Acne & Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding patients may use any of the over-the-counter treatments and many prescription-only treatments for acne.
Allowed Treatments
What to Avoid
• Most Oral Antibiotics (rx only)
• Spironolactone (rx only)
• Isotretinoin (rx only)
• acne-friendly birth control pills (rx only); the estrogen can decrease quantity & quality of the milk
• Mini-pill (progestin-only pill), which can worsen acne
• Spironolactone (rx only)
• Isotretinoin (rx only)
• acne-friendly birth control pills (rx only); the estrogen can decrease quantity & quality of the milk
• Mini-pill (progestin-only pill), which can worsen acne
Severe Acne during Breastfeeding
For patients who are breastfeeding with acne refractory to topical treatment, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim can be used safely in the breastfeeding mother if the infant is healthy and is over 2 months old. Also, azithromycin can be used, as in pregnancy. Isotretinoin, doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline are not safe choices.
Mild Acne - Moderate Acne - Severe (Cystic) Acne - Hormonal Acne - Acne During Pregnancy - Acne & Breastfeeding - Retinol - Anti-acne Cleanser - Anti-acne Toner - Benzoyl Peroxide - Zinc Monomethionine & Fish Oil - Pimple Spot Treatment - Blemish Treatment - Scar Treatment - Sunscreen - Moisturizer - Avoiding Exacerbators - Comedogenic Ingredient List - Azelaic Acid - Birth Control Pills - Clindamycin - Doxycycline - Isotretinoin - iPledge - Spironolactone - Minocycline - Bactrim (SMX/TMP)