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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January 21, 2009

Pros:

reduced amount of acne and breakouts. Not much deep acne

Cons:

does not clear the acne completly, it just reduces it

It's better than not being on it!
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January 9, 2009

Pros:

Really works at clearing up acne, and in a short space of time too.

Cons:

I recently started taking two tablets a day rather than one and automatically started getting stomach discomfort, so have had to reduce my dose again.

Definitely recommended, but do be aware of possible side effects and consult with your doctor when considering changing doses.
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January 5, 2009

Pros:

no initial breakout; cleared up my skin really well after 2 months; had no zits; pimples were minimal; good for a few months; no side effects

Cons:

schedule sucks; became immune after 4 months; timing of the pill REALLY matters; when off it, pimples appear large and red..hurt like heck.

Try it if you think it'll help. I still have them in my cabinet. I took minocycline last month....BAD. My entire forehead broke out in zits and the pimples became harder to get rid of. Now i'm considering taking tetra. to reverse what happened from mino. I used differin, benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin....neutrogena face wash. So far my skin is fairly bad with a few red, painful pinples and several zits on forehead; blackheads are more prominent. Tetra will help for a few months but ask your dematologist how long you should take it.
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

I use Oxytetracycline (which I assume is the same thing - Also known as Terramycin by Pfizer). My skin has made a dramatic turn around, and although not flawless has cleared up amazingly well.

Cons:

Timing of when to take the pill. You have to take it 2 hours after you eat but can't take it right before going to bed. It gets tricky but if you set a schedule then it's not so hard.

I've never experienced any of the symptoms like nausea or headaches that I'm reading so much about. This is how I take it: I take one pill at night. On average I'm in bed by 11, so I plan to eat my "final meal" by like 8. That way I wait the two hours to take it after I eat, and I can stay up an hour after I take it for it to do it's stuff. If you plan ahead it's not that hard. I take one every 24 hours. Don't know if this is the specific recommendation but it works for me and I've never had any bad effects. Also, I still take a multi-vitamin as well. Especially since zinc can help with acne too. The only thing is that I split the time between the two pills so one is digested before I take the other. So the tetracycline at night, and the multi-vitamin with breakfast. I've had nothing but positives with this method and pill. Just remember: keep a schedule, stick to it, plan ahead, and you'll hopefully have as much success as I have.
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November 14, 2008

Pros:

I bought tetracycline from the philippines which work very good for a hundred pack it cost me ten us dollers . Now have no more tetracycline from the philippines and the acne is back so I went to the doctor and got tetracycline it might be generic.

Cons:

tetracycline did clear my face but the one I purchase in the philippines .my face was glowing it look like I never had acne.It cleared my face in a week also the spots . Yes it does work for me.

Will the purchase of tetracycline from the philippines made a big differents in a day then anything I used, then what I got here in the us which has no results with use.
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October 13, 2008

Pros:

NOTICED A DIFFERENCE IN MY SKIN IN ABOUT 1 WEEKS TIME.

Cons:

MADE ME VERY NAUSEOUS...TIME AROUND MEALS WAS HARD TO KEEP TRACK..

THIS PILL WORKS BUT WHEN YOU STOP TAKING IT,YOU HAVE TO REALLY TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN AND CONTINUE TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WILL COME BACK..
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October 11, 2008

Pros:

Really helped in about 3 weeks. No new breakouts. No real side effects besides initial breakout.

Cons:

Initial breakout during first 2 weeks was pretty bad. Had pimples where I never had them. Whiteheads popped up in strange spots on face. And planning around meals is kind of a kick in the head.

First medicine I ever used for acne. Besides initial breakout I would suggest this drug to anyone with mild to moderate acne.
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August 9, 2008

Pros:

just once a day all you have to remember

Cons:

well it did work for a while

have to be used with a topical treatment was on tetracycline for 7 months work a treat had lovely skin for a while ,but now suffering with a horrible breakout past two months cant understand what went wrong
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August 1, 2008

Pros:

takes away puss from cysts, stops breakouts, gives your skin the time it needs to heal.

Cons:

Takes about 2 months for the effects to be strongly visible, have to be very consistent, needs to be used with a topical ointment of some kind to see desired results, must be taken on an empty stomach.

It worked for me. I had BAD acne, neck and back and chest covered in cysts, this stuff worked from under the skin i guess since now the cysts are completely gone and ill i have left are the scars. It takes about 2-3 months for visible changes but it is worth it if your body can handle it. No breakouts, less than occasional pimples, it worked for me. SHOULD USE WITH A RECOMMENDED OINTMENT OR CREAM!! and you HAVE TO BE PATIENT!
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July 31, 2008

Pros:

Was on this with just benzoyl peroxide for several years. Helped and was affordable. Have since switched to solodyne and spironolactone with topical glymed wash and Benzaclin. NOW FINALLY HAVE THE SKIN I ALWAYS WANTED.

Cons:

Didn't prevent major breakouts.

Recommend use in conjunction with a total regimen if you're using. But know there are better (though more expensive) alternatives out there.
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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.
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