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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4
34.1%
3
23.4%
2
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1
11.4%

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November 14, 2008

Pros:

It reduced the frequency of pimples, especially those large "underground" ones that hurt. Although I still broke out around "that time of the month."

Cons:

Outweighed the pros! Made me so sick to my stomach and nauseaus. I had to take it after a hearty meal - and I'm not talking about a salad. I had to eat carbs for me not to feel sick. Also, I gained weight while taking it.

I HATED BEING ON THIS DRUG!! I finally switched dermatologists and my new doctor has me on minocycline. I do not get nauseaus now and it is working. However, I have tried every over the counter wash, scrub, etc. there is. Even used Proactive for a year. I've now been on antibiotics for my acne for two years and am getting very sick of taking pills every day - I also imagine that it can't be very good for my body to take antibiotics every day. Every time I go off the drug my face freaks out. Also, often when I go off the drug I wind up getting sick with cold/flu-like symptoms. I'm seriously considering Accutane to get rid of my acne once and for all but am afraid of the side effects.
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November 12, 2008

Pros:

not sure if there is any at the moment.

Cons:

you have to wait an hour atleast after taking a pill to eat.
taking loong, making acne look worser so far more huge white heads

has made my acne worser so far and didnt work straight away i dont think this works!
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October 5, 2008

Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

Doesnt remove redness and takes ages to work

I have only been using it for 3 days and so far it doesnt have any effect yet, i think i d need to wait and see
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September 16, 2008

Pros:

Helps a little

Cons:

Dry, only works in 2-3 months, those months i had a very much gas (farted alot, lol)

I have used it for 18 months and it havent helped me much, the first 2-3 months it reduced my acne but made me very dry.
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September 1, 2008

Pros:

I have had less break outs; however, I've only been on it for a month.

Cons:

It has turned my cystic acne purple. I do not know if this is normal. But it did shrink them.

It has worked in the past month; hopefully, it will keep working for me.
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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 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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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

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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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