My doctor prescribed birth control pills to treat my acne. Why did he do this?
– Jessica*

Some teens with acne need extra help controlling breakouts, and their doctor or dermatologist prescribes medication. Depending on the person's acne, this might mean using prescription creams, taking antibiotics, or if the acne is severe, taking stronger medicines. Some girls find that birth control pills help to clear up their acne because the fluctuating hormones that can cause acne are made more stable by the pills. Doctors may try different medications, including birth control pills, to see what works best for each person.

For more information, check out these articles:
Birth Control Pill
Can I Prevent Acne?
Why Do I Get Acne?

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: September 2006

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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.