Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. In fact, research estimates that 9.4 percent of people worldwide have acne. In the United States, acne is the most common skin condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
While acne doesn’t pose a serious risk to your overall health, it can still be painful, particularly if you have severe acne. Over time, acne might also cause scarring. There’s no denying that acne can contribute to emotional distress. Acne and acne scars on your face and other visible body locations can affect self-esteem and self-confidence, and they can even contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition:
• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)
Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
What is tetracycline?
Tetracycline is used to treat infections caused by bacteria including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; certain infections of the skin, eye, lymphatic, intestinal, genital, and urinary systems; and certain other infections that are spread by ticks, lice, mites, and infected animals. It is also used along with other medications to treat acne.
Tetracycline is also used to treat plague and tuleramia (serious infections that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). It can also be used in patients who cannot be treated with penicillin to treat certain types of food poisoning, and anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). Tetracycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria.
Is tetracycline good for acne?
Yes, studies have shown that oral tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline) are variably effective against facial acne and are widely prescribed systemic antibiotics for acne. Although tetracycline is used to treat moderate to severe acne, it is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of mild inflammatory acne that is particularly stubborn.
How to use tetracycline for acne
The recommended dosage of tetracycline for acne is between 125 and 500 milligrams daily or every other day. The starting dose for severe acne is 1 gram by mouth daily, divided into smaller doses throughout the day.
Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals or snacks. Drink a full glass of water with each dose of tetracycline. Do not take tetracycline with food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tetracycline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Can I stop taking tetracycline once I feel better?
Some people start feeling better a day or two after starting tetracycline, but it will take longer than that for the medication to clear your infection. Continue taking tetracycline until your healthcare provider instructs you to stop. Don’t stop on your own, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping a course of antibiotics earlier than prescribed can worsen your infection and make it harder to treat.
Can I use tetracycline if I have a penicillin allergy?
In most cases, you can take tetracycline if you have a penicillin allergy. Tetracycline and penicillin VK belong to two different groups of antibiotics. Tetracycline is a tetracycline antibiotic, while penicillin VK is a penicillin antibiotic. The structures of the medications are different and they kill bacteria in different ways. If you have a penicillin allergy, check with your provider to see if tetracycline is a good option for you.
