If it normal to be on long term antibiotics for acne?

Question

My daughter had a bad acne breakout and the doc put her on low dose antibiotic for 6 months. Is this common practice?

She tried Proactive for a long time. It worked at first......

Answer 1

It is the last option, when all other treatments fail. I do not recommend long term (not short term) use of antibiotics for acne.

Available treatments
There are many products sold for the treatment of acne, many of them without any scientifically-proven effects. Generally speaking successful treatments give little improvement within the first week or two; and then the acne decreases over approximately 3 months, after which the improvement starts to flatten out. Treatments that promise improvements within 2 weeks are likely to be largely disappointing.

A combination of treatments can greatly reduce the amount and severity of acne in many cases. Those treatments that are most effective tend to have greater potential for side effects and need a greater degree of monitoring, so a step-wise approach is often taken. Many people consult with doctors when deciding which treatments to use, especially when considering using any treatments in combination. There are a number of treatments that have been proven effective:


Exfoliating the skin
This can be done either mechanically, using an abrasive cloth or a liquid scrub, or chemically. Common chemical exfoliating agents include salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which encourage the peeling of the top layer of skin to prevent a build-up of dead skin cells which combine with skin oil to block pores. It also helps to unblock already clogged pores. Note that the word "peeling" is not meant in the visible sense of shedding, but rather as the destruction of the top layer of skin cells at the microscopic level. Depending on the type of exfoliation used, some visible flaking is possible. Moisturizers and anti-acne topicals containing chemical exfoliating agents are commonly available over-the-counter. Mechanical exfoliation is less commonly used as many benefits derived from the exfoliation are negated by the act of mechanically rubbing and irritating the skin.

Topical Bactericidals
Widely available OTC bactericidal products containing Benzoyl peroxide may be used in mild to moderate acne. The gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide is rubbed, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region and primarily prevents new lesions by killing P.acnes. Unlike antibiotics, Benzoyl peroxide has the advantage of being a strong oxidiser (essentially a mild bleach) and thus does not appear to generate resistance. However, it routinely causes dryness, local irritation and redness. A sensible regimen may include the daily use of low-concentration (2.5%) benzoyl peroxide preparations, combined with suitable non-comedogenic moisturisers to help avoid overdrying the skin.

Care must be taken when using Benzoyl peroxide, as it can very easily bleach any fabric or hair it comes in contact with.

Other antibacterials that have been used include triclosan, or chlorhexidine gluconate but these are often less effective.

Topical antibiotics
Externally applied antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, Stiemycin or tetracycline aim to kill the bacteria that are harbored in the blocked follicles. Whilst topical use of antibiotics is equally as effective as oral, this method avoids possible side effects of stomach upset or drug interactions (e.g. it will not affect the oral contraceptive pill), but may prove awkward to apply over larger areas than just the face alone.

Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics used to treat acne include erythromycin or one of the tetracycline antibiotics (tetracycline, the better absorbed oxytetracycline, or one of the once daily doxycycline, minocycline or lymecycline). Trimethoprim is also sometimes used (off-label use in UK). However, reducing the P. acnes bacteria will not, in itself, do anything to reduce the oil secretion and abnormal cell behaviour that is the initial cause of the blocked follicles. Additionally the antibiotics are becoming less and less useful as resistant P. acnes are becoming more common. Acne will generally reappear quite soon after the end of treatment—days later in the case of topical applications, and weeks later in the case of oral antibiotics.

Hormonal treatments
In females, acne can be improved with hormonal treatments. The normal combined oestrogen/progestogen contraceptive pills have some effect, but the anti-testosterone Cyproterone in combination with an oestrogen (Diane 35) is particularly effective at reducing androgenic hormone levels. Diane-35 is not available in the USA, but a newer oral contraceptive containing the progestin drospirenone is now available with fewer side effects than Diane 35 / Dianette. Both can be used where blood tests show abnormally high levels of androgens, but are effective even when this is not the case.

If a pimple is large and/or does not seem to be affected by other treatments, a dermatologist may administer an injection of cortisone directly into it, which will usually reduce redness and inflammation almost immediately. This has the effect of flattening the pimple, thereby making it easier to cover up with makeup, and can also aid in the healing process. Side effects are minimal, but may include a temporary whitening of the skin around the injection point. This method also carries a much smaller risk of scarring than surgical removal.

External retinoids
Normalizing the follicle cell lifecycle. A group of medications for this are topical retinoids such as tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Differin) and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac). Like isotretinoin, they are related to vitamin A, but they are administered as topicals and generally have much milder side effects. They can, however, cause significant irritation of the skin. The retinoids appear to influence the cell creation and death lifecycle of cells in the follicle lining. This helps prevent the hyperkeratinization of these cells that can create a blockage. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has similar but milder effects and is used in many over-the-counter moisturizers and other topical products. Effective topical retinoids have been in use over 30 years but are available only on prescription so are not as widely used as the other topical treatments. Topical retinoids often cause an initial flare up of acne within a month or so, which can be severe.

Oral retinoids
Reducing the secretion of oils from the glands. This is done by a daily oral intake of vitamin A derivatives like isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Sotret) over a period of 4-6 months. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affect other acne-related factors as well. Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure acne for good. The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side effects (which can be severe). About 25% of patients may relapse after one treatment. In those cases, a second treatment for another 4-6 months may be indicated to obtain desired results. It is often recommended that one lets a few months pass between the two treatments, because the condition can actually improve somewhat in the time after stopping the treatment and waiting a few months also gives the body a chance to recover. Occasionally a third or even a fourth course is used, but the benefits are often less substantial. The most common side effects are dry skin and occasional nosebleeds (secondary to dry nasal mucosa). Oral retinoids also often cause an initial flare up of acne within a month or so, which can be severe. There are reports that the drug has damaged the liver of patients. For this reason, it is recommended that patients have blood samples taken and examined before and during treatment. In some cases, treatment is terminated due to changes in various levels of chemicals in the blood, which might be related to liver damage. Others claim that the reports of permanent damage to the liver are unsubstantiated, and routine testing is considered unnecessary by some dermatologists. Blood triglycerides also need to be monitored. However, routine testing are part of the official guidelines for the use of the drug in many countries. Some press reports suggest that isotretinoin may cause depression but as of September 2005 there is no agreement in the medical literature as to the risk. The drug also causes birth defects if women become pregnant while taking it or take it while pregnant. For this reason, female patients are required to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence while on the drug. Because of this, the drug is supposed to be given as a last resort after milder treatments have proven insufficient. Restrictive rules for use were put into force in the USA beginning in March 2006 to prevent misuse.This has occasioned widespread editorial comment.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

usually the acne are most common in adult age due to hormonal changes in both male and females;hereditary genes also play a role;keeping face clean and avoid oily soaps; creams;which will further aggravate condition;because these items block pores of skin of concerned area;some antibiotics can be usefull specially the tetracycline group; and also some antibiotics in cream form are also use ful; but try to avoid other home remedies ;and cosmetics; and don;t prick the acne because on pricking the contents will spread and worsen the condition;be careful about diet; a balanced and non oily diet is also helpful; avoid the use of dry fruits;any how there is no need for worry these are self limiting and body accepts the hormonal changes gradually;

Answer 4

Both small long term antibiotics doses and antibiotic solutions have been used in acne.

Answer 5

Learn how to deal an old issue of acne with a technique
With a guide you will not only get rid of the acne but it will also have a good affect more than your psychological and emotional nicely-being.

Answer 6

I have had cystic acne since I was a teenager...I am now 38 and still have the problem. I control my acne with a combination of the birth control pill (Diane 35) and Proactiv. It works for me. I have been on every prescription medication you could name, tried every over the counter "cure", changed my diet, had them injected directly, developed keliods from them on my chest, and nothing works like the combination I've found. Diane 35 and Proactiv. I tried a couple other birth control pills but they did not work as well as the Diane 35.

Answer 7

While it took little less than two months for me to really see a difference, my acne, blackheads and whole lot of other skin problems I had such as eczema had completely cleared! It was totally amazing...

Get Rid Of Acne Permanently?

Answer 8

Yes, it is common and will stop scarring. Doxycicilline over periods of up to 6 months has ben used too. Stick with it, your dermatolgist knows what is best and she will thank you in later life when she does not have a face like the surface of the moon xx

Answer 9

Antibiotics will only suppress eruption of acne. It can not cure acne completely. This is the reason doctors give antibiotics for a longtime. It will not work. However you can continue to give as suggested by the doctor. You will see the symptoms initially in teens due to hormones and you can give antibiotics of one course.

In the meantime, Please try to understand the reason for getting acne. It is because of constipation. The cure for constipation should be in the natural way -

Give lot of fluids, atleast 3 liters of water should be taken in addition to other juices etc. (Watermelon juice may be effective)
Fiber rich and Iron rich fresh greens and vegetables to be taken.
Avoid all fat items - egg, meat etc. and also cheese etc.
Regular exercises or walking.
Do not give any laxatives.

You ill see the improvement in 2 months time.

Answer 10

I have heard of dr.s doing this but it lowers the immune system. It isn't good to be on antibiotics for things likt that because when you need them for something serious, your body builds immunity. With her being so young too she could get a yeast infection. I don't think it a good idea to use antibiotics for this. Why not try Proactive or other acne treatment

Answer 11

The person who told you that acne is caused by constipation is really full of it.
Acne is caused as a general rule by pores that are clogged with oil and dirt and becomed inflammed.
Those clogged pores start to hurt and we start to mash,dig with a needle to relieve ourselves of the pain and the "ugliness".
The adrenal gland contributes to our problem.
As my dermatologist described to me,whenever our adrenal gland works overtime we get more problems on our bodies and that is usually demonstrated with "zits"anywhere from our waists up.
Our adrenal gland works overtime in stress related situations be it good stress as we look forward to an exciting event or in bad stress when we are dreading something.
We tend to think our skin is dry and we lend to our own problem with adding oils and creams to our faces in an effort to make our face and our "pride" feel better when in reality we have oily skin that appears to be dry and we are not allowing our skin to rid itself of dead skin cells thusly trapping more oil and creating worse acne.
Along with antibiotic therapy try using Ivory,Basis or Oatmeal soaps and stay away from Dove,Caress or any other soap designed to keep our skin soft as they contain oils etc that cause us more grief than good.
Use only makeup that is water based. . . .Keep ALL oil based makeups,face creams etc away from your face.
I fought acne all of my life and it wasn't until I was 35 that I went to a dermatologist and when I started realizing what I was doing to my face that I changed my habits and my face began to look better.
There are also Benzol Peroxide creams that can be used in the morning and night that will help with the problems as well that can only be prescribed by a Dermatologist.
Good Luck.

P.S. Yes,as a female antibiotics can cause yeast infections but that is a problem easily corrected and a small price to pay if one's face clears up.

P.S.S. If you are constipated,you are just that and that DOES NOT cause problems to your face except for straining when you go to the bathroom. . . your face turns red.