Unexplained acne?

[jb7811]

So in addition to the stomach problems of the past two weeks I've developed acne! I NEVER get acne and I don't know why I've started breaking out! I'm not stressed, I get plenty of sleep, NOTHING in my life has changed! So what's up? I take hormonal birth control it's called Apri. I switched to it two or so years ago because my other bc pills were causing acne, but it cleared right up when I started Apri. I know bc can cause acne but I've been on it for over 2 years with no problems. My question is should I make an appointment with a doctor to see why I'm getting acne and does it have anything to do with the stomach weirdness since my period ended on 6-29-13? I wanna know if I need to switch bc pills again, now would be a could time cuz I'm on my last pack (I get them in 3 month supplies) Please someone help! Also if I do need to change bc pills do I need to see my OBGYN or my regular doctor? (My OBGYN didn't prescribe the meds I'm on, but I don't have the same regular dr anymore either)

[specialmom]

Hi there.  I would see your ob/gyn.  They can just as easily prescribe the same or a different birth control pill.  They also deal with that type of thing all day so will help you in terms of figuring out If these side effects are related to the pill.  

You mention being stressed which can also cause break outs (and stomach aches).  

I personally just had a crop of a few pimples pop up on my face and I think it is due to the humidity and all the sunscreen I've been wearing.  

As mentioned, look at things like detergent or soap used, cream, sunscreen, etc.  They too could be causing your break outs.  good luck

[Anonymouse88]

Are you sure no one has changed the laundry detergent or something?  That could cause an issue.  Try changing your pillowcase or put a clean towel over it--a dirty pillowcase can really aggravate acne.  Any changes in weather?  I've found I break out more if it's hot and I get sweat + sunscreen on my face and don't clean it off fast enough.  Consider seeing a dermatologist.  An ob/gyn would be best for tweaking birth control pills.  Show them this page http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr13.htm and ask about changing to a pill that has a low androgenicity, which could potentially reduce acne.

@eve

Birth control pills can indeed increase your risk of blood clots, but you have to look at the relative risk.  Being pregnant gives you more than twice the risk of blood clots than birth control pills do.  It's true that in this day and age most women don't spend most of their lives pregnant, but it's still the case that pregnancy itself can be majorly hazardous to your health.  So with blood clots, it's safer to be on them than it is to be pregnant.

That's not to say that you shouldn't read patient labels so you can make informed decisions, but you do need to factor in relative risk.  Try looking at the prescribing information for things like ibuprofen or tylenol--they sound scary too.

[evewisewoman]

Hi there, Personally I would reconsider using any form of birth control
pills. I took BC pills for about five years or so. I stopped though when
I decided to read the pamphlet that came with the pill pack and discovered
that BC pills have many serious side effects like stroke, heart attacks,
possible clots and that's for starters. It is quite possible that the BC
pills you're taking are causing your acne. Maybe this is a good time
to rethink using BC pills and use some other less dangerous form of
birth control. Your partner should be using a condom anyway and their
are birth control contraceptive foams. Anyway, be well. Eve

[Alice56]

I would think that you OBGYN would be more in tune to your needs.