Acne Medicine – The Role of Antibiotics
Apr 28th 2007Karen cheongAcne Medications
Of the different types of acne medicine that need a doctor’s prescription, antibiotics are probably the most commonly used. How they work, though, in the treatment of acne is not exactly clear. For example, when antibiotics are used in the treatment of an infection such as a pneumonia, its effects, by killing bacteria, is quickly seen. However, in acne, antibiotics may take up to two months to show any improvement. As a result, many people give up before the medicine has had time to work.
Antibiotics can be used both as topical acne medicine as well as systemic acne medicine.
When used as topical acne medicine, they do not work as well as those taken orally. This may be because they do not penetrate the skin very well. Topical antibiotics do work well in acne of mild to moderate degree. And most people prefer to apply an acne medicine than to take it by mouth. However, they have to be used even when the acne has disappeared. The acne medicine has to be withdrawn gradually to minimize the appearance of new spots.