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Treating Acne With Antibiotics

July 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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You might wonder, how do antibiotics work to treat acne? The most important function of an antibiotic is to decrease the number of bacteria in the follicles. They also reduce irritating chemicals as well as the concentration of free fatty acids in the sebum. Here is a list of the most commonly used antibiotics.

  • Tetracycline: the most widely prescribed antibiotic for acne. IT is the least expensive and has few side effects. It must be taken on an empty stomach either half an hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal and should not interact with antacids or milk. Common side effects include sun sensitivity, skin pigmentation, gastrointestinal irritation, and teeth staining. It has been prove to show 25% improvement on acne in 1 month.
  • Erythromycin: the antibiotic is also very commonly used and has several advantages over tetracycline. It is an anti-inflammatory property that helps reduce redness and can be taken with food. Side effects include upset stomach and nausea but is not harmful for pregnant women.
  • Minocycline: a tetracycline derivative that is especially useful for pustular type acne. This is best taken on an empty stomach and should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, skin pigmentation, and teeth discoloration.
  • Doxycycline: this is a good alternative for those who cannot take erythromycin or tetracycline. It should be taken with food or else could cause severe nausea. Other side effects include: sun and light sensitivity as well as indigestion and diarrhea. You should not take this drug during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
  • Clindamycin: a semi-synthetic antibiotic topical treatment that destroys P Acnes, which is acne-causing bacteria. It is normally used to treat serious bacterial infections. Side effects include dryness and irritation. When using this treatment, it is very important to follow careful instructions so that the bacteria do not develop resistance.

Filed Under: acne, Products, Skin Health, Treatment Tagged With: , , , ,

Accutane: Strong Yet Effective

July 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Accutane, a brand name medication, is a very strong treatment for acne. Its pharmaceutical name is Isotretioin, and is guaranteed to clear up acne within 4 to 5 months. However, it is very potent medication with serious side effects and must be prescribed safely by a doctor. Accutane treats the most severe cases of acne that has not responded to other treatments. It is in a class of medications called retinoids and works by slowling down the production of certain natural substances that cause pimples to form.

There are special precautions you should know about before considering taking Accutane, such as:

  • Know your allergies and consult your doctor to see if these allergies will conflict with this medication
  • Tell your doctor all medications you have been taking, past and present
  • Tell your doctor if you have had depression, mental illness, diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, anorexia, heart or liver disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Plan to avoid long exposure to sunlight
  • Be aware that Accutane may cause changes in your behavior and mentality
  • Be conscious when playing sports or physical activity because Accutane may cause bone weakening.

Common side effects to Accutane include:

  • red, cracked, and sore lips
  • dry skin, eyes, mouth, or nose
  • nosebleeds
  • changes in skin color
  • peeling skin, especially on the palms and soles
  • changes in the nails
  • slowed healing of cuts or sores
  • bleeding or swollen gums
  • hair loss or unwanted hair growth
  • sweating
  • flushing
  • voice changes
  • tiredness
  • cold symptoms

If you experience more serious side effects such as blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, etc., please contact your doctor immediately.

Accutane is a very costly medication for acne treatment, but fortunately is covered by most insurance companies. Generally, a co-pay for a month’s supply of Accutane is around $30-50. Without insurance, it would be around $400-500.

Once again, Accutane is not an over-the-counter acne medication and cannot be taken lightly. Please consult your doctor for more information on this treatment and whether it is right for you.

Filed Under: acne, Products, Treatment Tagged With: ,