Taking yasmin contraceptive pills

I have acute acne problem. I am married for last one year. My Doctor has suggested that i  take yasmine contraceptive pills as the medication that i am taking would be extremely harmful if I  get pregnant. I am using yasmine for last 2-3 months. I have recently discovered in medical forums that yasmine has a large amount of side effects. What should i do? should i stop yasmine? as my husband is ready to take other preventive measures.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Oral contraceptives is one of the treatment options of acne. If you are not comfortable with it or you plan to become pregnant, then you have to stop taking oral contraceptives and shift to other antiacne medicines. Just keep you face clean by washing with a mild soap atleast twice a day. Pat it dry and do not rub it. Avoid picking or pressing the acne. You can also use Benzoyl peroxide 5% lotion or gel once at bedtime. An amount of lotion the size of a pea should be enough to cover most of your face. If your skin becomes red or peels, you are using too much of the medicine or applying it too often. If the symptoms persist then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist and get topical antibiotics like Clindamycin prescribed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.