Senior Veteran

Posts: 655
From:Austin, TX USA
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 03-23-2003 06:23 PM            

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Hey- new to this board (usually post on pregnancy board) but I have a question that I thought might be answered better here...

I am taking birth control pills for the first time starting this year, and I just started breaking out on my face alot in the last two weeks. I have never had a problem with acne but now it seems like I do... I am not breastfeeding my 3 month old so I don't think it's hormones. Could it be the birth control pill causing this? Or, is it possible the antibiotic I am taking (Tetracycline) is causing this to happen? I haven't changed my cleaning habits anytime recently so I don't think it's that. Any advice would be appreicated!

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Senior Member

Posts: 86
From:NY
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-23-2003 07:20 PM            

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It is certainly very possible that the birth control is causing you to breakout. Acne sufferers are often prescribed birth control to clear their acne although it takes 3-6 months for your body to adjust to it so acne may get worse during the beginning months. Some types of birth control may worsen acne (depending on the person) What kind are you on? However, tetracyline is also prescribed for acne. Is acne the reason you are taking it? Some people break out for the first few weeks (body is pushing bacteria out) and then their skin cleared up. Give your body a chance to get used to the birth control and if your skin does not clear up, ask your doctor to switch pills.

[This message has been edited by ~Annie (edited 03-23-2003).]

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Senior Veteran

Posts: 655
From:Austin, TX USA
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 03-23-2003 08:30 PM            

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I have only been taking the birth control pills for close to 2 months (the brand is Alesse or Aviane)... and I am on the Tetracycline for foliculitis- which I guess is an infection of the hair follicles on my legs. Do you think I should just wait a few more weeks and see if it clears? Or is there anything I can do in the meantime?

Thanks!
Julie

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Senior Veteran

Posts: 527
From:utica, IL 61373
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 03-24-2003 10:02 AM            

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Do a search for aleesse on this board. there are people who have taken this pill.

L

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Member

Posts: 26
From:BC, Canada
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-25-2003 09:21 PM            

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hi jules,
my dermatologist listed alesse as one of the bc pills that can aggravate acne in certain ppl. he recommends anything with a higher dose of estradiol, like diane-35 (0.035 mg). so u could look into asking ur dr about switching to a diff. brand.
i'm not sure about the tetracycline. i was on it as an acne treatment a long time ago and it never worked for me. i can't remember if it made my acne worse or not though.

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