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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2
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1
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May 3, 2008

Pros:

controls breakouts

Cons:

doesnt clear that much

this kept me from getting any serious breakouts, but its just cant seem to fully clear up my skin. However, i didnt know you were'nt supposed to take it with food, so that could have dulled the effect cause i eat breakfast with 30 mins of using it. i have a 500mg dose and its never made me feel sick or wierd.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

my skin is PERFECT after finally adjusting my dosage!!

Cons:

i'm begininng to think my feeling sick all the time might be related to the medication. possible side effects: fever, fatigue, lowered immune system (trying to counter by taking aProbiotic)and just a gerneral malaise.

i had been on tetracycline for 2yrs with moderate success. it controlled my breakouts but didn't eliminate them. initially, it didn't work at all but my dermatologist stressed how important it was to take on an empty stomach. after adhering to the empty stomach rule, i saw a major improvement in it's effectiveness. i take first thing when i wake up in the morning and wait and hour to eat. make sure you do not take with milk or even juice that may have calcium in it - it counters the effectiveness of the antibiotic. i do find i need to take it with some kind of flavored liquid because it takes like sh*t. also, i had been taking 750mg once a day with only moderate improvement for about two years. after a mistake in filling my prescription i was bumped up to 1000mg and let me tell ya that did the trick. my skin is now PERFECT!!! i've stayed on the 1000mg for about 6months now and it's the best my skin has looked since before i hit puberty.
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April 12, 2008

Pros:

none for me

Cons:

When i started to take this i did notice no more breakouts but my skin remained the same. soon enough i started to realize i woul d break out into hives. Allergic reaction for me but it never did really anything to my skin to clear it up.

allergic reaction. Doesnt clear up just keeps under control
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April 11, 2008

Cons:

-time consuming around meals
-twice aday
-the aftermath after off tetracycline

I used it before along time ago and i gave it a try for 6 months then i been off of it for awhile then i recently started breaking out badly these past 3 months and i started back on it for 2 more months again. It seems to make my face less oily now and my break outs are calming down but doctor said its a 6 month time period to see results...bottom line i dont know what to do this acne is making me depressed theres no new answers out there for acne..just old antbiotics that dont seem to work fast enough
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April 11, 2008

Pros:

It did clear up acne for a while.

Cons:

Extreme nausea in my case...also a weird headache that feels different than just a normal headache...and not being able to eat with it.

I'm going to quit taking it because while it does clear up a little acne, its doesn't clear up enough to make it worth all of the nausea and nasty sick feeling after taking it...ughhh
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April 7, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne within a few weeks of using it.

Cons:

Still got breakouts during my menstrual cycle, and acne came back much worse after about 7 months

Use it short term to clear up acne, but you will probably have to move on to something stronger after a while.
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April 5, 2008

Pros:

it was cheap

Cons:

didnt really work, inconvenient, dries out skin

iv been on it for almost a year. at first it slowed the ance then it almost completely stopped working for me. right now im still on it just to keep away the cystic acne. although, i still get it, just not as much.
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March 27, 2008

Pros:

it cleared my face completely after about 2 months and stayed clear for about 3 months

Cons:

my body somehow became immune to the antiniotic and after about 3 months of clear skin, my acne came back worse than before

worked great for few months, but then i became immune and it came back worse than ever.. medicaton no longer worked or made a difference... derm said this is rare but happens... put me on doxycycline well see how it goes
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March 26, 2008

Pros:

Fairly Cheap, Fairly Effective, Got rid of all acne on back and chest

Cons:

Doesn't work completely, side effects, planning around meals, must be consistent, heightened sensitivity to the sun

I've been using this, along with Differin, for about a year. Right off the bat, I noticed a great reduction in chest and back acne, and now I have none. However, I haven't really seen a great improvement in my face. While it has slightly improved it, I still have more than enough zits--and not just minor blackheads and whiteneads. Also, for awhile I stopped taking a pill in the morning because it made me nauseous, and I'm sure that didn't help either. I think mainly it depends on your body and your acne. Some will be more fortunate than others.
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Works when you are on it.
started slowly however. I had no side effects whatsoever.

Cons:

acne will come back worse after time.
is an antibiotic, these over time are no good for your body.

on my second time around using it... first time it worked really fast, cleared it up, got off it rather soon, shortly after it got worse, tried out accutane, cleared it up really REALLY well, and fast.. then it stayed clear for a while longer.. but now i went back to tetracycline, because its side effects were far more desireable for me than the accutane. overall, it seems that most medications will never keep you clear after you are off them. stievamycin (contains tretinoin) is probably your best bet tho as it is topical, it works, and its not an antibiotic, and its undesirable side effects last a week at most.. i will likely go to this, after i get off the tetracycline. Focus on taking this, and then afterwards, have a VERY regimented diet.
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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