The skin breakouts during pregnancy are a common problem among many women due to the changes in hormone levels. This type of problem is more in women who are naturally prone to breakouts throughout their life. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy cause the skin to produce more oils, and thus more acne. Cosmetics that are greasy also contribute to this condition.

Zits, or pimples, are caused by excessive oil gland output that clogs the pores and causes lesions. Outbreaks usually occur on the face and neck, shoulders, chest and back, although they can occur anywhere on the body. The incidence is higher in teenagers and pregnant women. There are ways to prevent these breakouts during pregnancy.

The first thing to reduce breakouts during pregnancy is to keep your skin clean. After cleaning the skin, rinse it with lukewarm water. Using an oil-free facial cleanser is good. Most of all, avoid soaps that contain oils or other skin-irritating substances.

An essential factor in the treatment of acne is prevention. Be very careful and avoid putting your hands on affected areas. Never pick at or rub your skin. This can break the skin or spread acne-causing germs. In some cases, it can cause scarring that will last far longer than your breakouts.

During pregnancy it is important to reduce stress. It is not only helpful in your overall health, but also for your breakouts. Eating a healthy diet also helps along with stress management. Regular exercise also helps in controlling this problem. Regular daily exercise increases blood flow to the skin, and helps it to stay healthier.

Treatment of this condition includes the use of a topical medicated drug. Besides the mentioned topical medicated drugs prescribed during pregnancy that specifically attack the breakout problem, antibiotics have also been helpful in stopping or slowing the spread of these breakouts. The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is do not squeeze, pick or hand scrub, since this condition is for the most part a problem that occurs under the skin within the hair follicles of the human body.

The Acne Help Page is a virtual encyclopedia of information on acne including breakouts during pregnancy. Read about what others are doing in regard to pimples at the acne treatment results page.

- Daniel Wright