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POSTED: 13 Dec 2023

What You Should Know About Treating Acne With Antibiotics

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people all over the world. The physical signs of acne often cause significant emotional distress for a lot of sufferers. What makes matters worse is that acne can be hard to treat, even though there is a huge variety of medical and non-medical treatments out there. One of the oldest treatments, yet perhaps the least understood, is the use of antibiotics. In this guide, we how antibiotic acne treatments work, which are the best antibiotics for the job and how to . We also discuss the risks, the limitations and the alternatives to antibiotics.

Which Types of Acne Can Antibiotics Treat?

This condition generally occurs when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. In some cases, this leads to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. often drive it, and certain conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or are common triggers. Acne is also very non-discriminatory and affects all genders, skin tones and age groups . It’s important to understand that there are actually a number of . This plays a part in which treatments are best. At the most basic level, you can group acne by whether it is inflammatory or not. This depends on the type of lesions present. Non-inflammatory acne is limited to comedones ( and ), whilst inflammatory acne contains else (papules, pustules, cysts and nodules).

Antibiotics have long been a first-line treatment for acne in the UK. They are particularly effective for . They work by reducing inflammation and targeting the bacteria responsible for acne. However, they are less against non-inflammatory forms like blackheads and whiteheads, or more severe lesions like cysts and nodules.

How Do Acne Antibiotic Treatments Work?

Antibiotics tackle acne in two key ways. They reduce inflammation, and they also curb the growth of (C. acnes, formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria. Both these are significant in inflammatory acne. Antibiotics work by entering the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin and lowering the number and activity of C. acnes. This in turn inflammation. Overall, the effect is to reduce the severity of acne breakouts.

It’s important to note that antibiotics will not work for all types of acne. Nor will they help with what acne can leave behind, like hyperpigmentation or scars. They are more effective for inflammatory types of acne than for blackheads and whiteheads. Antibiotics can help reduce the redness and swelling of more severe forms like nodules and cysts. However, their effects are more impressive on moderate lesions such as papules and pustules. It’s also worth knowing that antibiotics for acne should be part of a broader treatment plan. This normally includes other , over-the-counter skincare and lifestyle changes. These work together to address the many sides of acne and provide long-lasting results. It also ensures there is an exit plan and maintenance, since antibiotics are not suitable for long-term use.

The Types of Antibiotics Used for Acne Treatment

Doctors widely prescribe both oral and topical antibiotics for acne. The type your doctor gives you depends on your acne type, its severity and the latest . In the UK, acne treatment with antibiotics follows , which take into account effectiveness and safety profiles. Below are the most common for acne in the UK (and a lot of other countries):

When to Consider Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often used for moderate to severe acne, especially when there is a risk of scarring or psychological impact. Throughout the world, you will need to see a healthcare professional who will decide whether antibiotics are appropriate. Which type of professional this is will depend on each individual country’s regulations. In the UK, general practitioners (GPs) usually prescribe antibiotics as a first-line treatment before referral to a dermatologist. However, they may refer to a dermatologist straight away if the acne is very severe.

The type of antibiotics your provider prescribes also depends on your country’s regulations and availability. In the UK, the and the provide guidelines for acne antibiotics. These cover which to use and when to prescribe them. This ensures a standardised level of care across the country. The UK and other countries also put strict rules in place to . These include:

How Long Do They Take to Work & What’s the Treatment Duration?

With antibiotics, both the time to see results and the length of treatment vary from person to person. This depends on the cause and severity of your acne, as well as your own body’s response to the medication. Other , your and your existing also matter.

For topical antibiotics, you may start to notice improvements within 4 to 6 weeks. These treatments work directly on the skin, inflammation and at the source. Oral antibiotics, which act through the body, may take slightly longer to show effects, often around 6 to 8 weeks. This delay is because the medication needs time to build up in the body and start affecting the skin.

How long you will need antibiotic treatment for acne also varies. However, for most people, the duration is usually 3 to 6 months. There is a balance between . If you are lucky enough to see improvement quickly, your doctor may still continue the treatment a little longer. This reduces the risk of the acne returning as soon as you stop. However, your doctor is unlikely to want to continue beyond 6 months, even if you have not seen results. This is because the risk of antibiotic resistance increases over time. That can make your acne even harder to treat in future.

Potential Side Effects & Risks

Although antibiotics are generally a safe treatment for acne, they do have potential side effects. You should carefully consider these, and discuss them with your doctor before starting. Common side effects include stomach upset, dizziness and increased sensitivity to sunlight. There is also the possibility of an allergic reaction, and the serious risk of antibiotic resistance.

To reduce the chance of adverse events, your healthcare provider will take a careful approach. They will only prescribe these for you if they think it is appropriate. You will also need regular monitoring, so they can adjust the treatment plan based on how your skin responds. Depending on your progress, they might change the antibiotic or add other treatments, such as topical Retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.

Long-term Management

Doctors heavily discourage the long-term use of antibiotics for acne. This is because of concerns about antibiotic resistance and the , including heart and liver disease. The aim is to use antibiotics for the shortest time needed to get results, whilst avoiding under-treatment or . After that, you will need to maintain these results with safer acne treatments.

Luckily, a number of treatments can help build on your results, prevent new breakouts and maintain clear skin. These include over-the-counter skincare ingredients like , and . Your doctor may also consider prescription Retinoids such as . treatments like oral contraceptives, or anti-androgens like , might also help. Doctors use these either alongside the antibiotics or if the treatment did not work. Lifestyle changes also play a crucial role in long-term acne management. This includes a skin-friendly diet and reducing , both of which can worsen acne.

Alternatives to Antibiotics

Although can be an effective treatment for acne, they will not work for everyone. They are also not a risk-free treatment, given the risks of antibiotic resistance and potential side effects. One important point is that antibiotics will not treat or . Here are some safe and for acne:

Antibiotics have a long-standing record in helping treat certain types of acne when used properly. However, their use must be carefully balanced against the risk of antibiotic resistance and potential side effects. If you are struggling with acne, have a thorough consultation with a dermatologist or other doctor experienced in treating it. They will advise you on whether antibiotics are appropriate for you, and which ones would suit your needs. They will also discuss and whether any of these would help you. Remember that patience and are key. Whatever the treatment, the to clear skin is a long one, often strewn with trial and error. In addition, the best long-term approach is usually a combination of effective treatments, targeted skincare and lifestyle changes.

At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our doctors offer safe and effective custom treatments using ingredients like , , and where appropriate, through our online clinic. Our doctors treat , , , and through bespoke compounded designed around you. To start your personalised plan, book a or use . The journey towards great skin .

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or . Always consult a qualified medical provider for any health concerns or questions you might have.

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