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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11.4%

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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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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 10, 2008

Pros:

It was cheap.

Cons:

Dizzyness and it didn't clear me up at all.

use it if you've got moderate acne. Otherwise it's sh!t.
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March 2, 2008

Pros:

It kept my cystic acne from getting to bad, although i still get the acne.

Cons:

Still get acne, Needs to be taken on empty stomaque, kills good bacteria

It kept acne down some, although I still get over my fair share of zits. I have been on 250mg twice a day for 3 months...so idk maybe i should have started off with 500mg a day till my face was clear. Bottom line is that for me it didn't do a whole lot, but it does help a little.
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February 27, 2008

Pros:

still waiting for my skin to clear up

Cons:

have to take on an empty stomach

took it before and it cleared up my skin
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December 22, 2007

Pros:

Keeps the big blemishes down.

Cons:

Didn't clear up the little blemishes. Messes up your eating schedule. Can't go outside without sunscreen for long.

I use this stuff to keep down the really big blemishes, but that is about it. It doesn't clear up the rest of my acne, so I've resorted to other products for those.
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November 10, 2007

Pros:

It worked at first and it helps shorten the duration of my acne. It also decrease the pain and inflammation i get from nodular acne.

Cons:

After using it over the summer. I notice age spots or brown dots on my face. My complexion looks older, i thought i was ageing prematurely but im only 24!!!! Then someone told me it was the tetracyline that caused it...I'm afraid after that happened.

It depends if you want to clear your acne up or get age spots. I guess you can prevent the spots by avoiding the sun or putting alot of sunscreen on.
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October 25, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up slightly, easily prescribed, lessens oil.

Cons:

Nausia, dry/flaky skin, yeast infections, reoccurring break outs.

It's worth a try, but it didn't work well for me.
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September 11, 2007

Pros:

not sure yet... been taking it for 4 days now and havent noticed much difference expect I have broken out around my mouth area with annoying pimples and whiteheads.. they are having a party there are so many of them!!!!

Cons:

has given me the worst headache in months... sometimes feel a little sick but just a general low and weak feeling so far and feeling like poo seeing yet another zit pop up, they have popped up on my cheeks so annoying as they were clear once!

ok here it is, I have only been taking this for 4 days, my dr prescribed me 250mg take two in the morning and two in evening - take on empty stomach with pure water, I am trying to cut of diary loads now! drinking lots of water throughout the day, hoping that the break out is down to this stuff pushing the junk from underneath my skin out, is this true is this what happens?? As I have broke out and have never broken out so much like this for ages!!! so just hoping it is pushing the rubbih up to the top and then will begin to heal & the process of getting clear will begin..hope it heals quickly though as I am starting a new job on monday and just dont want to start a job with a face full of spots!! anyways lets see what happens, guys if u have any update or news on how u did in ur first few days on this I would be so grateful to hear it! good luck to all u guys out there suffering with this horrible thing called acne, it sure sucks! good luck all on this xx
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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