ANTIBIOTICS FOR ACNE

Acne can be a real pain, especially if nothing seems to solve the problem.  It is for this reason that some people suffering from acne may try using antibiotics as an alternative when nothing else has seemed to work.  This can be effective for a number of reasons. However women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant need to be careful when taking antibiotics during pregnancy.  Most general oral antibiotics are not safe medication to take during pregnancy however there are a few exceptions.  Here are a list of what you should and shouldn’t take.

How and why do antibiotics work to treat acne?

Antibiotics work to decrease the amount of bacteria that is in and around the hair follicle.  They also work to reduce irritation that the chemicals in white blood cells create.  Antibiotics have also been found to be effective in treating acne because they reduce the concentration of fatty acids in the sebum as well as reduce inflammatory responses.

What are some of the most commonly used antibiotics to treat acne?

Erythromycin

Erythromycin is one of the most common antibiotics used to treat and prevent acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and kill bacteria.   The dosage of Erythromycin varies but is typically prescribed as 250-500 mg twice a day.  This medication can and should be taken with food as common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, stomach pain, and mild skin rash.  Erythromycin is safe for pregnant women to take however women should discuss taking the medication with their doctor in detail beforehand.  Make sure to include a detailed and updated list of any other prescriptions, vitamins, dietary supplements, etc. you may be taking and never take more than the recommended dose.  If a person experiences any of the following symptoms they should seek medical attention immediately: Severe skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine, vaginal infection, fatigue or unusual tiredness.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline is another popular antibiotic often used to treat acne.  It is most often used on patients who did not respond to erythromycin.  The dosage of Doxycycline usually begins at 50-100 mg twice a day and should be taken with food because it can cause upset stomach and nausea to occur.  Although the antibiotic has been effective in treating many patients suffering from acne, it is important to note that it has been shown to cause harm to the fetus.  If you think you may be pregnant contact your doctor. Doxycycline cleanser is also found in breast milk of mothers who are breastfeeding, so it is important that one does not breastfeed while taking this medication.  Doxycycline has been assigned to pregnancy category D by the FDA due to the fact that animal studies have revealed evidence of embryo and fetotoxicity which included toxic effects on skeletal formations.  There are many other cons to taking the drug if you are pregnant.  It can cause discoloration in the baby’s teeth.  It is for these reasons that Doxycycline is often only prescribed during a pregnancy when there are no other alternatives and the benefits outweigh the risks.  Please discuss the use of this antibiotic with your doctor if you are or suspect that you may be pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant.

Oral Retinoids

Oral Retinoids are extremely dangerous and not safe to take during pregnancy.  Some examples of Oral Retinoids that one should avoid if they are pregnant include Isotretinoin.  Isotretinoin is often used to treat patients who are suffering from cystic acne.  Although it has been found to be quite effective in treating cystic acne it has also been banned from being used during pregnancy as it causes malformations to the fetus.  The drug also increases a woman’s chances of miscarriage and infant death.  For any woman who is planning on becoming pregnant they should stop taking the drug at least a month before trying to conceive.  For anyone who is on Isotretinoin who is pregnant should discontinue use at once.
These are only a few of the antibiotics one should or shouldn’t take when trying to treat acne and if possibly pregnant.  For further information or concerns please talk to your physician or dermatologist.