Facial infections from cunninglingus and how to prevent

[rc0707]

My lesbian lover and I are both experiencing facial infections from cunninglingus.  We have been together for some time and we both take showers before sex and in the last week both of us are having serious acne breakouts.  What can we do to prevent this - other than using dental dams?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Typically acne is not a contagious process and the bacteria encountered through cunnilingus are normal bacteria from the mouth and vagina, none of which often cause skin infections.  That you both have acne breakouts at this time is more likely to be coincidence than cause and effect.  Having said that and respecting that what you describe may be related despite never having encountered or read about similar problems relating to oral sex in over 30 years of practice, the only other thing I might suggest is showering and face washing after sex, rather than or in addition to prior to sex.

You may also wish to pose this question to a dermatologist such as Dr. Rockoff on our Dermatology Forum to see if he has encountered similar problems or has other suggestions.  Hope this helps.  EWH