If you are suffering from persistent or severe acne breakouts then it is recommended that you opt for the oral acne treatment medications. But, how do you know which oral acne treatment medication is best for you? You can get the best acne treatment by consulting a dermatologist. But it is important to understand the condition of your acne to get it treated properly.
Severe acne or the grades III and IV type of acne are characterized by the incidence of numerous papules and pustules. It is also followed by acute inflammation of the skin. Sometimes, there might also be the formation of a cyst. This form of acne is sometimes known as nodulocystic or cystic acne. Severe or cystic acne often erupts on other parts of the body, other than the face.
If your acne is severe then it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist for your acne treatment process. Topical acne treatment medications may not be enough for treating this type of acne. You need to include oral antibiotic pills in your acne treatment regime to clear severe acne.
Oral antibiotics for acne treatment
For years, oral antibiotics have been used for acne treatment. The oral antibiotics work in the same manner as the topical antibiotics, by reducing the occurrence of Propionibacteria acnes (the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts). This also helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin. The patients suffering from severe acne breakouts are advised to start with a high dosage, and then move to lower dosages of oral antibiotics as there is improvement noticed in the condition of the acne.
Common forms of oral antibiotics
Some of the most common oral antibiotics that are prescribed for acne treatments include:
- Erythromycin
- Tetracycline
- Minocycline
- Doxycycline
Erythromycin -This is a macrolide antibiotic that is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections including acne. Acne is usually caused due to the bacteria, which are formed on the clogged pores. This medicine however should be avoided by people who have diabetes, liver disease, or myasthenia gravis.
Tetracycline -This oral antibiotic is derived from tetracycline. It is used to cure certain kinds of bacterial skin disorders including acne. This antibiotic should not be used as an acne treatment for people who have kidney disease, liver disease, or those who are pregnant.
Minocycline –Â This is acne treating oral antibiotic derived from tetracycline antibiotic. It helps by stopping the growth of certain bacteria. It is used to treat several types of skin disorders which include acne.
Doxycycline -This oral antibiotic is derived from tetracycline antibiotic. It is known to kill certain types of bacteria or stop their growth completely. It is used as an active ingredient in many oral acne treatment products.
