Antibiotics for acne?

[Wuxiapian]

Hi, everyone.
I'm female and suddenly developed acne a year ago - never had spots before in my life!
GP prescribed different lotions and potions but without any improvement. I had my hormone levels tested and they were fine. GP said it could be stress, but nothing had changed when my skin started to erupt.
Anyway, now, a year later, he's prescribed me Minocycline to take daily for 2 months. I'm not keen on taking antibiotics, but my skin's really starting to get me down and I'm prepared to try anything.
Just wondered if anyone else has used this drug successfully and if there were any side effects whilst taking it.

Hoping for some advice.
Thanks in anticipation.

Hi guys.

Just wondering. Will Minocyclne affect my contraceptive pill from working correctly? I'm on Microgynon 30.

Any replies very much appreciated.

Wuxiapian, you need to ask your GP about your contraception - he/she should have mentioned if it would be affected by the antibiotics.

I've had bad acne since I was 14 (21 years! ). I've tried everything with varying levels of success including roaccutane. The best thing I've used is Zineryt - it's a prescription antibiotic liquid that you dab on your acne. As it's topical it doesn't affect contraception and doesn't have the other unwanted side effects of antibiotics. Oh, and being pregnant - my skin was great, but not really a solution!

I get the impression that my teenage American cousins are all on antibiotics to deal with acne, sometimes they modify the dose, but it just seems to be the standard practice there.

Don't know what I would choose to do, but I notice that virtually no American teenagers have that really horrendous acne that used to be quite common when I was a teenager (1980s), so I think it might have its place (better than noticeably scarred for life).

Jazzyp, my GP knows I'm taking Microgynon 30, but didn't say anything at all about contraceptive cover being reduced whilst using Minocycline, so I assumed I'd be ok.

It was only during my pill free week last week that I started to wonder as it was barely a period at all. My periods have been very light with dark brown bits - not really blood flow as such - for the past year or so, but last week there was just the tiniest hint of light brown when I wiped after visiting the toilet and that was it just that one time.
I've seen been feeling pretty tired and generally run down.

So, as you can imagine, I'm worried!

I did a pregnancy test today, it was negative. Maybe I'm testing too early?

Waswondering, I'm taking multivitamins, evening primrose and a zinc supplement - have been the past 5/6 months.

Zebrabra, I think all acne sufferers would give anything a go if it was guaranteed to shift the nastiness. Sadly, it's trial and error. Different things work for different people.

GDG, how's it going with the Oxytetracycline?

Bump :)

i'm off to the doc next week about my skin, i'm hoping he gives me a light steriod cream to shift it, i'm getting married in 12weeks so i really want it away, i have never had good skin but when i was 15 i had 2 antibiotics(not sure what they were) and none helped the only thing that completely cleared it up was a steriod cream, and using actinact a white powder soulution mixed up but they don't do this anymore, a friend of mine is a beauty thearspist who has trained in skin problems and she has told me the name of something to ask at the doctor(somehow i've forgotten it now)i think its some sort of steriod lotion, she also gave me A whole load of Dermalogica skin care and i can see a slight improvement already, she said if i continue to use dermalogica for acne and visit the doctor my skin will be clear, fingers crossed!

Hi, Kidstrack2.

Congratulations on the imminent wedding!
Hope the trip to the GP's a success! How old are you?

How long've you been using the Dermalogica skin care products?

Keep me informed of how things are going.

hello

my daughter was given dianette pills for her skin. It is a contraceptive pill but the doctor told her not to use it as one as it is not for that purpose?

also the reason she was given this and not steriod is because the doctor said that steriod creams, even light ones, are no good for the skin because it thins the skin?

any advice

hi ya Wuxiapian, iv'e been using the Dermalogica for nearly 2 weeks, and theres a definite improvenment, just a few outbeaks, i even managed to use some max factor makeup on friday night, {usually my skin breaks out next day with spots) I'm 24 so really quite young yet, but my mum is 46 and has the same skin, din't want to suffer as long as she has, i think it ages her too, plus we are getting married in Cyprus and i don't want to be a blushing bride covered in spots! LoL

Yep agree steriod cream does thin the skin to a slight extent (never get waxed or anything when using steroid creams)as the skin can peel and become inflamed, i think i was offered that pill too but only for 3m as its short term, i'm on Microgynen again it does help slightly, beacuse when i'm not on the pill its 10 times worse!

I used Dianette for years, it was pretty good for acne. But after 16 odd years on the pill i was getting migraines for five days before every period, so i stopped using them. Incidentally, as Dianette is classified as a contraceptive in the UK, you can get it on prescription for free, otherwise you'd be forking out the 6 quid every time!

Kidstrack2, I'm glad the dermalogica's having the desired effect. When's your appointment at the docs?

My acne wasn't any better when I wasn't on the pill - been taking Microgynon 30 now for 7/8 months.

Jazzyp, how's your skin nowadays - are you still using the Zineryt on your acne?

my app is on thurs afternoon, so fingers crossed he gives me something useful, i'll let you know what he prescribes, or if he sends me packing lol

Wow. Can't believe we're in august, already!Anyhoo, I haven't been online for a while - busted computer.

GDG, whats the oxytetracylcline verdict, was it successful?

Kidstrack, how was the wedding? Did your skin clear up any for the big day?

I went back to my GP this week after taking 3 months of Minocycline. Skin's hardly made any improvement. He's given me another 3 months worth of Minocylcline and also a prescription for Dianette. Here's hoping!

You all have a good evening and keep in touch!

Having suffered with acne for many years, I can really sympathise with all here.

Acne began as 'teenage spots' when I was about 13. Tried various topical lotions and potions, some over-the-counter, others by prescription, but none worked. The worst was benzoyl peroxide (Retin-A) cream which made my skin red, dry, and peeling - and bleached my clothes, bedding and towels. The spots just got worse and developed into acne.

At its worst, I had huge, painful pustules on my back (which would often burst leaving spots of blood on my school shirts) and fortunately smaller but still very noticeable spots on my cheeks, chin and jawline. The texture of my skin was revolting - rough like sandpaper. I was bullied terribly at school and acne has definitely had a long-term effect on my self-esteem.

Eventually a new and sympathetic GP prescribed Oxytetracycline, and I took it for about 10 years! It improved my skin tremendously, and although I still got a few spots, I actually started to feel normal again. Unfortunately my skin was (and still is) horrendously oily. I took Oxytetracycline for so long basically because my GP seemed happy to keep signing the repeat prescription requests and I was too scared of the spots returning to stop taking it.

The real turning point for me came when I started taking the Pill (for contraceptive purposes!) I started on Marvelon, which was great for my skin - for the first time since I was 13 it was completely clear. Unfortunately the 'Pill scare' then came along and I was switched to Microgynon. This didn't suit me at all and I started to get big, pus-filled cysts along my jawline and neck. In a panic, I went to see a different GP from my regular one, who was away. He put me on Dianette - the only thing that has ever improved the oiliness of my skin - and I have to say it was brilliant. Stayed on that for about 6 years until they discovered it's a high-dose pill which can cause DVT and liver damage. I did find it gave me quite bad headaches just before a withdrawal 'bleed' and DH reckons it made me moody. After that I took Yasmin for just a few months before we decided to try for a baby.

For the first 6 months after I stopped taking the Pill, my skin continued to be fantastic and I honestly thought I'd never see acne again. Wrong. Around the time of our first wedding anniversary I noticed some big, cyst-like pustules on my shoulders. These soon spread all over my back. The only plus has been that they haven't appeared on my face, although that's changed since I've been pregnant!

Went back to GP and was prescribed Erythromycin, which is the only oral acne treatment deemed to be safe if ttc or pregnant. I took it for about 6 months in total and it did improve, although not completely clear, my back. I stopped taking it as soon as I knew I was pregnant though, as I just didn't want to take a risk with the baby. My skin has been horrible so far! The spots aren't too bad on my back, but I now have a load of small, rashy ones across my chest which means I haven't been able to wear vest tops this summer as I'm too self-conscious. DH keeps telling me to ask the GP for some topical treatment but after my previous experiences, I'm not keen.

I'm now 11 weeks pregnant and the spots are a bit better than they were, but my chin is also quite spotty. What Dermalogica products do you recommend as I'm keen to try anything - at the moment I used Clinique foaming facial wash and Dramatically Different Moisturiser. My skin is oily but also dry and flaky, if that makes sense. I exfoliate regularly but it still seems to feel rough.

Really tempted to go back on the Pill after the baby's born. I don't really want to, as I feel I've spent far too many years on it already, but I don't want to live with this for the next 'x' years. DH doesn't want me to go on the Pill again either, because he's concerned about long-term risks (breast cancer etc) but not sure what other alternatives there are apart from antibiotics.

Sorry for long post, but it's a subject particularly close to my heart.

Hi, CurrantBun.

I've given up with using products on my skin. I don't feel any of them made any difference whatsoever. I just wash my skin with water now and leave the lotions and potions alone. My skin is still a little greasy, but nowhere near as much as when I used the creams.
Could the exfoliating be irritating your skin and making it worse?

I hate taking pills and wish I could get on with life without worrying about acne, but it's not that easy. I understand how you feel. My self confidence is zero and can't bare the thought of never having nice skin.

I hope others will reply with some advice.
Take it easy.

Hi all
I also suffer from spots, (I am 33). I have been on most things over the years, am currently back on oxytetracycline, but must admit not that regular in taking it so not having such a positive affect this time, (goes off to take tablet).

Mainly posted to say that although Roaccutaine has got a very bad press here I used it many years ago and thought it was fantastic!! I did get dry skin but nothing as bad as others have written, my lips were dry but the end result was worth it 100%. I was not monitored every month for internal damage but maybe this is a newer development. If my skin got really bad again I would happily pay for a private appt. with the dermatologist, (to save a 12 month wait), and ask for Roaccutaine. Yes, the side effects may not be nice but when you think what damage acne does to your confidence and self-esteem I don't think it's too high a price really.

I had approx. 9/10 years relatively acne free, from early twenties, (thanks to Roaccutaine), until after stopping b/f dd1 - Why? I would like to find the cause rather than taking antibiotics on and off.

Any other suggestions/advice also welcome.

Hi, I had a bad case of acne suddenly in my early thirties . I tried all of the following things together so can't say which one was responsible for clearing it up, but it did clear up in 4-5 months after starting:

• taking zinc supplements
• adding an omega oil supplement to my food (udo's choice oil)
• using these products acne products - they are a pain as have to be ordered from the US but were worth it for me.

HTH

Since my last post I've stopped using the Clinique facial wash and have gone back to a Nivea Visage one I used previously. My skin seems to have got a bit better - less lumpy, and feels softer after washing.

I've also done something I used to do in my teens - and probably shouldn't - apply neat TCP on a cotton wool pad to the worst-affected areas after washing and before moisturising. Stings like hell for a few seconds but worked back then and might help again.

Bump

Hi, guys.

Well, autumn's finally upon us and I'm so relieved. I couldn't bare the hot, clammy weather. My skin getting greasy as soon as stepped outdoors. Surely winter will be easier?

CurrantBun, darling, how's your skin doing, still improving with the Nivea?

I understand the dilemma about the continuation of these drugs. I absolutely hate taking them, but having bad skin has really knocked my confidence. I just hope, as we all do, that one day we'll be acne free.

I'm still taking the Minocycline, the Dianette, the multi vitamins, the zinc supplements, the primrose oils. Jeez.
Skin seems a little better, although, it could just be a fluke!

Keep in touch. Let me know what's happening.
Have a good evening

Hi Wuxiapian, just seen your thread, my dh suffered terribly from acne as a teenager and has the scars to prove it,even now he gets the odd bad spot (he's 34). He took long term antibiotic therapy and roaccutaine but suffered with his kidneys and i think his liver so had to stop. The only thing that worked for him was Australian body care tea tree facial wash followed by spritzing with shark oil which is meant to stop the over production of oil in your skin without blocking the pores. Don't know if you have tried it, might be worth a go

BrummieMom, I'm sorry to hear about your husbands experience of those drugs. Is he ok now?

Where would I find that range of products, do they have a website?
I'm interested in findng out more about it.

Thanks.

Sometimes such acne in women is caused by a hormonal problem called polycystic ovaries. This can produce excess testosterone which will thus cause the spots to appear.

It seems to me that many docs just want to give out prescriptions without trying to determine why the acne has arisen to start with.

Dianette is often given to women with polycystic ovaries also becuase of its anti androgenic effect.

Attila, my GP sent me to the hospital to have my hormone levels tested and apparently, they're absolutely fine.

He suggested it could be stress, but nothing changed in my life at the time they appeared and I've had much more stressful periods without any spots at all.

I wish I knew what it was that caused my sudden acne. Just hope this course of Minocycline alongside the Dianette helps.