Topical antibiotics are typically used for mild to moderately severeinflammatory acne.
Medications likeclindamycinanderythromycinare most commonly used for this purpose.
Topicaltetracyclineis another option, but it’s prescribed less often because it is known to cause skin discoloration.
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These come in a variety of forms, including lotions, gels, pads, and toner-like solutions.
This article covers how topical antibiotics work for acne and the possible side effects of using them.
It also includes some best practices for using topicalantibioticsas part of your skin care routine.
They are available in solutions, lotions, gels, and saturated pads.
Many healthcare providers avoid prescribing erythromycin all together and may only prescribe clindamycin when absolutely necessary.
What Is Bacterial Resistance?
Some healthcare providers also believe that topical antibiotics are becoming less effective precisely because of bacterial resistance.
Combination acne medicationslike these aren’t necessarily any more effective than using the medications separately.
The benefit is they streamline your acne treatment routine.
A drawback, though, is that they can be pricey compared to some other acne medications.
Depending on your skin, one of these might be a good fit for you.
Again, your dermatologist will help create the best treatment plan.
You will still need a prescription from a healthcare provider for this service.
How Topical Antibiotics Are Used
Antibioticsoral and topicalinhibit the growth of bacteria.Propionibacteria acnes, orP.
acnes, is a chief cause of acne.
This bacterium is an ordinary resident of the skin.
But in those with acne, theP.
acnespopulation grows out of control.
These bacteria irritate the skin’s follicles, creating inflamedpapulesandpustules.
Topical antibiotics also reduce inflammation, so they work best forinflamed breakoutsrather thannon-inflamed blemishesor blackheads.
Next, dry your face with a clean towel, then apply your topical antibiotic acne medicine.
Your moisturizer should be applied last, after you have applied your acne medicines.
Possible Side Effects
Serious side effects from topical antibiotics are very rare.
Most people can use topical antibiotics without difficulty, but some people may experience some mild side effects.
Possible side effects depend on the punch in of medication you’re using.
Sometimes, the medication can burn or sting slightly when it’s applied.
When Are Topical Antibiotics Considered?
Some research also shows that antibiotic use may be associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
So don’t wait to make that appointment.
Pairing them with another topical treatment also reduces the risk of bacterial resistance.
Side effects like skin dryness and flakiness are uncommon and generally mild.
It takes anywhere from four to six weeks of clindamycin use to see a noticeable improvement in your acne.
Topical antibiotics like clindamycin should be used for the shortest amount of time possible.
Topical clindamycin is typically prescribed for a period of three to four months.
Using antibiotics long-term increases the risk of bacterial resistance.
Topical antibiotic acne treatments are often covered by insurance providers.
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