Antibiotics for an Acne Infection

Acne is the appearance of red blemishes, sometimes called "zits" or "pimples," on the face, neck, back, and chest. There are a number of possible treatments for acne, including the use of antibiotic medications.

Identification

A doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics for the treatment of acne if the breakouts are caused or aggravated by the presence of bacteria on the skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Function

Antibiotics inhibit processes that bacterial cells use to reproduce, which weakens the bacteria that cause acne and allows your body to fight off the infection.

Types

Topical antibiotics used for acne treatment include clindamycin or erythromycin. Commonly prescribed oral antibiotics include tetracycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole. In some cases, doctors prescribe both oral and topical antibiotics for acne treatment.

Time Frame

The antibiotic treatment regimen for acne usually lasts 3 to 4 months, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Risks

Common negative side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, and vaginal yeast infections. Some risks associated with antibiotic medications are inflammation of the colon, impairment of kidney or liver functioning, and severe allergic reactions, warns the Merck Medical Manual.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Acne
• Merck Medical Manual: Antibiotics
• New Zealand Dermatologic Society: Antibiotics for acne