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What Causes Acne After Sexual Intercourse?

Posted on Thu, 12 Oct 2017

Question: In mid 50s now and as in the past and still now, every time I have sexual intercourse I breakout with acne. Sometimes painful acne. What is going on and how do I correct this without stopping my sex life?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Management of Acne

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic for your health concern

There is no clear evidence suggesting the flare up of acne with sexual intercourse. However, increased androgen related to intercourse, hair/skin products from your partner that irritates your skin, massage oils can be considered as contributory factors. Appropriate skin care and avoiding any products that irritate your skin by you or your partner can help. You can use benzoyl peroxide wash which has antibacterial properties and help clear up the pores. Was yiur face with mild cleansers and warm water. Antibiotics like clindamycin/erythromycin can be used to control acute breakouts.

Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (15 hours later)

The breakouts are on the face for the most part and show up about 1 to 2 days after intercourse. This has been a problem since early 20s and for about the last 25 years I have been taking mostly the mild antibiotics to fight it. Currently taking Doxycycline Monohydrate 100Mg before sex and after sex for about 1 or 2 days. So every time I have sex, I plan and take about 3 or 4 tablets over the 3 day period. This usually works but I am having to increase the dosage now and sometimes it does not work. As a further aid if the Doxy does not work, I then take Sulfamethoxazole/TMP DS tablets 1 a day until problem clears up. Both are hard on the digestive chemicals needed and wanted in your stomach. I know that many other people have sex and lots of it without facial acne breakouts. So I already kinda follow your recommendations given in your first response so what else can i do besides stop having or restricting sex?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello Again,

Since you have been trying antibiotics and other treatment options with no relief, I recommend using topical Tazarotene 0.1%. You can apply this medication once daily at bedtime. This medication is Vitamin A derivative which opens up pores and prevents breakouts.

If the topical treatment alone is not helping, oral retinoids are indicated.
Please be advised to follow up with your dermatologist to receive a prescription.

Hope this answers your questions
Please feel free to address further questions here

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee