Are Oral Antibiotics an Effective Acne Treatment?

Patients today have more options than ever before when it comes to reducing acne flare-ups and improving their acne-prone complexion overall. When other treatments fail to produce adequate or reliable results, some patients may qualify for acne treatment with oral antibiotics. At Clear Lake Dermatology, our dedicated teams in Webster and League City, TX offer a full suite of professional acne solutions, including topical products, laser treatments, and prescription medications — including oral antibiotics. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how oral antibiotics may help reduce acne breakouts and when antibiotics may be an appropriate course of action.

Why do some people have acne worse than others?

Most people will experience some form of acne in their life, but some have much more severe and/or longer-lasting cases of acne. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, hygiene, hormone changes, and other variables that influence oil production and the amount of bacteria that builds up on the skin and within the pores. People who naturally produce an excessive amount of oil and sebum as a result of genetics or hormone shifts, for example, may experience more severe or frequent acne breakouts. With this in mind, minimizing oil production and keeping the skin clear of debris and bacteria are some of the primary goals of medical acne treatment.

How is acne treated by a professional?

Over-the-counter acne products may be helpful for mild or isolated blemishes, but they are not typically effective for patients struggling with chronic or severe acne. For these patients, like those who have cystic acne or persistent flare-ups, professional acne treatments and medical-grade acne products are more appropriate and effective solutions. During your acne treatment consultation at Clear Lake Dermatology, we will evaluate your skin, discuss your acne history and health history overall, and recommend a customized treatment plan to help control and clear your acne. Some acne treatment options offered at our Webster and League City, TX offices include:

• Topical creams, serums, and products
• Topical medications
• Laser acne treatments
• Oral antibiotics

When should oral antibiotics be used for acne?

Oral antibiotics may be an appropriate treatment for acne in patients whose acne has not responded to other treatment approaches, like topical products and laser treatments. Additionally, oral antibiotics are typically reserved for patients whose acne is persistent, recurrent, severe, and/or painful. Oral antibiotics work to treat these cases of acne by clearing the bacteria responsible for the infected blemishes as well as reducing inflammation, which can diminish redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort associated with acne. Patients should keep in mind that oral antibiotics for acne should not be used long-term, as this can cause acne-causing bacteria to build up a resistance to the drug.

Which antibiotics are used for acne?

The most appropriate antibiotic for acne treatment will vary from person to person based on a number of individual factors, with some of the most common acne-treating antibiotics including:

• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Doxycycline

To better understand whether oral antibiotics may be the acne-clearing solution you’ve been searching for, consider scheduling a consultation at Clear Lake Dermatology.

Free yourself from flare-ups with professional acne treatment in the Greater Bay area

Even with good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, many people continue to struggle with chronic, severe, and painful acne breakouts — but we can help. Start your journey toward clearer skin you can feel confident about by calling Clear Lake Dermatology to schedule your private consultation for in-office acne treatments at either of our convenient Bay area locations in League City or Webster, TX today.