Acne topical treatment is most effective for people with mild to moderate breakouts, especially if the acne problem is limited to the face. For people with severe breakouts, other acne treatments may be required as well. People with oily skin will need to apply acne treatments that are made of more alcohol; whereas those with dry skin require ointments that moisturize the skin. There are a variety of over the counter acne treatment methods available as well as those that are prescribed by the dermatologists. Seeking the help of a physician is the best way to know which topical acne treatment would suit you best.

How Do Topical Antibiotics Work for Acne

Breakouts are caused due to the effect of the hormones on the pilosebaceous unit, which consists of a hair, a hair follicle, and sebaceous gland. The antibiotics work for acne treatment by several methods. The important functions of antibiotics are:

• They lessen the number of bacteria formed around the hair follicle.
• They decrease the chemicals generated by the white blood cells.
• They also reduce the amount of free fatty acids present in the sebum, and thus reducing the inflammation.

Some of the most frequently used antibiotics for acne topical treatment are summarized here along with their functional properties:

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is the most frequently used oral antibiotic for acne treatment, but it is mostly prescribed by dermatologists as a topical antibiotic treatment. It is available in the form of several acne treatment products. Some important features are:

• It is available in the form of gel, lotions, and solutions.
• It should be applied twice daily to areas that require acne treatment.
• At times, it may cause some irritation, which is normal.
• It shouldn’t be used by patients with ulcerative colitis, or regional enteritis.

Erythromycin

Erythromycin is the second most commonly used topical antibiotic for the treatment of acne. Erythromycin is available in the form of gel, ointment, or solution. It has many properties which make it a better option. Some of them are:

• Besides, killing the acne producing bacteria, it also has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the redness in acne.
• It is safe to be used by pregnant women.
• It should be applied twice a day to the acne prone areas.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline is not used very often as an acne antibiotic treatment. It should not be used by children under the age of 9, and pregnant women. Some of the features of Tetracycline are:

• It must be applied twice daily to areas that require acne treatment.
• It sometimes causes irritation, which is normal.
• It is available in the market in the form of a lotion, solution, or gel

Metronidazole

Metronidazole is yet another effective antibiotic used for acne topical treatment. This type of acne antibiotic treatment is used especially for breakouts caused by rosacea. It is available in the market in the form of an acne treatment gel. Some of the characteristic features of Metronidazole are:

• It must be applied on the affected areas twice daily.
• It may cause a little irritation, which is normal.

Before using any of the above mentioned acne topical treatment methods, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your dermatologist.