Antibiotics for Acne

Antibiotics for Acne: Options, Results and Side Effects

Acne is one condition that many struggle with, however, the good news is antibiotics for acne can help this skin condition greatly improve. Sometimes, in certain individuals, no matter how clean they keep their skin or what products they use, acne is still an issue, so a dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics for acne. There are many different kinds of antibiotics for acne. Many dermatologist have had success treating acne with antibiotics.

There are two types of antibiotics for acne. These include oral antibiotics and topical antibiotics. A dermatologist will be able to decide which type of antibiotic should be used for each individual, as each individual will vary. Oral antibiotics for acne are prescribed for teenagers over the age of 15 years old. Many adults also use oral antibiotics for acne. Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed for very severe cases of acne. These type of antibiotics for acne will treat bacteria by killing it from the inside out. It will also reduce the inflammation that is often seen with acne. Typically, these are pills that are taken once per day.

Topical antibiotics for acne are typically used twice per day. These antibiotics for acne work by applying them directly on the skin to reduce inflammation as well as kill bacteria on the skin. They work their way deep into the pores, often exfoliating them. Many individuals will develop an immunity to topical antibiotics, so many times, retinoid is often used in conjunction with topical antibiotics for acne.

What are the benefits to using antibiotics for acne?

Antibiotics for acne are used to kill bacteria on the skin. Bacteria that is present on the skin will cause the acne to form in the first place.

What are the side effects of both oral and topical antibiotics for acne?

Both oral and topical antibiotics for acne can have side effects. With oral antibiotics for acne, rashes may develop. This generally only happens to a small percentage. Other types of reactions may also occur, but they are typically mild and do not last for the full duration of using the oral antibiotic. Oral antibiotics for acne may also make the skin very sensitive to the sun, and the individual may develop an upset stomach. An individual taking oral antibiotics for acne should always wear a high quality sun screen to be protected from the sun’s rays.

Side effects of topical antibiotics for acne include peeling of the skin, scaling, extreme dryness, and red skin. Itching and bleeding may also take place.

How long does it take antibiotics for acne to work?

It may take several weeks before an individual will notice an improvement in the skin. Often, it can take as much as 4 weeks to see any improvement at all. By the sixth week, the individual should see some sort of improvement. Often times, it can take up to 4 months or more to see the maximum results of the antibiotic. If an individual is prescribed antibiotics for acne, they should continue to take them even if no improvement is seen. Generally speaking, many individuals do not give enough time for the antibiotics to work before they stop taking them.

What are some of the most used antibiotics for acne?

Tetracycline is one of the most prescribed antibiotics for acne. It is generally used twice per day to start with. It must be taken on an empty stomach to be the most effective.

Erythromycin kills bacteria and also helps to reduce redness. It should be taken with food and is generally prescribed to be taken twice per day.

Minocycline is generally taken twice per day but has some major side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, tooth discoloration, and skin pigment changes. The last two side effects are typically seen in individuals that have taken minocycline for a longer period of time.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Users should always seek the advice of physicians or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding the use of any antibiotics or other medication for acne. Users should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something on the site. The site does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions or other information that might be mentioned on the site.

5 replies
  1. Veronica l
    Veronica l says:

    I am very interested in trying some antibiotics for acne. I have had my acne now for about 2 and a half years and it is all I can do to cover it up. I use makeup every day which is heavy and I think that this just makes it worse. I would love to be able to not only kill the bacteria on my face but also dry the skin up a bit because my face is way too oily. Drying of the skin might be an unwanted side effect for some individuals but for me, it might work in my favor. I am going to have to schedule an appointment with my doctor and find out if I am suitable for any kind of antibiotic for acne.

    Reply
  2. Ck
    Ck says:

    Last year, I went to my dermatologist and had some antibiotics for acne prescribed. It did take about half a year for them to start working, but I am finally at a point in my life where I do not have to worry about acne as much. I am excited to say that I have been free of acne for about 2 months now. My skin has never looked better and I owe it all to the antibiotics and my dermatologist. She decided to let me try tetracycline and I have never been happier. I have not seen the unwanted side effects. Not sure if I just happened to get lucky there or if only happen to a small percentage of individuals.

    Reply
  3. Fraye Love
    Fraye Love says:

    I have acne really bad on my cheeks. I have tried different face products that have worked for a while but then I think that my face gets used to them and they just stop working. I would be interested in trying out an antibiotic for acne. I do not want to get dry skin though as this just looks terrible on me. But something that I am interested in knowing is which kind of antibiotic works faster, the topical or the oral ones?

    Reply
  4. Becka
    Becka says:

    I used to have acne really bad. My mom felt sorry for me and finally took me to see my dermatologist. He prescribed me a topical treatment for my face and also gave me some prescription pills to take. I will not lie, it took a while to work. I did not feel like it was ever going to work. But after about 5 months, my face slowly started to clear. And long behold, my face is still clear. I know that it takes a while and some may lose hope at the antibiotics working, but give it time. You did not get acne overnight and it can not be cleared overnight. It really stinks to wait that long but patience will get clearer skin that you can be proud of.

    Reply
  5. Amber
    Amber says:

    I have suffered with acne for a very long time now. I feel that I need to visit the dermatologist and have some antibiotics for acne prescribed for me. I have tried all natural remedies as well as some skin care brands and nothing seems to work for me. I long for the day when I can have clear skin. I do hope that I can get an appointment with my dermatologist and have something prescribed because I am at my wits end.

    Reply

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