne which you feel is making life unbearable, be sure to consult a knowledgeable skin doctor for acne treatment in Singapore before trying any option.
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