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When You Should Use Antibiotics For Acne

Acne is a condition that has been misunderstood for many years, and in the past it was thought that acne was a resulted from all manner of things, from not washing properly to eating too much chocolate. It was also thought by many that acne affected only adolescents. However, there are many myths about acne, and the truth is that this is a condition that can affect different people of varying ages, at different levels of severity, and for a variety of reasons that are usually beyond the control of the sufferer.

In short, acne is actually caused by excess oils and bacteria that get trapped with the follicles of the skin. Swelling begins when your body tries to fight the build up of oil and bacteria, and this causes the pimple to form. Bouts of acne can be severe or mild, and can affect people for varying periods. The condition can be brought about for a variety of reasons, such as hormonal changes, stress levels, or external factors such as infection and bacteria.

Treating acne

The treatments for acne can vary depending on your circumstances and on the severity of the condition. For instance, a pregnant woman with acne would need a different treatment to a teenager with acne. Likewise, those with milder acne will receive different types of treatment to those with a very severe case. When acne is severe, one of the treatments that may be needed due to increased levels of infection are antibiotics, which will need to be prescribed by a doctor.

There are a number of functions that are performed by antibiotics for acne. Antibiotics can help to reduce the chemicals that are produced by the white blood cells, cause a decrease in the number of bacteria in the follicle, and can reduce the free fatty acids in the sebum. This can all help to reduce the swelling and fight infection. There are a number of antibiotics that can be used for the treatment of acne, and these include:

* Tetracycline
* Minocycline
* Erythromycin
* Doxycycline
* Clindamycin

Each of the antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe acne have certain contraindications and side effects, and it is important for the patient to ensure that he or she reads up about these. Additionally, it is important to follows the instructions carefully with regards to how and when to take these medications. Take note of the of dosage instructions, and if you're at all unsure, talk with your doctor about what he has suggested.

In order to get antibiotics for acne you will need to visit your doctor or dermatologist ,because they are available on a prescription-only basis. Although there are over the counter medications suitable for the treatment of milder acne, more severe acne that has become infected will most likely require antibiotic treatment.

About the Author

If you'd like to learn more about the types of prescription acne treatments available, click here. Rebecca writes on acne control here.

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