Question Title: acne

I am eighteen weeks pregnant. I have a case of adult acne that has responded to erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide. My dermatologist says that both are safe during pregnancy and that she would prefer using the topical benzoyl peroxide (4%) instead of the erythromycin. My OBGYN says that she would prefer that I not use the benzoyl peroxide and only use the erythromycin on a limited basis. I have a very bad outbreak and am using the erythromycin alone for 2 weeks -- 500 milligrams/twice a day. It has helped but I do not like taking a medication during my pregancy. My questions are has topical benzoyl peroxide (4%) been shown to harm an unborn child and how long is too long to be on erythromycin during pregnancy? I would very much appreciate any information that you can share.

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Dear Mavis:
Both erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide topical lotion have no adverse effects on the developing fetus. Erythromycin can change the body bacteria with the appearance of organisms that cause side effects such as diarrhea and vaginal discharge.

Keywords: erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide lotion, pregnancy

This informatin is provided for education and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questons, please speak with your healthcare provider.

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