Acne - American Academy of Dermatology Promotes Alternatives to Antibiotics

While the spotlight has recently been on revolutionary acne treatments such as laser and light-based therapies, there have been huge advances in oral medications used to treat acne. Many dermatologists believe that oral medications still offer the best long term results for acne sufferers, but traditional antibiotics have many drawbacks in that they need to be taken on an empty stomach, they can cause yeast infections, and long term use can lead to bacterial resistance.

This article will outline a few of the alternative oral medications that were discussed at the American Academy of Dermatology´s Summer Academy Meeting in 2007.

- Extended-release minocycline to treat acne

Immediate-release minocycline has previously been used to treat acne, but the peak serum levels in the blood that it can cause often lead to side effects such as dizziness, headaches and nausea. Using extended-release minocycline reduces the peak serum levels, reducing these potential side effects. This oral medication is taken once per day and can be taken on a full or empty stomach making it a convenient alternative to medications that need to be taken a certain time before meals.

- Using a 'step down' approach with antibiotics and a topical retinoid

To combat the issue of bacterial resistance from long term antibiotic use, dermatologists are recommending a 'step down' approach to acne therapy. This means taking an oral antibiotic in conjunction with a topical retinoid for a short period of time to kick start the treatment, and then stopping the antibiotic and continuing using just the topical retinoid. This process has had excellent results, and clinical studies have shown that in most cases acne continues to improve after the antibiotic course has been discontinued.

- Using anti-inflammatory medications to treat acne

Dermatologists have discovered that anti-inflammatory oral medications can be very effective at decreasing the severity of acne. A new anti-inflammatory medication that has been FDA approved for the treatment of acne rosacea is controlled-release doxycycline, which works by reducing the swelling and redness associated with acne.

Anti-inflammatory drugs will not actually get rid of acne as the bacteria that causes the spot is not destroyed or removed. However, those people who find that antibiotic treatments can cause the onset of yeast infections, may prefer to use anti-inflammatory medications that can provide a significant improvement in the appearance of their acne.

- Early signs that incyclinide could help to treat acne

In the next few years it is expected that incyclinide could be added to the menu of oral medications used to treat acne and acne rosacea. A modified tetracycline, it is currently in its second phase of clinical trials and it looks likely that it will provide another effective alternative to antibiotic treatments.

- Consult a dermatologist to determine the best oral medication for you

With an ever expanding range of medications available to treat acne, it is crucial that you consult a dermatologist at the earliest opportunity to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your particular condition. Oral medications used to treat acne do not work instantly, and it may be six to eight weeks before you start to see any improvement at all. With a little patience and careful adherence to your dermatologist's instructions, many cases of acne can be effectively treated with oral medications.

Lisa Janse is a professional writer specialising in health topics. You can read more practical and interesting facts about Acne Scars by visiting http://www.adultacnescars.com