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Prescription Acne Treatment - What Antibiotics Can Do For Your Acne

Posted on February 1, 2008 - Filed Under Health and Fitness

Antibiotics have come a long way since their discovery in the late 1920’s by Alexander Fleming. Nowadays, antibiotics or antibacterials are used to cure a variety of organism-induced infections and diseases. One such condition that could be effectively cured by antibiotics is acne.

Some kinds of acne, which is a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs), can be effectively cured by certain kinds of antibiotics. This is because one underlying factor behind breakouts is the proliferation of the pimple-causing bacteria, medically known as P. acnes.

To eliminate this acne-inducing bacteria, several antibacterials have been developed as part of some acne treatment therapies. The antibacterials commonly used against pimples are the following:

  • Clindamycin – Available as both oral and topical acne medications, clindamycin is an effective agent against P. acnes. At the start of a treatment therapy, these antibacterials are usually given in 75 to 150 milligrams that could be taken two times a day. The possible unwanted effect of this medication is an increased susceptibility to yeast infections among female patients and to intestinal infections.

  • Erythromycin – A very typical drug used against zits, erythromycin can both kill the pimple-causing bacteria and reduce the swelling and redness of the affected area. Experts recommend that this medication should be orally taken with a full stomach since it might upset your tummy and might make you feel nauseous.

  • Tetracycline – This medication can also kill the acne-inducing bacteria but dermatologists often prescribe it for a short-term therapy since some types of P. Acnes have become immune to this drug. For this treatment to be effective, doctors suggest that you do not take this medication with your meals. This potent antibacterial however, is not suitable for kids who are eight years old and below and for women who are expecting.

  • Doxycycline – This medication is a similar version of tetracycline, and is used for more resistant cases of acne. Similar to erythromycin, this medication best works on a full tummy since it could also lead to nausea. The possible unwanted effects of this treatment is an increased photo-sensitivity, making you more prone to sunburns.

  • Minocycline – Derived from tetracycline, this medication can also effectively kill P. acnes. Ideally, this medication is to be orally taken with an empty tummy because its effectiveness might decrease when mixed with your meals. As with all kinds of antibacterials used to cure breakouts, unwanted effects are unavoidable in some instances. These unwanted effects could include nausea, dizziness, and changes in skin and teeth color.

    • Before taking any kind of antibacterial for your pimples, make sure that you inform your dermatologist if you are taking other drugs for other health reasons. This is because some antibiotic acne medications may have adverse reactions to other medications. Also inform your doctor if you are expecting or if you are planning to have a child since some potent acne medications are not to be taken during pregnancy.

    If you want to read more information about taking antibiotic medications to treat acne, just visit http://www.acnerecovery.com.

    Kat Daez is an in-house writer for an online media company, Intelligraph Corporation. She’s very familiar with skin care topics and acne-related issues. She currently writes articles about acne and medications for acne.

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