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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September 9, 2008

Pros:

Since the moment i started taking it, iv never gotten another giant zit. also, hurry for candada, it was free.

Cons:

its an antibiotic so once you stop, it COULD all come back. also say goodbye to random snacks and eating whenever the hell you want. and farts smell extra bad haha

this stuff is great except for the timings around meals and snacks and the fact that once you stop, it could all go down the poop shoot. my face is alot better now and i hope it stays. if not, it'll be back to the Doc. also, i used clindoxyl gel with it and that is a great product too. check it out.
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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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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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February 28, 2008

Pros:

Very effective, completely clear skin in 3 weeks

Cons:

Kills good bacteria as well as acne bacteria

I used a tetracycline based product for Acne, prescribed by my doctor. I had mild/moderate acne. My skin was completely clear in 2/3 weeks and has remained so. Antibacterial products screw up your immune system if you use them over the long term. Good bacteria reside in your body, that have a beneficial effect. I reccomend using a supplement of probiotic yoghurt, or something similar to replace the good bacteria. I take the supplement a few hours after using the antibiotics.
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February 12, 2008

Pros:

Clears up severe acne very nicely with little side effects
no blood tests needed

Cons:

having to schedule meals around pills (you get used to it :P though you start to really miss random snacks and such)

I was told not to use it because it didn't work on one of my classmates...but A Dr told me to try it and so i did. The first time I got a 3 month supply of 360 pills. It started working after the 2nd month, less painful acne. i didn't get a large breakout or anything. I had to take two treatments for my face to really clear up. stay away from sun! You'll be red as heck! Use oil-free sunblock with high SPF. stick to it! its hard to schedule but do not eat when you take it, or else it'll kill its effects :P. i stopped taking it a long while ago, and only get a few breakouts here and there, but no longer severe acne. I can handle a random zit now and then compared to what I used to have. also try with combo'd Dalacin T - topical solution (looks like a bingo dabber) for body acne. works nicely with it.
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December 3, 2007

Pros:

It really help the redness of the zit and makes your pores smaller

Cons:

It kinda hurts my stomach but nice skin is worth it also when u first take it your skin flares up for like 2 to 3 days but dont stop taking it because it will get better

good acne product only 4 buck at the wal mart pharmacy
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September 18, 2007

Pros:

Prevents cysts very well.

Cons:

Some GI tract upset.

I'm positive it prevents cysts. I've run out, and started getting the huge deep cysts. Started taking it again, and they went away. I started taking it when I was 15, and I'm 22 now and still taking it.
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August 26, 2007

Pros:

Worked really really well, so great I didnt even recognize that was my actual face.

Cons:

A slight pinkish hue to just my face (will wear a better sunscrean)Just like Nikkala as soon as I stopped taking it my face went back to being worse than before - I have never been more ashamed of my skin before. I'll never stop taking it again.

Dont try it, make it a PERMINATE habbit. I made the mistake of just trying it and now look where I'm at. Its awefull, I should have never stopped taking it. Honestly I never did anything different as far as my routine -everything the same, just taking those little pills helped. Will definately recommend to a friend.
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June 16, 2007

Pros:

Its convenient and easy. It really works. Ive been on it for about 20 days. Its really made a difference.

Cons:

You have to take it with an empty stomach, or you'll have a really bad upset stomach.

It will help a lot, and if you want to have better results. I suggest you use acne cleansers. Im combining the pills and over the counter acne products together. It'll really help. My acne is almost all gone. In just 3 weeks. Im impressed.
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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

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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