The varieties of acne treatments and medications available today are impossible to keep up with.
Some of the most popular ones are antibiotics – got a problem? take a pill right? Yet even though they are common in treating acne flareups, most prescribed treatments begin with a topical acne medication.
These medications are applied directly on the skin, often over-the-counter products, but topical antibiotics are also available from your medical doctor or dermatologist by prescription.
Here’s how they work…
The antibiotics kill bacteria that may be the cause of flareups and breakouts. They also reduce any infection caused by the condition. And, they keep your skin’s pores open and clear.
Topical antibiotic products have been around for a number of years with little change to their formulation, and have generally been very successful in treating various forms of acne.
Clindaamycin is the most frequently used antibiotic for treating acne. Available as a solution, lotion, or gel. Applied twice a day to acne prone areas, generally well tolerated but may cause some irritation. Several skin conditions exist where use of this product is advised against – always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before using it!
Erythromycin is the second most common topical antibiotic used to treat acne. Available as a gel, liquid, or ointment. Applied twice a day to all acne prone areas, generally well tolerated though some irritation may occur.
Tetracycline is another medication, but not often used as a topical treatment. You’re likely to find this as an oral antibiotic. Yet it is available as a solution or ointment. It contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfa derivative, and has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people. It may also cause yellowing of the skin.
Metronidazol is used frequently for acne caused by rosacea. It is available as a gel at .75% strength. It must be applied once or twice a day, and like the others mentioned above, is usually well tolerated but can cause some irritation.
There are many other products used to treat acne that must be prescribed by a physician. Your doctor or specialist will help you determine which product is right for you. Some considerations will be skin type, acne type, and the severity of your condition.
It is usually recommended that you first try over-the-counter treatments to treat your acne before resorting to antibiotics. This can decrease the need for medications and lotions that are harsh to your skin’s natural balance.