Antibiotics for Treating Acne

Acne is frustrating because it can erupt at any time. Acne is mostly due to hormones, so it is more common in teenagers. But adults can have acne, too. Women experience outbreaks during pregnancy, menstrual cycles and starting or stopping birth control pills. Today, there are many products to help combat acne. Antibiotics are popular choices for moderate to severe acne.

Causes

The hair follicles on the skin are connected to sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum to help lubricate the skin and hair. The sebum travels up through the hair shaft and onto the skin. When the body produces too much sebum and too many dead skin cells, the sebum and cells solidify causing a plug. Eventually, the follicle walls rupture allowing for even more deposits of sebum and cells. Bacteria build, causing inflammation.

Treatments

There are two types of treatments: topical lotions and oral medications. Topical lotions work well on mild cases of acne. Over-the-counter lotions contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. Doctors prescribe stronger lotions. Tretinoin and adapalene work to prevent plugging of hair follicles. They are derivatives of Vitamin A. Oral medications include antibiotics, which doctors prescribe when topical solutions do not work alone. They decrease bacteria around the hair follicles and fight inflammation. Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid used for severe cases of acne.

Types of Antibiotics

Tetracycline is the most prescribed antibiotic for treating acne. Starting medication is 500 milligrams, twice a day. You take it on an empty stomach to be effective. Doctors do not recommend it for pregnant women or children under nine years old. Erythromycin has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the redness of lesions, kills bacteria, and is fine with food. The usually dosage is 250 to 500 milligrams, twice a day. It is safe for pregnant women. Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative. Doctors prescribe it for pustular acne. The usual dosage is 50 to 100 milligrams, twice a day. It may cause dizziness, nausea, skin pigmentation and tooth discoloration if it is taken for a long period.

Other Considerations

Doxycycline is for those who do not respond to or cannot handle erythromycin or tetracycline. The usual dosage is 50 to 100 milligrams, twice a day. You take it with food. Doxycycline causes sun sensitivity, so while taking the medication, stay out of the sun to prevent sunburns. Clindamycin is a topical lotion as well as an oral medication. The usual dosage is 75 to 150 milligrams, twice a day. It can cause intestinal infection.

Side Effects

All of the antibiotics can cause vaginal yeast infections in women. Tetracycline is more likely to cause infection. All of the antibiotics can lessen the effects of birth control pills, as well. Some cause nausea, upset stomachs and flaky skin.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic
• Acne Net