Latest news with #Roaccutane
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
MAFS star had to make heartbreaking choice after discovering 7 month pregnancy
Laura Vaughan first rose to fame on Married At First Sight UK on the 2023 series but the reality star has since opened up about the her recent heartbreaking ordeal A Married At First Sight star was devastated after discovering she was seven months pregnant as she had to make a heartbreaking choice. Laura Vaughan rose to fame on the show but has dealt with a difficult situation behind the scenes. Laura underwent a medial abortion after she unexpectedly found out she was seven months into a surprise pregnancy. The 35-year-old underwent the procedure after finding she had unknowingly been putting the unborn foetus at risk of severe birth defects by taking medication to treat her acne. The procedure happened in 2016 when she was 26-years-old. Laura has now opened up about what she went through nine years ago. Speaking to The Sun, Laura said: "It was very difficult because I went from not thinking I was pregnant to being seven months pregnant to then having a very prolonged abortion and where I was so far gone. Then, when I got home from the procedure, my milk came in, which, as you can imagine, was just really hard to deal with. I hunkered down at home for weeks and didn't talk to anyone." Laura was shocked when she found that a pregnancy test revealed that she was expecting, but she certainly didn't expect it when she went to the doctors and they said she was in her third trimester. The TV star said she had experiencing bloating and missed periods but at the time thought this was down to a "ruptured cyst". She went to a doctor to discuss her symptoms but looking at medical records, they thought she had a ruptured cyst and polycystic ovary syndrome. Laura was then meant to go for a scan but kept forgetting to book it in. Laura was still able to fit into her clothes and just thought she was bloated when she decided to do a test. She said her stomach popped when she took a test and found out she was pregnant. Soon after finding out she was pregnant, Laura was then told that the acne drug she had been taking, isotretinoin, can cause birth defects. Consultant dermatologist Dr Jonathan Kentley said: "Isotretinoin [also known as Roaccutane] is the most effective treatment we have for severe acne and, for many patients, it is a cure for their distressing condition. "Whilst the medication is usually well tolerated, it must be prescribed under the expert supervision of a consultant dermatologist as there is a potential for side effects. Importantly, isotretinoin is extremely harmful to the unborn foetus, leading to birth defects." Laura went to hospital for the medical abortion and was meant to be in and out in a day and a half but ended up being there for nearly a week. She said she went in for the procedure and they couldn't get her to go into full labour but she was in "agony". "It impacted me so heavily. All of it," she said. Laura is now in a long term relationship with her boyfriend who she met after appearing on MAFS in 2023.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 16 common drugs in your medicine cabinet that increase your risk of agonising sunburn revealed
Experts warn that dozens of prescription and over-the-counter medications can make you more sensitive to the sun and increase your chances of skin cancer HOT TOPIC The 16 common drugs in your medicine cabinet that increase your risk of agonising sunburn revealed THE sun is finally shining and many of us will be making a beeline for the beach or our local park. But thousands of Brits need to take extra care when outdoors this summer as their medication might make them more prone to sunburn. 1 Some medications can make you more susceptible to sunburn Credit: Getty Dozens of drugs - both prescription and over-the-counter - can increase what's known as photosensitivity. In the short term, this could mean sore, red, blistered skin that can make it difficult to sleep. But longer term, frequent sunburn means you are at increased risk of skin cancer - which kills six people in the UK every day. Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall, tells Sun Health: "People might be surprised to hear that some everyday medicines can make skin extra sensitive to sunlight. "It's called photosensitivity, and it means your skin reacts more strongly to UV rays, often ending in a sunburn that arrives quicker and hits harder than usual. "A few common culprits include antibiotics like doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, both often prescribed for infections. "Then there are anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and naproxen, diuretics (water tablets used for blood pressure), and even some acne treatments like isotretinoin (formerly Roaccutane). "Older antidepressants such as amitriptyline can also increase your sun sensitivity. "These meds are perfectly safe when taken as prescribed, but when it's a sunny day, suddenly your skin is on high alert. "Some reactions look and feel like severe sunburn (that's called phototoxicity), while others show up more like a rash (which is known as photo allergy). The dangerous sunburn hacks you should NEVER try... from mouthwash to sour cream "Either way, it's not much fun, especially if you weren't expecting it." Also among the most common potentially problematic medicines are oral contraceptives - taken by almost a third of women in the UK. Antihistamines, antifungals, arthritis medicines, chemotherapy and immunosuppressants can also cause photosensitivity. No matter the drug, even short periods of sun exposure can trigger symptoms when the skin is photosensitive. Older adults, who are more likely to be taking multiple medications, need to be especially mindful Dr Chun Tang Dr Tang says: "The most obvious side effect is that you burn far faster than you normally would, sometimes after just 10 or 15 minutes in the sun. "I don't mean just a gentle pink glow, we're talking red, sore, blistered skin that can peel and take days to calm down. "You might also notice itchy rashes, changes in skin colour, or patches of irritation that appear on parts of the body you didn't think had even seen the sun. "Some of these reactions can be mistaken for heat rash or even eczema, so if something doesn't look quite right, it's worth asking your GP or popping into your local pharmacy for advice." The drugs that increase your risk of sunburn Acne medicines - isotretinoin Antibiotics - doxycycline and other tetracycline drugs, fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, levofloxacin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, dapsone Antidepressants - fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline, amitriptyline, doxepin, St. John's wort Antifungals - griseofulvin, voriconazole, flucytosine Antihistamines - promethazine, diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine, cyproheptadine Antipsychotics - chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, thioridazine, thiothixene, prochlorperazine Arthritis drugs - leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine Blood pressure drugs - hydrochlorothiazide, diltiazem, furosemide , bumetanide Chemotherapy Cholesterol drugs - simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin Diabetes medications - sulfonylureas Heart medications - amiodarone, diltiazem, nifedipine Immunosuppressants - cyclosporine Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - celecoxib, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, piroxicam, diclofenac Oral contraceptives and oestrogens Sulfonamides - sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole It's important to note that not everyone who takes any of these medications will be more sensitive to the sun. But we are all at risk, and some of us will be more prone to complications than others. "Some of us are naturally more sun-sensitive than others," Dr Tang says. "If you're fair-skinned, you'll already know you need to be careful in the sun, and medications that increase photosensitivity can make it even trickier. "Older adults, who are more likely to be taking multiple medications, also need to be especially mindful. "It's not just about age or skin tone though; if you spend lots of time outside for work, exercise, or gardening, the risk goes up too. "If you're starting a new medicine, always check the patient info leaflet, or speak with your pharmacist to see if sun sensitivity is a known issue. "The good news is it's easy to protect yourself. High-factor sunscreen, hats, and covering up during peak sun hours (usually 11am to 3pm) can make all the difference, so you can enjoy the sunshine." As with all medications, if you have a reaction, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Expert's definitive guide to the skincare you can & can't use when pregnant – the main ‘dangers' to babies & safe swaps
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Including the ingredients you have to avoid OH BABY Expert's definitive guide to the skincare you can & can't use when pregnant – the main 'dangers' to babies & safe swaps Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FINDING out you're pregnant is incredibly exciting, but can be overwhelming too. As soon as that blue line appears on the test, there is a long list of rules to follow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Not all skincare products are safe to use while pregnant, breastfeeding or even trying to conceive Credit: Getty It's not just about avoiding blue cheese and saying no to a G&T – you might also need to switch up your skincare routine. Not all skincare products and treatments are safe to use when trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding. Some because they may harm your baby, and others because they aren't compatible with the hormonal skin changes that pregnancy brings. To help you navigate this, we asked consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall for advice on which products and treatments you can keep in your routine and which to relegate to the back of the bathroom cupboard or pause for the next nine months. Remember, though, that this is only a guide, and it's important to check with your doctor or midwife if you are unsure whether or not to use a product. 12 Consultant Dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall shares her pregnancy beauty advice Credit: Justine Hextall Which skincare ingredients and salon treatments should you avoid during pregnancy? Retinoids Retinoids (aka vitamin A) are a family of ingredients that include prescription products like Roaccutane and Tretinoin, and cosmetic ones like retinal and retinol. All retinoids are a no-go during pregnancy, but especially Roaccutane, a medication used to treat acne. 'This is not safe during pregnancy,' says Dr Hextall. 'Robust contraception is a must when taking Roaccutane, and doctors insist on monthly pregnancy tests. "It is also advised to wait a month after stopping this medication before attempting to become pregnant.' If you normally use a retinoid serum to keep early signs of ageing at bay, there are alternative ingredients you can use. 12 Azelaic acid is a great alternative to retinol during pregnancy Credit: Skin+ME Skin + Me Brighten + Boost Calming Azelaic Acid Serum, £19.99 Dr Hextall suggests 'azelaic acid to brighten, vitamin C to encourage collagen and elastin production and hyaluronic acid to plump the skin.' 12 Nicinamide helps reduce inflammation and balance oil production Credit: Naturium Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, £18 To replace retinoids used for breakouts, 'azelaic acid will help reduce inflammation and niacinamide will balance sebum.' Hydroquinone Like prescription retinoids, hydroquinone, a drug which treats hyperpigmentation, AKA those pesky patches of darker skin, should also be stopped before becoming pregnant. Experts aren't entirely sure how hydroquinone can impact a foetus, but they do know that it has a very high absorption rate simply from being applied to the skin. 'Safe alternatives for pigmentation include azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and liquorice root extract,' advises Dr Hextall. 12 Vitamin C is pregnancy safe and helps reduce melasma The INKEY List™ 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum, £15 Salicylic acid If you have oily or spot-prone skin, you probably use a cleanser or toner containing salicylic acid. This is related to Aspirin, which Dr Hextall explains 'can cross the placenta and may be dangerous in pregnancy.' Topical salicylic acid, though, the kind you apply to your skin, 'can be used in low doses such as 2% and below when pregnant.' Some companies will share how much salicylic acid their product contains, but others are cagey about their percentages. If you're unsure how much salicylic acid is in a formula, steer clear. 'I would suggest azelaic acid as a safe alternative to treat blemishes, as well as lactic acid,' explains Dr Hextall. 'Niacinamide is also safe and will strengthen the skin barrier at the same time as reducing inflammation in blemishes.' 12 Lactic acid is a gentle alternative to salycilic acid Credit: The Ordinary The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA, £7.70 Essential oils Essential oils are a tricky one. 'Often they are used to aid sleep and reduce stress, which is helpful in pregnancy, but some are contraindicated for various reasons,' Dr Hextall says. 'Sage, rosemary, thyme and cinnamon bark, among others, have been shown to stimulate uterine contractions, and for obvious reasons, this isn't advisable.' Essential oils can also cause irritation and allergies, and as pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, you might be more likely than normal to experience a reaction. Botox 12 You should avoid Botox throughout your pregnancy Credit: Getty As a general rule, you and your aesthetician need to go on a break during your pregnancy. Nearly all in-clinic cosmetic treatments are unsuitable when you're expecting. As for Botox, there have been animal studies which concluded it was dangerous to use when pregnant. 'Botox has not been shown to enter breast milk, though,' says Dr Hextall, so you may be able to restart appointments after your baby is born as long as you proceed with caution. Laser treatments The key issue with lasers during pregnancy is less a risk to your baby, but more that 'there is a risk of increased sensitivity and post-laser pigmentation,' explains Dr Hextall. 'There also isn't enough data for the use of lasers in pregnancy to advise them.' Essentially, having a laser treatment may cause more skin problems than it solves, so don't waste your money. This includes IPL, lasers used for hair removal and radiofrequency lasers. Dermal fillers 'There are no safety studies for the use of dermal fillers in pregnancy,' cautions Dr Hextall. 'Remember, you are injecting a foreign substance into the skin.' On a purely cosmetic basis, you may also find that your face becomes puffier with water retention during pregnancy, and fuller pregnancy lips are a thing. Adding filler into the mix might look odd combined with these hormonal changes. Chemical peels Medium and deep chemical peels often contain retinoids, hydroquinone and high doses of salicylic acid, all of which Dr Hextall has already put on our banned list. 'Peels are not advisable during pregnancy and many are also best avoided when breastfeeding,' she adds. 'Lighter lactic acid, azelaic acid, and low concentration glycolic and mandelic acid peels can be carried out with caution.' If you did go down that route when pregnant, it's more important than ever to ensure you are visiting a good, well-qualified aesthetician. Gel manicures 12 Gel nails aren't a complete no-no, but there's some precautions which are sensible to take Credit: Getty Whether you're pregnant or not, Dr Hextall is always cautious about nail treatments and the potential for allergies. 'There are allergens such as methacrylate, which is used to harden BIAB, acrylic and gel nails, which can cause significant allergies. "There isn't evidence that there is necessarily an increased risk of allergy in pregnancy, but for some, the skin is drier and therefore more prone to irritation and damage. "When the skin breaks down around the nail, there is a risk of infection, and this is a concern.' There are also risks around inhaling chemicals. 'If they are inhaled, we are not clear regarding their safety,' continues Dr Hextall. 'I would therefore suggest a suitable mask and ensure any salon is well ventilated.' Ideally, you should reduce how regularly you have your nails done to minimise risk and allow them to recover between treatments. Hair dye Hair dye comes with a risk of allergy at the best of times, and this is heightened in pregnancy. 'Some people find they develop allergies to substances that were previously tolerable,' cautions Dr Hextall. 'I would suggest avoiding potential allergens such as permanent hair dye, or at the very least, if you have used this product safely before, then still have a new pre-treatment patch test.' It's always better to be on the safe side. 'Avoid contact with scalp skin as much as possible and consider safer, semi-permanent dyes.' Bleach should also be avoided. Dr Hextall explains that 'hydrogen peroxide and ammonia found in many bleaching products can be absorbed through skin and the fumes themselves inhaled. At the very least, make sure that if applied, there is no direct skin contact and that the room is well ventilated. Ammonia-free highlights would be safer, as would natural hair dyes.' Which skincare ingredients, products and treatments are safe during pregnancy? Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is a crowd-pleasing ingredient. It's suitable for all skin types and plays nicely with other actives. Dr Hextall confirms that 'this is safe for use in pregnancy and when layered under a light moisturiser can really help to plump and hydrate skin, protecting the all-important skin barrier. During pregnancy, skin can be prone to dryness and irritation, so this is a good addition to your routine.' 12 Hyaluronic Acid is pregnancy-safe, and helps moisturise skin Credit: Vichy Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, £28 Vitamin C Another ingredient with a big thumbs up from Dr Hextall is vitamin C. We are more likely to experience unwanted pigmentation, especially larger patches of this called melasma, when pregnant, which vitamin C acts as a layer of protection against. 'It is a strong antioxidant and will shield the skin from UV and pollution, both of which contribute to skin damage and pigmentation. A word of caution, though, pregnancy skin can be more sensitive, and at high doses, vitamin C can be an irritant. Start at around 10% if introducing during pregnancy.' 12 If you're new to Vitamin C, start at 10% strength to avoid irritation Credit: Simple Simple 10% Vitamin C + E + F Booster Serum, £9.99 Sunscreen Not wearing a good, high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face during pregnancy will increase your chances of hyperpigmentation patches popping up. All SPFs are broadly considered safe during pregnancy, but if you want to be extra cautious, Dr Hextall says, 'there is some talk of potential hormone disruption from certain chemical sunscreen filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. For many in dermatology, this is theoretical, though, and without robust data.' If you want to avoid these ingredients, try a mineral-based sunscreen which uses zinc and titanium dioxide as filters instead. 12 SPF is a must-wear, whether you're pregnant or not Credit: Naked Sundays Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+, £28 Collagen supplements The short answer is that collagen supplements are safe to take during pregnancy, but you still need to do your research. 'A good, hydrolysed collagen has the best chance of absorption to support healthy skin, nails and hair,' recommends Dr Hextall. 'Seek out high-quality supplements that are as free as possible from additives and fillers. "Be cautious about other added ingredients like herbs, and if in doubt, seek medical advice.' It's also really important not to exceed the recommended dose. 'Excessive protein can cause kidney damage, and our kidneys have to work harder in pregnancy,' Dr Hextall adds. LED masks 12 LED face masks are generally thought to be a pregnancy-safe alternative to other anti-wrinkle treatments Credit: Getty Love your LED mask? You don't necessarily need to give it up. Dr Hextall says that 'both high-dose in-clinic treatments and at-home LED masks are considered a safe and effective alternative to other treatments that may be contraindicated in pregnancy for acne and rosacea.' The only potential risk is that blue light can sometimes increase the risk of pigmentation, especially if you have a deeper skin tone.
Telegraph
24-02-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
How you can finally fix your adult acne
Acne as a teenager? You sort of expect it, don't you? But an increasing number of people in adulthood suffer acne, too. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, the acne rates in young adults in the UK are among the highest in the world. I've had more than six months of a continuous, frustrating cycle of acne that seemingly popped up out of nowhere. 'Adult acne has slowly been on the rise for a while now, and I've personally observed a noticeable increase in cases over the past decade, particularly among women in midlife,' the consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto tells me. Many of the clients in her Harley Street clinic are acne sufferers. She puts the rise down to hormonal fluctuations, which can persist through pregnancy and menopause, or if you have conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Stress and poor sleep can have an impact, too, which certainly resonates with me. Whatever my acne was down to, it felt alarmingly abrupt when my skin began breaking out last summer. There was one spot on my cheek, and then another, and before I knew it I was playing whack-a-mole with painful red blemishes. One spot would shrink but another two would erupt. There was a particular cluster that set up camp on my left cheek for months. I was using spot stickers – which are popular among teenagers – almost every night, as well as the tried-and-tested blemish-busting ingredient salicylic acid. Nothing worked. Of course, there's medication, but I had been there, done that: around 15 years ago I underwent a course of Roaccutane for four months, on a low dose. It's a widely used treatment for acne, but can result in very dry, sore skin. This potent vitamin A derivative reduces oil production, and back then it worked for me, for a while, until my skin decided it was not going to play ball any more. Needless to say, I needed a remedy. I booked in to see Dr Mahto, who is also a leading acne specialist. Now in her mid-40s, Dr Mahto herself has suffered from acne since she was a young teenager. She suggested a new laser treatment, which became available in the UK last year, designed specifically to reduce the activity of the oil glands on the face. It addresses the root cause of acne and can last years. 'It is ideal for patients who experience oily skin, recurrent breakouts or persistent acne and want an effective, safe treatment with minimal downtime and lasting results,' she says of the AviClear laser treatment, currently the only laser acne treatment of its kind. 'It's been game-changing and having had it done myself, I only wish it had been available sooner.' It takes two to three months to have the full course of treatments – three sessions three to four weeks apart. I was warned my skin could break out during this period and it indeed did (but the spots cleared far quicker than usual and were certainly not as sore). Pleasingly, although unusual for a laser, the treatment works for all skin types and tones. But a treatment zapping your skin many, many times over isn't exactly comfortable. I found the bony parts of the face – the forehead and chin, for instance – were the most uncomfortable. But it's over quickly (around 40 minutes in total per session). As for the results, I'm now four weeks after my last treatment and my skin is remarkably clear. It's less greasy, too – if oily skin is your issue, this treatment deserves some consideration. My skin has better clarity and, according to Dr Mahto, the results continue to improve long after the treatment course has finished. Now to the price. It's £4,500 for the complete course at Self London (Dr Mahto's dermatology clinic in London) and also available at selected clinics around the UK. It's a huge investment, but if acne and consistently problematic skin is your issue, and you are looking for a long-term remedy, this is one of the most remarkable treatments around.
