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Antibiotics for acne
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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What antibiotics should I take for acne and what is better - to use antibiotics externally or to take them in tablet form?
In mild forms of rashes, you can use external remedies. And in more serious forms of the disease, it is better to take medications internally - in tablets or in the form of injections.
The most common drugs for external use:
- Baziron gel is effective against inflammation caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibakterium acnes bacteria.
- Zinerit ointment containing erythromycin.
- Differin cream based on adapalene.
- Gel and cream "Skinorin" based on azelaic acid.
- Curiosin gel based on zinc and hyaluronic acid.
In case of profuse rashes and severe forms of acne, it is better to take antibiotics, for example in the form of the following drugs:
"Kpinesfar" is a drug based on tertinoin and erythromycin. It must be taken every day, but the percentage of effectiveness is low - only 30%.
"Benzamycin" is a drug based on benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin. The course does not exceed 2 weeks, in addition, the drug should be combined with moisturizing face masks, as it dries the skin very much.
"Zinerit" is a drug that is also available in tablet form. It contains zinc acetate and erythromycin, which increases the effectiveness several times, but the effect does not last long, the course of treatment must be repeated periodically.
Antibiotics for acne should be taken in combination and according to the following scheme:
In the morning apply “Baziron” or “Skinored”, at night apply “Zinerit” to the affected area;
In the morning "Zinerit", at night "Differin".
When taking antibiotics orally, they can be combined with topical agents and medicinal moisturizing cosmetics. With such use, the concentration of the drug in the blood quickly increases, and the result can appear in just a few days - the skin will become noticeably cleaner and healthier. But it is important to remember that antibiotics affect the entire microflora of the body, which often causes intestinal dysbacteriosis, and this is a very serious complication. To prevent it, you need to use prebiotics (contained in fermented milk products). You need to drink at least 0.5 liters of kefir or yogurt per day.
Acne Treatment with Antibiotics
Treating acne with antibiotics has its advantages and disadvantages. The use of antibiotics in the treatment of some forms of purulent rashes is simply necessary - this will not only help to cope with inflammation many times faster, but will also help to improve the condition of the skin at least. Antibiotics in the treatment of acne are also effective for other reasons:
- There is always a wide range of antibiotics to choose from – both for external and internal use. Following the doctor’s advice, you can determine the most optimal remedy, decide on its dosage and outline the treatment regimen and duration. Plus, you can always replace one antibiotic with another if you experience an allergy or other unpleasant sensations.
- After a short period of time, the concentration of the antibiotic in the blood reaches its maximum level, which gives a quick effect and has a positive effect on the health of the skin.
- In addition, by using antibiotics to treat severe forms of acne, you can get rid of other diseases that were not even present.
Antibiotic doxycycline for acne
The antibiotic doxycycline for acne and pimples is taken as a last resort, when there are abundant rashes on the skin, obvious signs of discomfort, inflammation and intoxication. There are several reasons for the appearance of acne - in adolescence, acne appears due to increased activity of the sebaceous glands and enlarged pores of the skin, in more mature age due to dysfunction of the digestive organs. Basically, the cause of severe purulent rashes is Staphylococcus aureus, penetrating into the enlarged pores of the skin and rapidly developing there. In such cases, it is more effective to take the antibiotic internally.
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline group, inhibits bacterial growth and blocks protein synthesis of pathogenic microorganisms. Doxycycline is effective against:
- Cocci - staphylococci (Staphylococcus), including Staphylococcus aureus, the causative agent of many dermatological diseases, which include acne; streptococci (Streptococcus), including pneumococci;
- Aerobic spore-forming bacteria;
- Aerobic non-spore-forming bacteria;
- Aerobic bacteria - Escherichia coli, E. coli, pathogenic forms that can cause many diseases; Klebsiella, causing urogenital infections; Rickettsia, causative agents of rickettsiosis, including diseases such as epidemic typhus, spotted fever, tick-borne rickettsiosis.
In general, doxycycline is well tolerated, but has a number of contraindications:
- Childhood.
- Pregnancy.
Side effects include nausea, allergies, dysbacteriosis, and photosensitivity.
High and fast results in the treatment of acne with doxycycline can be achieved if you take it in the dose prescribed by your doctor and in combination with additional medications and appropriate cosmetic care for inflamed skin, and not by self-medication.
Topical Antibiotics for Acne
External antibiotics for acne are prescribed for mild forms of rashes and acne. Almost all external preparations have a good antibacterial property, but their effect on the skin is not always favorable. Such preparations have selective effectiveness, mainly due to the aggressive environment (acid, alcohol, peroxide), so too high a concentration of such preparations is unacceptable - this can harm the skin.
Topical antibiotics used for acne:
Erythromycin (Zinerit) – disrupts protein synthesis, stops bacterial growth. Thanks to zinc acetate, the drug can penetrate pores and fight pathogens, zinc acetate also heals and is an effective antiseptic.
Clindamycin (delacin, zerkalin, klenzit-s, clindovit) is effective against staphylococci, propionibacteria. The effect occurs after 6-8 weeks of use, but the course of treatment can last up to 6 months, depending on the severity of the rash, and the product should be applied twice a day. When applied externally, clindamycin is also absorbed into the blood, which is why side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, colitis are possible. In this case, it is better to stop using the drug and replace it with a more suitable one.
For external use on the skin, antibiotics Zinerit and Dalacin should be applied according to the following scheme:
- First, clean and dry the skin.
- Apply the preparation to the entire affected area.
- Adhere to the individual regimen for applying the drug.
- Do not use both antibiotics at the same time.
- Do not use the medication longer than the period specified in the instructions.
Also, other external antibiotics can be used to treat acne, but they should be selected strictly individually, so you cannot do without the help of doctors.
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Antibiotics for acne in tablets
Antibiotics for acne in tablets are prescribed for severe forms of acne and rashes. Antibiotic treatment is the most effective way to combat infections that cause acne, but at the same time, antibiotics change the natural flora of the skin of the intestine, which can also affect health. It is strictly forbidden to take antibiotics on your own; only your doctor can prescribe an effective drug in this situation according to a special regimen.
Often antibiotics against acne are combined, prescribing both a drug for external and internal use, for example:
- for external application - zinerit, dalacin;
- for internal use - doxycycline, unidox.
Oral antibiotics are prescribed in severe cases if the rash spreads to the back, shoulders, chest - these areas are difficult to treat with topical antibiotics.
Antibiotics for acne in tablets are generally quite effective, but not always. The antibiotic acts on a specific type of pathogen, if the bacterial colonies are sensitive to the antibiotic, then the effect of the treatment will be fast and effective. If the antibiotic has a detrimental effect on the colonies, then the result can be assessed independently the next day:
- redness is reduced;
- no new redness appears;
- pustular eruptions dry up.
It is important to remember that when using antibiotics, you should always use sunscreen, since during treatment the skin loses its natural resistance to sun rays and this can cause pigmentation areas and burns.
In no case should you prescribe antibiotics on your own - these are not vitamins and not a harmless food supplement. Uncontrolled use can seriously disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys. The dosage indicated in the instructions may differ greatly from that prescribed by the doctor. It is better to refuse experiments on your body and seek qualified help.
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Antibiotic ointment for acne
Antibiotic ointment for acne is designed specifically to treat mild forms of rashes. Antibiotics designed to treat such skin problems are included in the drug "Zinerit". The main active ingredients are zinc acetate and erythromycin. Zinc acetate promotes rapid healing of scars and deeper penetration of the antibiotic into the skin, and erythromycin effectively blocks protein synthesis in many types of bacteria, thereby blocking their growth and preventing the development of inflammation.
Zinerit ointment can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription, there is nothing complicated in its use, all the features of application are recorded in the instructions. The drug should be applied to cleansed skin, to the affected area, a single dose is 0.5 ml. After application, the product becomes invisible, and it should be applied 2 times a day - morning and evening, for 10 weeks. You cannot use the ointment longer than the period specified in the instructions, and the first results can be seen after the second week of use - the skin will become smoother, small inflammations will disappear, larger pustules will dry out, decrease in size, the skin will also become less oily, the characteristic shine will disappear.
Antibiotic ointment for acne "Zinerit" can be used with other local preparations, can be used during pregnancy, lactation. If you feel dry skin, you can continue using the drug, and additionally use moisturizing cosmetics - lotions, creams. Plus, the first positive changes will be noticeable after the first week of use and will last for a long time.
Antibiotic Cream for Acne
Antibiotic cream for acne is an effective means for cleansing and healing the skin. But it is worth remembering that any antibacterial agents should not be applied to the skin for a long time, but in courses with a certain break, so as not to destroy the natural protective properties of the skin and not to harm even more, developing resistance to certain groups of antibacterial drugs.
Dalacin-T cream is indicated for purulent skin rashes, inflammations, acne, nodes, cysts. Dalacin-T is often prescribed as an independent drug, as well as in combination with Differin, Baziron, but additional treatment is prescribed only by a doctor. As with the use of another antibiotic-based drug, addiction to Dalacin-T can also develop if the treatment regimen and duration are neglected. Otherwise, after a while the drug may be completely useless. The drug does not dry the skin, does not cause peeling or redness, but if an allergic reaction occurs, it is better to refuse to use it.
Like any external acne treatment, Dalacin-T should be applied to cleansed skin twice a day. It is best to avoid areas with very delicate skin - around the eyes, lips. Also, during antibiotic treatment, the skin becomes especially vulnerable to ultraviolet rays, so you need to use sunscreen.
Antibiotic Gel for Acne
Antibiotic gel for acne gives a very good and lasting result in the treatment of severe forms of acne, pustular skin rashes. An example of such a remedy is the gel "Skinoren", the active component of which is azelaic acid. It is precisely this that has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, reduces the severity of inflammation, reduces skin oiliness and regulates the production of sebum.
Azelaic acid is effective against Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which cause acne. The advantage of Skinoren is that it not only fights the pathogen, but also has a healing, cosmetic effect on the skin (regulates skin oiliness, tightens pores, evens out skin tone and texture, reduces the growth rate of dead skin cells).
Another advantage of Skinoren is that, although it has a selective bacteriostatic effect on the acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), it is not an antibiotic. Therefore, with prolonged use of this drug, there will be no addiction or other complications, such as dysbacteriosis or photosensitivity. Visible lasting results are already evident in the 4th week of treatment, and the drug can be used by teenagers from 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women.
The gel should be used at least twice a day, applying a thin layer to cleansed skin. Excessive amounts of the product should be removed with a cotton swab or cosmetic tissue. It is very important not to interrupt the course of treatment - this will help to consolidate the results for a long time.
Antibiotics for Back Acne
Antibiotics for back acne are prescribed after determining the cause of their appearance. For example, there may be several reasons for the appearance of back acne:
- Hormonal imbalance, most often observed in adolescence. Often, this disorder is hereditary and tied to gender - in boys, the rash is more severe. In adults, acne on the back can be caused by problems with the endocrine glands.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the upper layer of the skin due to a lack of vitamin A, injuries, or exposure to aggressive chemicals.
- Features of skin microflora.
- Stressful situations.
- Weakened immunity.
- Hot climates and high temperatures can aggravate acne.
For minor rashes, shallow pimples and moderate redness, it is enough to wipe the back with 3% chloramphenicol or 2% salicylic alcohol or propolis tincture, then apply Mili salicylic-zinc paste to the affected areas; it is useful to take Nagipol internally.
If the pimples are deeper, then antibiotics for internal use are prescribed for treatment, as well as antibiotic-based drugs for external use, for example, Unidox is prescribed internally, and Zinerit is prescribed externally.
For merging pimples and extensive rashes, Roaccutane (a derivative of vitamin A) is prescribed, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, healing and restorative agent. For external use, I prescribe another vitamin A drug - Airol. It is available in the form of a gel, lotion, cream, applied to the affected areas 2 times a day. It helps to open acne, quickly heal them without scars, and prevents the appearance of new rashes.
Wounds formed after opening of pimples are treated with Solcoseryl, Argosulfan, but only after preliminary treatment with Furacilin or Chlorhexidine, it is better to apply bandages to large areas of damage. Lavender oil also has a good healing property - it can be used to lubricate both wounds after pimples and the pimples themselves.
It is also important to remember that before using any remedy, you should first consult a dermatologist. This will help speed up recovery and avoid severe systemic complications.
Antibiotics for acne on the face
As soon as the rash begins to appear on the cheeks, forehead, chin, you should immediately begin treatment, otherwise the inflammatory process may take a more severe form. If the rash is small, isolated, then you can limit yourself to external means. They are available in different forms - as a gel, cream, lotion, ointment. This makes it possible to choose the most convenient form of release.
The most common acne remedies are Curiosin gel, Kaziron gel, Skinoren gel and cream, etc. Recently, external acne remedies based on antibiotics have been produced only in the form of gel, emulsion, and lotion. The fact is that ointments prepared on a fat base clog pores, and this only aggravates inflammation and prolongs the disease process due to the spread of the rash. Ointment remedies are prescribed only for too dry and tight skin.
In more severe forms of acne, combination treatment is prescribed. Antibacterial agents in the form of tablets or injections are prescribed internally according to a certain scheme, and lotions, gels, and emulsions based on antibiotics (Erythromycin, Unidox, Doxycycline, Clindamycin) are prescribed locally. In case of excessive rashes, when there are many suppurating protruding pimples on the skin, Metrogyl is prescribed externally. Antibiotics are taken 2 tablets 2 times a day, except for Doxycycline - it is prescribed 3 times a day. In addition, the key to a quick recovery is skin hygiene. You need to wash your face at least 2 times a day, then blot your face with a clean towel and wipe it with an antibacterial agent.
It is also important to remember that uncontrolled self-administration of antibiotics can result in serious disorders in all body systems, so before proceeding with treatment, you need to consult a doctor.
Antibiotic Mask for Acne
Antibiotic mask for acne can be classified as an effective external remedy against skin rashes. The main goal pursued on the path to getting rid of acne is to destroy bacteria that cause inflammation and pustules.
A good, pronounced result can be achieved after applying masks based on synthomycin ointment (synthomycin liminant). The ointment contains castor oil, which nourishes the skin, and levomycetin, an antibiotic for local use, which acts on many colonies of bacteria.
So, to prepare the mask, you need to mix a small amount of ointment with liquid vitamin E, which perfectly regenerates the skin, add vitamin A (retinol acetate), which helps restore the skin and improves complexion. After mixing all the components, you get a thick mixture, which you need to apply to cleansed skin and keep for an hour or more. In addition, in addition to problems with acne, the components of the mask will get rid of fine wrinkles.
You can also make a mask based on streptomycin. To prepare, you will need: balsamic liniment (liquid Vishnevsky ointment), streptomycin - one package, aloe vera gel. After mixing, you get a thick, homogeneous mixture. Apply the mask to cleansed skin for 10 minutes, then remove the product with cotton pads, and then wash off the remains with baby soap.
Before using an antibiotic-based face mask, you should consult a dermatologist, and before applying it to your skin, first do an allergy test - apply a small amount of the product to the back of your forearm. If after 10 minutes there is no redness, itching, or dryness, you can safely use the mask.
Antibiotics for acne on the face are prescribed only by a doctor and for severe forms of acne, and antibiotic-based topical products can be purchased at any pharmacy and without a doctor's prescription.
The negative impact of antibiotics on the body is no less:
- Heavy load on the liver. With prolonged use of antibiotics, the liver cannot fight toxins and produce glycogen in sufficient quantities. This affects the tone of the body - a person is sluggish and irritable, a strong appetite appears, and as a result, excess weight.
- Antibiotics reduce the body's defenses, affecting the so-called "intestinal immunity".
- Antibiotics are often the cause of allergies.
- Although antibiotics are considered to be powerful agents in the fight against acne, their concentration in the body decreases over time, and if the course of treatment is stopped, the disease may relapse.
In addition, with long-term treatment, bacteria develop resistance to this antibiotic.
As a result, there is practically no perfectly safe method for treating severe forms of acne, so the patient decides whether to take antibiotics or not. In any case, you should not self-medicate, but it is better to consult a dermatologist.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Antibiotics for acne" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.