I am a 27 year old male that would have occasional break outs through my life that were easily treatable, and used Murad Acne program since high school that worked well. I would also have a random big pimple every now and then. However, recently I started getting acne on my body mainly on my back and chest. Also had a few big zits of my face that became large whiteheads (not attractive).

So I decided to go to a dermatologist and see any other treatment options. I was prescribed Tetracycline 500 mg twice a day, Retin A .25%, and Clindamycin gel for spot treatment. It is my 6th day on the Tetracycline and week two on the Retin A. I have noticed since on Tetracycline that my acne on my body is disappearing. YES! I was prescribed the antibiotic for a month, and I was hesitant to take it because of the whole resistance issue. The dermatologist said that I did not have a severe case, and using the antibiotic for a month will reduce the current bacteria in my body, and there after will just need a topical antibiotic.

I have noticed that my skin seems a little drier since taking the antibiotic and that I have occasional heartburn. I am able to control the heartburn by watching my diet and drinking a lot of water. I hear people talking about stopping the antibiotics and then have worse breakouts. Kinda worried about this...but I am pleased with the clearing of my body acne.

I have been using the Retin A every other night, and if I notice I am more dry I will switch to every third night. I do not plan on using it every night, especially now that the winter is nearing. I do know that the current breakout that I had is pimples that have been there for a while under the skin. So I look forward to continual use to clear up my skin. The only draw back that I dislike about my treatment is the need to be cautious of my sun exposure. I have been using sunblock for two years daily, so that did not bother me. I did change my sunblock from Murad 30 spf, to Neutrogena 85 SPF.

My questions are:

Are antibiotics always needed once a person starts using the for treatment? Has anybody used them for a month or a couple of month and never needed them again?

Also, is Retin-A needed to be used forever?

I am thankful I found this website! Good Luck All!

Well, from my point of view... I think yes you have to continue taking antibiotics and retin a until you "grow out of acne" unfortuantly I am taking Tertracyline 500mg once a day... my skin still need a lot of improvement! I was wondering should I ask to take it twice a day?

Ask your doctor before taking it twice a day

Hi... I have acne on my face and my doctor prescribed me tetracycline 500 mg twice a day, clindoxyl gel (spot treatment), and stievamycin gel (for scarring).. Ive been taking tetracycline for the last 4 months as prescribed.. it helped alot with the redness and the size/amount of the flare ups so I then started taking 250mg like my derm prescribed and my acne is starting to flare up again...
I'm not sure what the deal is really when taking these antibiotics but I know it cant be healthy in the long run and honestly, a few days after my dose was lowered, it got worse..I was supposed to meet with my doctor if things started going down hill, but he also mentioned accutane if this doesn't work..

If the acne is mainly on your body though, clindoxyl works wonders!! .. try basis soap, ive only found it in the states (usually cvs or walmart) and its super cheap.. if you cant find basis try using dove soap bars for sensitive skin and apply clindoxyl everynight before bed.. This really helped me growing up but you do have to keep up wih it.. I saw results in about a month. Just too bad it doesn't work on my face =/


good luck!!! =)