Tetracycline
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Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

It is normally prescribed at a dose of 300 mg once or twice a day. The dose is often reduced once acne is notably improved.

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July 29, 2008

Pros:

quick and cheap ( most insurance covers it)

Cons:

can be easy to forget dose

im not sure if it is the pill alone that is doing the job because i am using 10%benzoyl peroxide panoxyl gel (6 dollars for a tube that lasts more than a week) along with it. if u plan on getting a prescription for tetracycline from the doc, get panoxyl aqua gel too... the combo cleared my nasty cystic acne up in 6 weeks. i get about one zit a week. and the zits are the tiny little ones with no puss. im always confident around girls and i dont spend so much of my time on this site anymore lol... i just came back to shed light onto my 1-2 punch combo. im so glad i didnt resort to accutane.
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July 22, 2008

Pros:

stops me picking at food between meals, also you cant take with milk, apparantly milk is a main cause of acne, stopped breakouts of larger boils on chin.

Cons:

planning meals, as you have to take on an empty stomach.

I have only been on them for 2 weeks for moderate boils on my chin, and now starting to appear on my cheeks too, very bad for my self esteem, have been avoiding all my friends! Well i have noticed no new outbreaks, old spots are still healing though. i am concerned about the long term affects of the drug! especially after reading these articles. i hope it dosn't come back with a vengance once i stop the 3 month course. I feel a lot of my skin problems are however down to stress, poor diet and hormone issues, so maybe these pills are just holding off the innevitable! definately a lifestyle change is needed! will let you know how i get on!
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July 20, 2008

Pros:

Clears it to the point of no longer being the acne and just the regular blemish here and there.

Cons:

For someone with recurring acne continual usage is required.

Excellent product for mild to moderate acne. At first I had severe acne, the accutane needing kind, but had to start with tetracycline. Within 3 weeks it had stopped me from having new breakouts, within two months my skin was excellent. I than stayed off it for around a year or so and went back on it for three months. Recently I had a mild break out and decided to go straight back on. Thankfully my doctor is very understanding and even though the breakout was already settling and going away by itself gave me a six month course. Started thursday and already I'm noticing the effect. Great for people with mild recurring acne that are determined to put it in it's place, in your memories.
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July 1, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my skin completely

Cons:

Acne came back when I stopped using it.

My perscription is for twice a day, but after the first six months I started using it once a day and then a few times a week. I have been using it for 3 years now. My acne completely cleared up within the first few months of use. However if I wait more that 4 days to take a pill I do start to break out again. So I'm pretty dependent on it for clear skin as I haven't found anything else that does what it does.
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June 12, 2008

Pros:

cheap!!

Cons:

can cause headaches..gave me a lil fever first time around..

ok, my dr. prescrobed it first time around n it worked but i got fevers.but i broke out again..cystic acne..not even normal pimples..n i was desperate so i tried it again n by day 3 of taking it..my boil popped..Tetracycline is STRONG but worth the result..please eat one hour after taking pill or take it 2,3 hours after eating ur stomach needs to be empty for maximum effect
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June 12, 2008

Pros:

Gosh, I don't think there are any.

Cons:

Doesn't help a thing.

I was on this along with 2 different creams and it killed my face. I had natural acne like anyone my age yet this along with the other two made my face the worst it has ever ever everrrr been. Hate it. Don't use it.
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June 4, 2008

Pros:

It is already making my skin softer, clearer, and the scars are even fading.

Cons:

It makes me a little dizzy and sick feeling all the time. I'm going to start taking probiotics to see if this helps!

Good to take while you still have a scar-less face!
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May 28, 2008

Pros:

My initial course of Tetracycline completely cleared my mild/moderate acne problem. I saw a significant benefit by taking the drug for a good few years.

Cons:

After discontinuing these antibiotics my acne slowly began to creep back and seemed more agressive than before.

Tetracycline only seemed to offer a temporary solution for me. It can also upset the balance of gut bacteria by destroying a lot of the good stuff, so would always recommend a probiotic to counter act the damage.
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

Probably helped somewhat with my acne, but since I'm using 3 different things it's hard to tell

Cons:

Risk of antibiotic resistance, causes flat warts!!

I had flat warts around a year ago that went away on their own but tetracycline brought all of them back and more! Avoid oral antibiotics if at all possible, there are so many factors that you can't control!
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May 3, 2008
I just started the pill 6 days ago, and it seems to be slowing down on the acne break outs. Every night as I lay in bed I get a gassy feeling in my stomach and my lower abdomen bloats out. I guess I will see as the weeks go on if it goes away.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website