ANTIBIOTICS DESCRIPTION

Active

Description

Product Name

TOPICAL

Topical antiobiotics are available in cream or gel form from your dermatologist or doctor. They work by killing off all bacteria on the surface of your skin, preventing p.acnes from doing its dirty work.

Though they help clear acne, their results are not long-term. Your skin eventually develops bacterial resistance to topical antibiotics (usually after 6 months) and they stop being as effective.

Because of this, some people like to rotate product usage so their skin doesn't get used to the treatment. For example, some people will use an antibiotic for one month and then the next month use a different acne topical, alternating usage to prevent antibiotic resistance.

There are generally no side effects from topical antibiotics. They either work or simply do nothing. However, the gel or cream base of the product can make your skin dry or oily.

Clindamycin

Prescribed for mild acne, can develop bacterial resistance

Dalacin T, Cleocin, Evoclin, Clindagel, Cleocin T, Clinda-derm, Clindets

Clindamycin with BP

Studies have shown that using clindamycin and BP together is more effective than using them separately

Duac, Benzaclin

Erythromycin

Inhibits bacterial growth

A/T/S 2-3%, Akne-Mycin, Theramycin Z, Emgel, Erycette, Eryderm, Erygel, Erymax, Staticin

Erythromycin with BP

Benzamycin

ORAL

Oral antibiotics are pills you take that wipe out bacteria from your entire system and reduce inflammation. These antibiotics take a few months to work and most do work, but since they are also subject to bacterial resistance, your body eventually becomes immune to it.

I would definitely think twice before using oral antibiotics because they can really wreak havoc on your body. By killing all bacteria, both good and bad, they exterminate the healthy gut flora that aid proper digestion.

As a result, oral antibiotics can be constipating for some people and even cause gastrointestinal distress. However, you can reduce some of these side effects by taking a good probiotic or consuming large amounts of yogurt. Women on oral antibiotics may also be more prone to developing yeast infections and thrush.

Oral antibiotics may also cause sunlight sensitivity, so you want to be careful and stay out of the sun. One of my friend's mom didn't know and ended up getting permanent white splotches on her neck and chest. On a side note, oral antibiotics can also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, so speak with your doctor for more information.

Tetracycline

Kills bacteria and suppresses acne symptoms; not suitable for pregnant women or children under 12 because it inhibits bone growth; may stain teeth, give you skin rashes, cause headaches or gastrointestinal problems as side effects

Sumycin, Terramycin, Tetracyn, Panmycin

Erythromycin

Anti-inflammatory, can help reduce redness; should be taken with food; usually take 250-500 mg twice a day; can cause nausea; can be used by pregnant women

ERYC, E-Mycin, EES

Minocycline

Prescribed when acne doesn't respond to tetracycline or erythromycin; can take with or without food; take 50-100mg twice a day; side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, discoloration of skin and teeth; do not take with dairy products

Minocyn

Doxycycline

Inhibits bacterial growth to prevent acne; if you take other supplements, take them at least 2 hours before taking doxycycline so you don't mess with its absorption; not safe for pregnant women; side effects include: skin rashes, diarrhea, hives; severe side effects include: liver damage, gastrointestinal problems

Vibramycin, Monodox

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