How To Use Antibiotics Effectively?

Acne is inflamed because of infection by bacteria P. acnes. This bacterium infects the sebum and rapidly multiplies inside the gland. Because of infection, the glands get inflamed. To stop this infection and treat it antibiotics are used. Antibiotics work by selectively killing the bacteria. They do not cause damage to the cells of the body. By killing the bacteria antibiotics reduce the infection and inflammation. You have the choice to use topical or oral antibiotics. Let us list the advantages and disadvantages of both.

1. Oral antibiotics act quickly compared to topical.

2. Oral antibiotics have many side effects compared to topical.

3. Topical antibiotics can be used for a long period without any harm.

4. Oral antibiotics cannot be used for a long period without any harm.

Popular topical antibiotics-

Clindamycin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Metronidazole are popular topical antibiotics.

Clindamycin-

Oral Clindamycin may cause colitis; therefore it is used topically. It is available as lotion, gel, cream etc and should be applied twice a day.

Tetracycline-

Tetracycline is not commonly used as a topical antibiotic for acne because it may cause allergic reactions and also may turn the skin yellow.

Erythromycin-

Erythromycin is very popular as a topical antibiotic. It is also safe for pregnant women.

Metronidazole-

Metronidazole is used for rosacea and acne caused during rosacea. It is not commonly used for Acne Vulgaris.

Oral antibiotics-

The common oral antibiotics used for acne are- Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline and Clindamycin.

Erythromycin-

Erythromycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Erythromycin not only reduces infection but also reduces inflammation. Generally it is taken along with or after food. Erythromycin may cause diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting etc. If such side effects persist, you need to consult with your doctor.

Tetracycline

Tetracyclineis very commonly used to treat acne. Tetracycline cannot be taken during pregnancy. It can cause side effects such as- sore mouth, skin redness, diarrhea, upset stomach etc.

Minocycline

Minocycline belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics. It is used similar to tetracycline.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline also belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is used as an antibiotic for acne but because it may cause colitis, it is commonly used in topical form.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.