Got a Big Pimple? Try Taking Oral Antibiotics for Acne Treatment

Acne is a kind of skin problem caused by excessive oil on our skin. Oily skin is usually associated with acne. What many people don't associate it with is the bacterium P. acnes. This bacterium, when it gets to the oil produced by our sebaceous glands, multiplies quickly and causes infection. Once the sebum is infected, the gland is inflamed and the infection shows on our outer skin as pimples. If left untreated, these pimples can cause permanent scarring. To stop it you can always try taking oral antibiotics to stop the P. acnes from reproducing.

Oral antibiotics kill the bacteria without causing unnecessary damage to your cells. One the antibiotics kill the bacteria, the chances of getting acne is slimmed down. When combined with other treatments oral antibiotics can be a very effective acne treatment. Examples of oral antibiotic you can take are Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Clindamycin, and more.

Erythromycin is available in most drug stores in either capsule or tablet form. It's usually taken two to three times a day continuously for seven days to fifteen days. The dosage you can take depends on your age and how severe your acne is. A downside of erythromycin is that it has side effects. A common side effect is vomiting and diarrhea, which goes away after a while. If it doesn't, head to your doctor's office and ask for a consultation right away.

Tetracycline
Another antibiotic you can take is Tetracycline. Most dermatologists prescribe this antibiotic. Unlike erythromycin however, tetracycline cannot be used by pregnant women. The antibiotic is best taken in on an empty stomach and without the company of milk based food and beverage. Side effects of tetracycline include diarrhea, sore mouth, and skin redness.

Minocycline
Minocycline is a type of tetracycline antibiotics. It comes in a capsule or tablet form. The dosage, again, depends on the severity of your acne and your health condition. Minocycline, like Tetracycline cannot be used by pregnant women.

Doxycycline
Doxycycline belongs as well to tetracycline antibiotics and is available in tablet and capsule for. A common complaint is that it causes nausea. When feeling nauseous the patient can take the capsule with food or milk. Doxycline's dosage depends on how serious or how severe your acne problem is.

Clindamycin
Another oral antibiotic is clindamycin. This anti biotic however has been known to cause colitis. It's usually safer to use clyndamycin in it's cream or topical form. Before taking this anti biotic, consult with your doctor first and discuss the possible side effects.