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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August 30, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up a little bit

Cons:

didn't stop it fully.

Everyone is different, so it might work on you if you use it correctly
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July 19, 2007

Pros:

Seem to work on larger outbreaks. I just get a small zit here and there. I am African American and I noticed my complexion get a little darker. It is not from the sun cause I use sunblock. Overall it is worth a try.

Cons:

Taking pills that have restrict your eating schedule is a pain.

I will go back to the doctor once I have used it for about 2 1/2 mths and ask for an alternative to treat my acne. Taking these pills everyday is not ideal. Everyone has to be careful taking too many antibiotics because you run the risk of them not working anymore for major infections.
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July 16, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my face but not completely...I was taken off of it about 2 days ago..when I first started using it though I had really bad cystic acne...3 months into the pill though I started to see major improvement so it worked good I guess.

Cons:

doesn't really prevent against acne

It cleared me up a little and I think it helped fade some of my scars but pretty much got rid of my huge zits so right now I just have like blackheads and a few whiteheads and sometimes I get zits but not as big as I was getting them before so it helped reduce the size I guess.
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June 19, 2007

Pros:

Cheap, it works quickly and effectively.

Cons:

SIDE EFFECTS!!!
Nausea, stomach upset, general weakness.
I got sick for the first time in 2 years after i went on this!

It works, but at a cost! Use it if you are prepared to suffer the side effects.
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May 19, 2007

Pros:

Worked when I STARTED taking it... Then didn't seem to have much of an effect.

Cons:

I may have been slightly allergic...not sure. It gave me red dots on the top of my hands for a while. Stopped taking it because of this.

Wouldn't get it. Can really upset your stomach as well.
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May 17, 2007

Pros:

No regimens to keep up with, just take a pill (or 4) and go on with your day. Very convenient and works, at least for adolescent acne. Affordability is good if your health plan covers it.

Cons:

I think it probably worked for 3-4 of the 7 years I used it. Then it just stopped. Also, you can't take it within an hour of eating. I've even been told they think the water you take it with makes it not work as well. Also can cause yeast infections.

It works. Obviously lots of medications stop working after a number of years, your body becomes immune so although it's inconvenient, it's to be expected. Also, the reasons for acne can change as we get older so it's likely that we will have to try different things over the years. If topical medications dry out your skin, make it worse, or just don't work, try this. You have to be careful not to eat an hour or so before or after taking it and don't take it with coffee or soda, just water. If it workse, great. You may have a few clear years ahead of you. Just be prepared for it to stop working. Enjoy the clear days. I'm horrible with regimens, and I was even worse as a teenager so that is the perfect time to try this product. The way health care is these days, it may be an out of pocket expense. Bottom line: I'm not against it, but I can't say it's anywhere near a miracle cure. Just a temporary fix.
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May 13, 2007

Pros:

Clears up small spots

Cons:

Although small spots have gone and overall skin is smoother my large acnes have gotten worse. Difficult to take on an empty stomach.

Ok for people with very mild acne but I would not recommend it
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March 14, 2007

Pros:

It worked on my skin for awhile

Cons:

and then it just stopped working

This medication starts to weekin in a few weeks
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February 16, 2007

Pros:

It might be helping a little. I would classify my acne as moderate.

Cons:

It gives me hiccups and early on gave me heartburn and stomachache. The stomach problems are not as frequent now after 3 weeks. I got a yeast infection, though. I hate taking antibiotics for infection that is not serious. Overuse is bad.

I never had acne before and at age 28 I got hit with an outbreak. It may have been a reaction to high stress. I'm on 500mg twice per day along with glycol pads and benzaclin. I'm not sure if etracycline is really doing anything. My spots were starting to fade from topical treatment before I started taking it, and I have developed a few new blemishes since I started taking it. I know it takes time but once I stop taking it, who knows what will happen. We can't stay on antibiotics forever, and trying to take it on an empty stomach and with no dairy and more than an hour befoe bedtime is a pain!
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January 25, 2007

Pros:

I have used this before and it was really good, it cleared my face but not my back.

Cons:

I am taking it again mainly for the acne on back and now i feel drowsey and have head aches , i also find i have hik-ups a lot more often as well. I just don't feel myself.

It's a good product to use, it works for some not others. It's better if you have the day and night cream as well. Different people have different side effects.
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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