Overview
Antibiotics are agents that destroy bacteria. Among various causes of acne, bacterial infection is one of the fundamental causes. Propionibacterium acnes are species of bacteria that are commonly found in even healthy skin. In certain favorable conditions, it increases its rate of growth and infects hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Therefore, use of antibiotics sometimes becomes inevitable to get rid of acne breakouts. But there are various types of antibiotics, some are synthetic and some are plant extracted or herbal antibiotics. Synthetic antibiotics are usually available on prescription in the form of tablets and topical ointments while herbal antibiotics are commonly sold as topical antibiotic creams and lotions. Certain antibiotics are prescribed orally as well as topically in case of severe infection and inflammation. You can use antibiotics like tetracycline, erythromycin, Clindamycin etc. without prescription unless until your dermatologist diagnoses your acne and confirms that it is caused by bacterial infection of skin. However, you may use herbal acne products that contain natural antibiotic substances like honey, aloe vera etc. These acne remedies are safe and effective as well though works a little slowly but get your rid of acne for good.
Frequently Used Prescription Antibiotics for Acne Treatment
Tetracycline
Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic that dermatologists prescribe for controlling acne and many kinds of skin infection. The starting dose of tetracycline is 500mg twice a day depending upon the age and weight of the body. After some improvement, your doctor may decrease the dosage to 250mg twice a day. Do not stop taking tetracycline without prior consultation to your doctor. It is taken on empty stomach for efficient absorption of the drug through the intestine. If you are using other drugs, do inform your doctor to find out possible drug interaction and side effects. Tetracycline is not prescribed to pregnant and breast feeding women as it may hurt the fetus and the young baby.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for treating soft tissue infection including respiratory tract infection. Skin tissues are soft tissues and therefore it is widely prescribed for treating skin disorders relating to bacterial infection like severe acne. Erythromycin is common substitute of penicillin for those who are allergic penicillin. Erythromycin has an advantage over tetracycline in that it can be taken after meal and it not only kills bacteria but also helps reduce inflammation of soft tissues (hair follicles and sebaceous glands). It has the same side effects as of tetracycline. For more information, do consult your health care professional. Erythromycin is not prescribed to people having diabetes.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is used orally as well as topically for treating acne. The starting dose of Clindamycin is 75 to 150mg twice day. Topical use of Clindamycin is very effective but the major side effect of the Clindamycin is the pseudomembranous colitis, a type of intestinal infection.
Side Effects of Antibiotics
So you have briefly read the use of these antibiotics for acne. What you conclude? Although they are effective, they cause a wide range of side effects and limitations of use as the above antibiotics can not be prescribed to people having liver diseases, kidney problem, diabetes, pregnant and breast feeding women. What to do if these people develop acne? Even if you are healthy and have no serious disease, do not want to protect yourselves from fatal side effects. Do not worry! There is a solution.
Antibiotics vs. Isotretinoin, Contraceptives and Herbal Acne Remedies
After through analysis, I concluded that certain brands of herbal acne remedies contains natural antibiotics that are safer and do the same job as synthetic or prescription antibiotic tablets do. Many people consider Isotretinoin and contraceptives as alternative to antibiotics; this of view is totally unacceptable. You can use herbal acne cleansers, creams, lotions and skin care supplements for treating even severe acne. Acne lotions usually contain antibiotic substances, vitamins, minerals and exfoliating agents.
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