Dermatologist while breastfeeding

[mirabelle]

Can anyone speak to whether it’s worth it to see a dermatologist while breastfeeding?

I can’t tell if my skin is awful from breastfeeding, postpartum hormone changes or of this is my new normal. Not sure if most skin treatments are off limits or if it’s worth the time to have a doctor take a look.

[grumpycat]

I'd probably start with a general practitioner and see what she/he says. There are safe topical acne treatments and I imagine that mole removal would generally be safe when breastfeeding.

www.thebump.com/a/which-acne-medications-are-safe

That being said, at least for me, my hormones have just started to settle a bit and I've been breaking out around the same time each month (no pp period here yet) at just over a year nursing. I have found that a gentle cleanser and moisturizer for sensitive skin helps me at least feel better about my skin. I also bought a new BB cream that I love. So I'm team get it checked out if it is concerning you but it's probably hormone related #notadoctor

[vvvvvfee]

i think it's worth it to go to the dermatologist. regardless of whether your skin issues are caused hormonally or not, they should be able to give you some options for topical treatments. most topical medications are poorly absorbed and so very little is going to end up in your bloodstream. here are a couple of links:

Breastfeeding and beauty treatments: A comprehensive safety guide
Over-The-Counter Treatments for Skin Problems

you can also post at infantrisk or browse their forum to see about specific medications. they are the premier research lab in drug safety while pregnant/BFing.

funnily enough my skin is great while BFing w/o a period- once i get my period back i break out once a month like clockwork.