RX for a Breakout

It’s been one of those weeks. Stressful, emotional… exhausting. Needless to say, it was all tough enough without having to deal with an acne outbreak that I can’t explain. Not that it’s ok when there’s a reason, but it’s even more frustrating than usual when a breakout seems to come out of the blue.

Was it something I did? Did I use too much makeup? The wrong brand for my skin type? Perhaps I wasn’t diligent enough in my daily cleansing routine.  Just as I was about to pull my hair out (and cause yet another cosmetic crisis) it hit me like an ice cold margarita at five on Friday: New medicine.

Medicines meant to treat or cure one thing can often list acne outbreaks as a potential side effect. (I know, like it didn’t suck enough to have to take meds every day, right?) While it is imperative that you follow your doctor’s orders, you may want to call a time out and discuss with your doctor what’s happening to your skin as a result.

There are two categories of medicine in particular that seem to be guilty of bringing on the breakouts:

Anticonvulsants – These are drugs taken for the treatment of epilepsy, seizures, bipolar and depression to name a few conditions. If you are taking medicine in this category take a look at the listed side effects for the drug.  Generally speaking anticonvulsants list acne as a potential side effect. Lucky me.

Oral Contraceptives – Many women will tell you that these actually help in keeping their acne in check.  There is, however, a group of women for whom these drugs actually worsen their acne.  Some of the drugs in this category that can cause problems for these women include: Loestrin 1.5/30, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Estrostep Fe, Levlen, Alesse, Ovral, and Norlestrin 1/50.

When you are prescribed a new medicine take a good look at the information the pharmacist gives you along with your cool little bottle of pills.  You just might be able to avoid the “surprise acne” we all try and avoid.