Acne is tough to treat and it takes many days to get acne free skin. Many people try topical medications but it goes in vain. In such case you have to take oral acne medication is considered to be the next option for treating stubborn acne. Antibiotics are used to fight against bacterial infections.
Dermatologist usually prescribe antibiotics in the treatment of acne, as they are very effective and reduces the further spread of bacteria. Antibiotics also helps in reducing inflammation. This article gives you the detailed information about types of oral medications used for acne, its benefits, side- effects while using antibiotics.
Read more about Cystic Acne: Definition, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Contents
Why Are Antibiotics Used In The Acne Treatment?
Antibiotics are used in many ways in treating acne. Dermatologist often prescribe oral or topical antibiotics in the treatment of acne such as inflammatory bumps, puss filled bumps etc, also depends on the age of a person, and severity of the acne. Oral antibiotics, topical creams both are used to treat the acne. However, dermatologist is prescribing the antibiotics whenever necessary under strict monitoring, as continuous usage of antibiotics may cause antibiotic resistance, so try to avoid antibiotics for small health issues and also seek doctor’s suggestion while using them. Do not use antibiotics for controlling acne during your pregnancy.
Read more about How to Reduce Body Heat Pimples
What Are The Benefits Of Using Antibiotics To Control Acne?
There are many benefits of using antibiotics for controlling acne. They are:
- Antibiotics helps to reduces the number of bacteria which present inside the glands, and also reduces the further spread of bacteria.
- They also help in reducing inflammation caused by bacteria.
- Using antibiotics are a safe option but under the guidance of the dermatologist is recommend.
Read more about Is Acne Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
Types Of Antibiotics For Acne
Antibiotics used in the treatment of acne are of two kinds
1.Oral antibiotics: Oral antibiotics are very effective in treating moderate to severe acne. These oral antibiotics works internally by treating the inflammatory glands. Tetracycline group of medication is very effective to treat acne. Some of the common antibiotics used for acne treatment from Tetracycline group includes:
- Minocycline
- Trimethoprim
- Doxycycline
- Cotrimoxazole etc.
Dermatologist can suggest you the dosage of antibiotics based on the severity and the duration of the medication should be taken. However, oral antibiotics are more effective in treating the acne, combination with topical antibiotics gives you the best results.
2.Topical antibiotics: Topical antibiotics used in the acne treatment are available in the form of gels, creams, lotions which need to apply to the affected area. Topical antibiotics apply to the surface of the skin that penetrates in to the epidermis layer of the skin and reduces the inflammation. Some of the topical antibiotics used in the treatment of acne are:
- Benzoyl Peroxide:
Benzoyl Peroxide is a drug from the peroxide family, which has anti- inflammatory, anti-clogging, anti-bacterial factors. It mainly acts as an antibacterial agent, so that doctors use in combination with other antibiotics for treating different types of acne. For example, combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin goes well and combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide works well.
- Salicylic Acid:
Salicylic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect, it exfoliates the outer layer of the skin and also prevents the hair follicles from clogging. Therefore, it is used as a chemical peel.
- Dapsone gel:
Dapsone gel is used to treat when there is an inflammation acne. Dermatologist recommends this antibiotic cream to treat the particular types of acne.
Dermatologist usually recommend this along with other medications to treat acne. You always need doctors helps to use this type of topical medications.
Read more about Benefits of Glycolic Acid Peel for Acne, Scars & Hyperpigmentation
Other Common Oral Acne Medications
Apart from the above, the following are the commonly prescribed oral antibiotics to treat the acne.
Aldactone:
Aldactone (spironolactone) is another medication to treat acne for the adult women only. It not only treats acne but also treat hormonal fluctuations that causes breakouts.
It is not used commonly as a first line acne treatment, but in some women it’s helpful to treat acne that doesn’t getting better with common treatment.
Accutane:
Accutane is also known as isotretinoin it is very effective and powerful acne medication. It works very effectively, where other acne treatments fail to give best results. It is useful for severe acne. Isotretinoin works by shrinking the sebaceous glands, which produce oil. This also reduces the oil found on the skin.
Note: Isotretinoin is not used during pregnancy and planning to have pregnancy. Because it has extremely risk of birth defects. It should not be used if you are breastfeeding.
Birth Control Pills:
Hormonal imbalance is another cause for severe acne. Regulating hormone levels can help improvement of acne in some women. You should not use birth control pills during pregnancy.
Read more about What Is Nodular Acne & How Can You Treat It?
Acne Antibiotics Side Effects
The usage of these medications can cause the following side effects.
Oral Antibiotics: Most common side effects associated with oral antibiotics are allergies, sensitivity, gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, gastritis, diarrhoea etc.
Topical Antibiotics: Common side effects associated with the topical antibiotics are dryness, allergies, itching, minor discolouration etc.
Read more about Acne Scar Treatment in Hyderabad
Why Should You Consult The Doctor When OTC Antibiotics For Acne Treatment Are Available?
OTC anti- acne medications which are available in the market come up with their own set of side effects and also, we don’t know the dosages, if you take the medication with out consulting dermatologist may harm you severe instead of doing good to you. It depends on the dosage of the antibiotics, side effects may range from moderate to severe. Taking dermatologist suggestion is always recommended, they can help you treating acne and if require they suggest you the combination medications that can work effectively.
If you are suffering with acne for a long time and fed-up with this stubborn acne and looking for long-lasting solutions, book an appointment with the experienced dermatologists at your nearest clinic with choose.clinic and avail the benefits.
