Medications and Acne

In addition to modifying your diet for acne, you may want to consider avoiding certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, or consider alternatives. Some may have side effects that can alter your body’s chemistry or hormones and lead to an acne outbreak. Androgenic steroids, DHEA, progesterone-dominant forms of birth control, and medications containing bromides or iodides also fall into this category. Before making any medication changes, make sure to talk to your doctor about any possible side effects of your prescription meds and discuss whether alternative medicines may be available.