Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 39

Thread: Antibiotics for acne?

  1. #1
    God/dess ViolaStrings's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    4,219
    Thanks
    84
    Thanked 236 Times in 120 Posts

    Default Antibiotics for acne?

    I started taking minocycline (a type of tetracycline) for my skin. I don't have horrible acne, I'm just still acne prone at 24 and it's LAME. Stripper make up doesn't help, either! So far, it's really helping, and it's only been 2 or 3 weeks.

    I have a few questions for anyone else whose ever been on antibiotics for acne:

    Did you eventually become immune to it?
    Did it affect your health in any other way?
    Did it totally get rid of your acne or just really improve it?
    How long did it take for it to be fully effective?
    Does it really make a difference if you don't take it on an empty stomach, as instructed?
    I've heard dairy really decreases it's effectiveness, is this true?
    Does it really make you more prone to yeast infections?

  2. #2
    Banned LatinaRose's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Toronto 4 now...
    Posts
    4,876
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Hi, I've been on tetracycline for more than a few months. It has greatly improved my skin. I wouldn't say my skin is perfect, but I'm not that good about taking it like I'm supposed to. I was really good about it for the the first couple months and my skin is so much better now. Now I really only take it if I find myself having a breakout (which isn't often) and it helps it clear up so fast. I still use my topical cream - retin a. Did they prescribe you any topicals? I always take it according to the instructions - empty stomach, no dairy. I think you are supposed to take it like that so your body will absorb more of the medicine. It can weaken your birth control pill so be aware of that. I would say I saw full effects within a month or so, but it is longer for some people.

    You will be so happy you went and saw the derm within a few months. I can't believe I waited so long! It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

  3. #3
    Chicagoeditor
    Guest

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    My recollection is you need to avoid the sun on tetracycline. That'd include tanning booths.

  4. #4
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    3,422
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    I went on spironolactone last year after reading about it on here, and it has 100% cleared up my acne. The only side effect was bigger boobs, which is ok by me. It is a steroid though- it works hormonally to get rid of the stupid hormones that give women (older than teenagers) hormonal acne. It's really cheap too. It's kind of obscure, and I had to ask my doctor about it, but she agreed to let me try some. I'm not even on a very high dose. I love this stuff. So I thought I'd mention it again as an alternative.

    The only downside I can recall right now is that it can potentially mess up a fetus, so you have to be vigilant with birth control while taking this stuff.

  5. #5
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    I did all of those acne meds, they worked well for me. But after time after time, they didn't work on me anymore. I just should've went on Accutane when I was a teenager, never would've gone through this hassle of all these pills.

  6. #6
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Did you eventually become immune to it? Yes, but like I said...didn't work anymore.

    Did it affect your health in any other way? I read some where that it does lower your immune system. But I felt fine. Come to think of it, my immune system is kinda low, could've been all those anti-biotics. But I take my Vit.C everyday now.


    Did it totally get rid of your acne or just really improve it? Cleared my skin up, yes. BUT when they weren't working anymore for me, I got the break outs back again while on them.


    How long did it take for it to be fully effective? I remember for some it took about two weeks to start seeing a difference.


    Does it really make a difference if you don't take it on an empty stomach, as instructed? Eh. Not really.

    I've heard dairy really decreases it's effectiveness, is this true? Never heard of that, so not sure.

    Does it really make you more prone to yeast infections? YESSSSS

  7. #7
    Featured Member NatalieFRPhilly's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,557
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Did you eventually become immune to it? Yes.
    Did it affect your health in any other way? Not that I remember.
    Did it totally get rid of your acne or just really improve it? Improved it slightly
    How long did it take for it to be fully effective? a month
    Does it really make a difference if you don't take it on an empty stomach, as instructed? yea, I am sensitive to any kinds of pills on an empty stomach, I would vomit if I took it on an empty stomach
    I've heard dairy really decreases it's effectiveness, is this true? I dunno, I just know I was not allowed to eat dairy within 2 hours of taking it.
    Does it really make you more prone to yeast infections? not me.

    I didn't think these works. What works for me is to keep my cell phone clean as possible and not pick my face. But I pick my face a lot. Good luck, everyone has different bodies and different reactions to mediations. I took three different kinds of antibiotics and they did not help.

  8. #8
    God/dess Sirona's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    3,012
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 46 Times in 27 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by ViolaStrings View Post
    I started taking minocycline (a type of tetracycline) for my skin. I don't have horrible acne, I'm just still acne prone at 24 and it's LAME. Stripper make up doesn't help, either! So far, it's really helping, and it's only been 2 or 3 weeks.

    I have a few questions for anyone else whose ever been on antibiotics for acne:

    Did you eventually become immune to it?
    Did it affect your health in any other way?
    Did it totally get rid of your acne or just really improve it?
    How long did it take for it to be fully effective?
    Does it really make a difference if you don't take it on an empty stomach, as instructed?
    I've heard dairy really decreases it's effectiveness, is this true?
    Does it really make you more prone to yeast infections?
    My guy uses it (minocycline) for Rosacea related breakouts and it works awsome for him. He's never become immune to it and has taken it for years. As someone mention be careful with BC and the sun. I believe taking it with food decreases absorbtion and all antibiotics can trigger a YI. No clue about the dairy.



  9. #9
    God/dess Zabrina's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    2,892
    Thanks
    17
    Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by Vyanka View Post
    I did all of those acne meds, they worked well for me. But after time after time, they didn't work on me anymore. I just should've went on Accutane when I was a teenager, never would've gone through this hassle of all these pills.
    I sooooooo agree with you there. Totally clear right now, haven't been this smooth since before puberty! Thankyou Accutane!

    Tetracycline would work great for a few months, then it would lose it's effectiveness so I'd switch to topicals, then go back to tetracycline, over and over. Everytime it would clear me up for a few months and after that there was just no effect anymore.

    Did you eventually become immune to it? Yes
    Did it affect your health in any other way? Sun sensitivity
    Did it totally get rid of your acne or just really improve it? Improved it for a few months before it lost effectiveness, never totally got rid of it.
    How long did it take for it to be fully effective? A week or two
    Does it really make a difference if you don't take it on an empty stomach, as instructed? I could never actually take it on an empty stomach because it made me nauseous
    I've heard dairy really decreases it's effectiveness, is this true? ???
    Does it really make you more prone to yeast infections? Never had that problem

  10. #10
    God/dess ViolaStrings's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    4,219
    Thanks
    84
    Thanked 236 Times in 120 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by Zabrina View Post
    I sooooooo agree with you there. Totally clear right now, haven't been this smooth since before puberty! Thankyou Accutane!

    Tetracycline would work great for a few months, then it would lose it's effectiveness so I'd switch to topicals, then go back to tetracycline, over and over. Everytime it would clear me up for a few months and after that there was just no effect anymore.
    Oh man I hope that doesn't happen to me. It's working so well now!

  11. #11
    God/dess Zabrina's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    2,892
    Thanks
    17
    Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    If your breakouts are mild, it may do the trick for you. I just dont think its the cure for moderate to bad acne.

  12. #12
    God/dess ViolaStrings's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    4,219
    Thanks
    84
    Thanked 236 Times in 120 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by Zabrina View Post
    If your breakouts are mild, it may do the trick for you. I just dont think its the cure for moderate to bad acne.
    They're bad enough to piss me off and make wearing foundation necessary, but not so bad that I'm hideous without it. It's mostly a LOT of whiteheads and pustules (the big ones under the skin you can't pop) around my mouth and occasional zits on my cheeks and forehead.

    I've tried everything topical to treat it, and it's an uphill battle.

  13. #13
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by Zabrina View Post
    If your breakouts are mild, it may do the trick for you. I just dont think its the cure for moderate to bad acne.
    Agree. Plus keep in mind what works for you, wont work for me. Or vice versa. We're all different.

  14. #14
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Viola, I learned so much stuff on treatments and acne overall on acne.org

    If you're not on there, I suggest you read thier boards. You'll get some awesome tips.

    Also, monitor what you eat. Certain foods can make your skin condition worse. Peanuts and coffee did it to me.

  15. #15
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by ViolaStrings View Post
    I started taking minocycline (a type of tetracycline) for my skin. I don't have horrible acne, I'm just still acne prone at 24 and it's LAME. Stripper make up doesn't help, either! So far, it's really helping, and it's only been 2 or 3 weeks.

    I have a few questions for anyone else whose ever been on antibiotics for acne:

    Did you eventually become immune to it?
    I don't know; it never worked all that well in the first place.

    Did it affect your health in any other way?
    YES. With long-term use of minocycline, you can develop something that is similar to lupus--I noticed joint stiffness, especially in my fingers. I didn't make the connection with the antibiotic until I'd been off it for awhile and then went back on it. Luckily, the condition is temporary, and when you stop taking it, the symptoms will go away. Still, I now have sensitivity or allergies to two types of antibiotics, which is never a good thing.

    Did it totally get rid of your acne or just really improve it?
    Mild improvement. Definitely not a cure.

    How long did it take for it to be fully effective?
    Forever, as far as I can tell.

    Does it really make a difference if you don't take it on an empty stomach, as instructed?
    They usually tell you to take it with a little food, I think, because it can mess up your stomach--Does yours say to take it on an empty stomach?

    I've heard dairy really decreases it's effectiveness, is this true?
    Not sure. I thought it was antacids and birth control pills that would interact with these drugs, but it's been awhile...
    Does it really make you more prone to yeast infections?
    That's always listed as a side effect, so probably it does. Everyone's different, though.


    IN CONCLUSION: DON'T MESS WITH ANTIBIOTICS!!!!!

    ASK YOUR DERMATOLOGIST FOR SPIRONOLACTONE!!!!!!! THIS SHIT WORKS MAGIC FOR MODERATE BUT PERSISTENT POST-ADOLESCENT ACNE IN WOMEN!!!!!

    Like molly said, not a lot of dermatologists know about this. It's a testosterone blocker, usually used (in higher doses) to treat high blood pressure. (Molly, is it really a steroid? I don't think I knew that!)

    Like Molly, I have had ZERO negative side effects, excellent results, and it's really fucking cheap. I highly recommend.
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  16. #16
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    I just finished my course of Accutane. But my cystic acne can come back(I hope not), from whoremones.

    I'm going to get acupuncture for hormornal acne, heard that works well too.

    Now if this Spironolactone is used to get rid of the hormornal acne, how long do you have to take it for? Is it something you have to stick with for an amount of time?

  17. #17
    God/dess Zabrina's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    2,892
    Thanks
    17
    Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by Vyanka View Post
    I just finished my course of Accutane. But my cystic acne can come back(I hope not), from whoremones.

    I'm going to get acupuncture for hormornal acne, heard that works well too.

    Now if this Spironolactone is used to get rid of the hormornal acne, how long do you have to take it for? Is it something you have to stick with for an amount of time?
    Just to give you some hope that it may be all over... I haven't had a single outbreak of cystic acne since my course. It's been 6 months. The worst breakouts I've had are the tiny whiteheads or little red spots that heal on their own in 2 days tops.

  18. #18
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by Vyanka View Post
    Now if this Spironolactone is used to get rid of the hormornal acne, how long do you have to take it for? Is it something you have to stick with for an amount of time?
    Vy, I'm trying to figure that out myself. I was on it for about 18 months, and my skin had completely cleared up. So I decided to see what happened if I went off it. It's one of those things that builds up gradually in your system over time, and also leaves your system slowly...After 3 or 4 months, I started to break out a bit again, and figured I'd better go back on it.

    My dermatologist says it's no big deal to take it indefinitely...and, given that the only side effects it has are positive (like, it's a mild diuretic, it makes the hair on your head grow better, and it makes you conserve potassium, so I don't get charlie horses in my calves at night anymore) I would have no problem staying on it forever. Plus it only costs about $23/month.

    I looked it up in some medical journals and didn't find anything scary in there, either.

    Of course, it's probably not a good idea to get pregnant while you're on it; I keep meaning to ask the doc about that.
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  19. #19
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    3,422
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spironolactone

    -to respond to Nicolina's question- yes, it is a steroid. I love this stuff though. I just wanted to share that! It's been magical for me. It also has made my breasts a bit bigger, so there is that. The link says "Due to its anti-androgen effect, it can also be used to treat hirsutism, and is a common component in hormone therapy for male-to-female transgendered people. It is also used for treating hair loss and acne in women."--- so maybe that explains the boob thing.

    The link said nothing about the baby thing either, but I read that somewhere before I went on it. Even then it said "maybe" for fetal problems, and was nothing definite. Still, better to be careful with mystery stuff.

    Anyway, good luck to you Viola. Acne is a bitch, and life is so much easier with clear skin. it's just one less damn thing, you know?

  20. #20
    God/dess scarlett_vancouver's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    6,699
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 22 Times in 20 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    You're supposed to be able to lower your dose of spironolactone as you age, in accordance with lowering overall hormone levels. Of course, then you get put back on it for high blood pressure (it's original intention)...hahaha.

    I took it for a while. It was effective, but not as effective as topicals for me. The thing is, there are lots of different causes for acne. LIke, mine is/was caused by slow skin exfoliation and buildup of keratin blocking my pores- characterized by lots of small bumps. Molly's was obviously caused by hormones, which is usually more cyst-like and independent of what's happening on the surface.

    So, you know, I guess you gotta keep trying stuff. FWIW, I'm NOT in favour of antibiotics on the skin, but if it works it works. I've never tried. I use Tazorac (a chemical exfoliant of sorts), which works like a charm for me.

    Good luck!

    Feature costumes for sale!

  21. #21
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    3,422
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    ^^Yes, mine were cyst-like. Very big, under the surface, and painful as hell.

  22. #22
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    I have used bactrim off and on over the past couple of years to keep my skin clear. It is the ONLY thing that worked for me. To answer your questions:

    Did you eventually become immune to it? No - not at all. There is a low risk of the bacteria that causes acne becoming immune to bactrim, from what I've researched

    Did it affect your health in any other way? Yes, I have IBD, and chronic antibiotic use threw off the healthy flora of bacteria in my intestines, causing problems with that...

    Did it totally get rid of your acne or just really improve it? Completely cleared it up. I have not been on it for about six months now.. if I notice a couple of pimples popping up, I'll take a low dose for a couple of weeks, and that usually fends them off for months

    How long did it take for it to be fully effective? Noticed improvement in a week.. skin was nearly clear in about 4-5 weeks (this was when I had a A LOT of pimples though)

    Does it really make a difference if you don't take it on an empty stomach, as instructed? Nah...

    I've heard dairy really decreases it's effectiveness, is this true? Not sure, I'm lactose intolerant

    Does it really make you more prone to yeast infections? Yes. I've had a couple over the time I've used bactrim - but a couple of days of monistat is DEFINITELY worth the clear, pretty skin.

    I say give it a try.. just listen to your body

  23. #23
    Member
    Joined
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Funville
    Posts
    23
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Accutane is a miracle drug for acne. Your doctor will be very reluctant to prescribe it, based upon how highly regulated it is, but it is very much worth talking to your doctor about.

  24. #24
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Quote Originally Posted by Nicolina View Post
    Vy, I'm trying to figure that out myself. I was on it for about 18 months, and my skin had completely cleared up. So I decided to see what happened if I went off it. It's one of those things that builds up gradually in your system over time, and also leaves your system slowly...After 3 or 4 months, I started to break out a bit again, and figured I'd better go back on it.

    My dermatologist says it's no big deal to take it indefinitely...and, given that the only side effects it has are positive (like, it's a mild diuretic, it makes the hair on your head grow better, and it makes you conserve potassium, so I don't get charlie horses in my calves at night anymore) I would have no problem staying on it forever. Plus it only costs about $23/month.

    I looked it up in some medical journals and didn't find anything scary in there, either.

    Of course, it's probably not a good idea to get pregnant while you're on it; I keep meaning to ask the doc about that.
    Thanks Nic.

    Wow, i'm liking the positive side affects! On Accutane, I shed LOTS of hair & it got thinner...although it'll go back to normal in no time. I can't wait.

  25. #25
    Veteran Member xxambyrrxx's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2006
    Location
    St John's NL
    Posts
    255
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: Antibiotics for acne?

    Minocycline was first antibiotic I was prescribed for acne. I took it for about 2 years and it worked OK but not tha great. Then I took erythromycin for 4 months and that did nothing but mess up my stomach. I ended up doing 2 courses of Accutane and now I am doing good.

    I don't know if anyone has answered the "Why no Milk?" question yet, but it is because the calcium affects the apsorption of the drug in your stomach making it less effective. So that means no milk, cheese, yogurt etc. or calcium supplements and Antacids (they usually contain calcium carbonate) should be ingested within an hour of the antibiotic.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. what's this alternative to antibiotics?
    By jaizaine in forum Body Business
    Replies: 39
    Last Post: 09-14-2007, 12:55 AM
  2. Antibiotics messing up my cycle
    By greenidlady1 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-03-2007, 07:32 AM
  3. The Pill and antibiotics
    By Sunshine73 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 09-14-2006, 03:14 PM
  4. what happens AFTER the antibiotics?
    By fancygirl in forum Body Business
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 08-19-2006, 08:43 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •