Acne- antibiotics long term use?

[sleepysox]

I have bad skin and after reading quite a bit on here, I took the plunge and spoke to my GP. He gave me Erythromicin in a lotion to put on the spots, which helped lots, but I still have about 6 bad spots on my face.

I went back to the docs, as he told me to come back in 6 weeks to see how it was working, and he prescribed me Oxytetracycline tablets. (Antibiotics).

When I asked if I would have to be permanently on them, if they work, he said yes.

Is this right? I just read on another thread in S&B that someone had regular courses of them, with gaps in between, but didn't have to take them forever.

Can someone advise?

PS I know this is not striclty S+B but I think I'll have more sucess here than in Health.

Just wanted to say thank you for all the very helpful information on this thread. I'm almost 40 and my skin has been rubbish off and on since I was a teenager. I used to take oral antibiotics which really didn't work that well for me and was prescribed Roaccutane for 6 months when I was in my early twenties. That was miraculous and cleared up my back and face really well with long lasting effects. Over the last year it's been terrible and I have started to think that I really shouldn't put up with it so I was about to go back to my GP anyway but the information here has been really useful.

Has anyone ever been prescribed Roaccutane for a second time and can those who use Retin A tell me what it's for and where I can buy it?

Retin A isn't to be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Mine's prescribed through my GP. I use the gel 0.01%. I use a factor 30 sun protection everyday and had no problems however if I was going on holiday I'd wear a hat. Maybe speak to your GP?