Last update April 3, 2025

Acne

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

A skin disorder in which there is obstruction and inflammation of the hair-sebaceous follicles due to excess oil production and bacterial over-infection. Acne may be caused by an excess of androgens and may be part of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Acne can be associated with pregnancy and postpartum and is more common in primiparas. (Hoefel 2020, Yang 2016, Gjerdingen 1993)

Acne has been reported to improve rather than worsen during pregnancy and postpartum and has no association with breastfeeding. (van Pelt 1999)

Acne does not contraindicate breastfeeding per se and breastfeeding does not make acne worse. (van Pelt 1999)

Most medications, especially topical acne medications, are compatible with breastfeeding. (Yaghi 2024, Ly 2023, Koh 2019, Murase 2015, Butler 2014, Kong 2013, Fluhr 2010)


See below the information of these related products:

  • (Contraceptive combined Estrogen & Progestins) (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Adapalene (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Azelaic Acid (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Azithromycin (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Benzoyl Peroxide (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Clindamycin (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Cyproterone Acetate (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)
  • Dapsone (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Doxycycline (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Erythromycin (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Glycolic Acid (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Isotretinoin (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)
  • Laser, Laser Rays, Laser therapy (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Melitracen Hydrochloride (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Minocycline (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Netupitant (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Salicylic Acid (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Spironolactone (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Tazarotene (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Tretinoin (systemic use) (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)
  • Tretinoin (topical use) (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Zinc (systemic administration) (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Acne is also known as


Group

Acne belongs to this group or family:

References

  1. Yaghi M, McMullan P, Truong TM, Rothe M, Murase J, Grant-Kels JM. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: An update-Part II: Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Oct;91(4):651-668. Abstract
  2. Ly S, Kamal K, Manjaly P, Barbieri JS, Mostaghimi A. Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Narrative Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 Jan;13(1):115-130. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. Hoefel IDR, Weber MB, Manzoni APD, Lovato BH, Bonamigo RR. Striae Gravidarum, Acne, Facial Spots, and Hair Disorders: Risk Factors in a Study with 1284 Puerperal Patients. J Pregnancy. 2020 May 19;2020:8036109. Abstract
  4. Koh YP, Tian EA, Oon HH. New changes in pregnancy and lactation labelling: Review of dermatologic drugs. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019 May 16;5(4):216-226. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  5. Yang CC, Huang YT, Yu CH, Wu MC, Hsu CC, Chen W. Inflammatory facial acne during uncomplicated pregnancy and post-partum in adult women: a preliminary hospital-based prospective observational study of 35 cases from Taiwan. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Oct;30(10):1787-1789. Abstract
  6. Murase J. Safe Skin Care During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Fact Sheet. For the media. American Academy of Dermatology. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  7. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Mar;70(3):417.e1-10; quiz 427. Abstract
  8. Kong YL, Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs. 2013 Jun;73(8):779-87. Abstract
  9. Fluhr JW, Degitz K. [Antibiotics, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide in topical acne therapy]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Abstract
  10. Worret WI, Fluhr JW. [Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006 Abstract
  11. van Pelt HP, Juhlin L. Acne conglobata after pregnancy. Acta Derm Venereol. 1999 Mar;79(2):169. No abstract available. Abstract
  12. Gjerdingen DK, Froberg DG, Chaloner KM, McGovern PM. Changes in women's physical health during the first postpartum year. Arch Fam Med. 1993 Mar;2(3):277-83. Abstract

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