There is an oral medication that treats acne. What is it called, and how effective is it?
thanx!

The (go away, evil acne!)Warrior Princess

There are many. I've taken tetracycline, erythromycin, and Accutane. The first two didn't do a thing. Accutane worked somewhat, but was so harsh and has so many potentially harmful side effects, that I now believe it should be taken off the market.

I tell everyone who asks about meds for acne the same thing: find yourself a good aesthetician. I struggled with acne until I was 24 years old and finally started seeing an aesthetician. They have access to another world of products, serums, and elixirs that can help you -- things that dermatologists know nothing about. Glycolic facials were what finally helped me to get rid of my acne once and for all. Alpha hydroxy facials will work in much the same way. Call the salons in your area. Facials are pricey, but they are worth it!

Also, if you don't already, be sure to cleanse and hydrate your skin twice a day with a mild soap and moisturizer. I've had the most success with Cetaphil products (dermatologist recommended).

I have personaly seen Diflucan® work. Although it generally is not used, I have seen a doctor prescribe it to a teenager for acne. But you would need to ask your doctor about it.

Acne is caused by bacteria in skin pores.

Mild acne is usually treated with over the counter products that are applied directly to the skin, usually containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria; salicylic acid helps prevent conditions that lead to infections (I've forgotten exaclty how).

More severe acne is usually treated with a combination of medicince that are applied to the skin (often by perscription - usually stronger doses of benzoyl peroxide or additional medicines that act similarly) and antibiotics taken orally. Common antibiotics for treating acne are erythromycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. A doctor will typically start you out on one, and judge the effects. If it is not effective, they will switch some portion of the treatment until they find the right treatment for you. In most cases, some combination can be found that is pretty effective.

Severe cases of acne can be treated with accutane (taken orally). It is very effective, but, unlike the others, it is a retinoid, and affects production by glands instead of killing bacteria. Accutane is a pretty serious drug and is not to be taken lightly. It can effect the liver, increase chloresterol, cause birth defects, cause loss of sight or hearing, cause pressure in the brain leading to vommiting, nausea, seizures, or (very rarely) death, and there are some (unproven) indications that it can cause depression. Before taking accutane, patients must have a blood test and must sign a form of informed consent and commit to close monitoring.

Ortho-tricyclin (the birth control pill) is another oral medication that has also been shown to help with acne. Not being a candidate for that myself, I never looked into the how or how effective.

[This message was edited by methos on 11-23-03 at 04:23 PM.]

I know this is an old thread but hopefully someone can give me some good advice.

Despite a healthy diet I've suffered from acne rosacea since I was about 26.

No facial washes seemed to work so in despair and against my better judgement I got a prescription for a tetracycline.

It works so well and I have no side effects so I'm loathe to come off it. However I know that 1) long term antibiotic use is not good if you can at all avoid it and 2) tetracycline is a no-no for someone contemplating pregnancy which I am.

Does anyone know of any good long term treatments / medications that could effectively treat acne rosacea while being safe to take in pregnancy?

Thanks

If you are lookinga t becoming pregnancy, I would speak to a OB specialist who can give you better information. As well, you could speak to a dermatoligist. Between both physyicans they would be able to help you.

Thanks Sherasi