There are many different types of acne, with many different causes. Knowing what is causing your acne is the first step towards effectively treating it.
Today we’ll be looking at a special kind of acne known as acne medicamentosa, often simply called drug-induced acne.
Let’s take a look at what acne medicamentosa is, what causes it, and finally what your treatment options are.
What Is Acne Medicamentosa?
Acne Medicamentosa is any form of acne that is caused or worsened by a drug or medication that you are taking.
More common in females, acne medicamentosa is generally mild-to-moderate, although certain steroids can cause severe acne medicamentosa.
Acne Medicamentosa Causes
As I stated above, acne medicamentosa is caused by medications.
Some of the medications that are known to cause acne medicamentosa in some people are steroids (including corticosteroids), halogens, lithium, anti-epileptics, anti-tuberculous drugs, and certain anti-depressants. Acne caused by a steroid is generally referred to as steroid acne.
Medications that can cause acne medicamentosa tend to be hormone analogues such as progestin or others found in certain types of hormonal contraception (birth control).
Women will often experience mild acne medicamentosa when starting or stopping hormonal birth control.
Acne Medicamentosa Treatment
The most obvious treatment for acne medicamentosa is to stop taking the drug or medication which caused it in the first place, and it should begin to go away on its own. However, this is not always an option.
The most common treatment for acne medicamentosa is the group of antibiotics known as tetracyclines.
It is important to keep in mind that acne medicamentosa is often temporary, and could go away as you continue to use the medication that caused it. This is most often true with certain forms of birth control.
If you suspect that a drug or medication is causing your acne, you should speak to a dermatologist to explore treatment options.
