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 7, 2014
It actually worked!

Pros:

It's super effective!
No side effects that I noticed

Cons:

Since antibiotics kill bacteria it will not only kill the bad bacteria but the good ones as well...
Risk of getting resistant
Didn't take away acne for good

I took an antibiotic called "Tetralysal" and it is the only thing that has taken my acne away. No side effects whatsoever, I felt great during the whole time, but it took some time before I could see any improvement. When I stopped taking the pills my skin looked great (I would get an occasional pimple, but in comparison to what I used to look like it was fantastic) and did so for another six months, then I started breaking out again like before I started taking the pill... It works temporarily but doesn't take away the cause of the acne, so once you stop the risk of getting acne again is big. But for me who has tried a lot of things, this is one of few that actually worked, if only for a short time.
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November 12, 2013
not bad

Pros:

Barely any side effects
Eventually works

Cons:

gass
small rashes that go away but are annoying
takes a while for acne to go away

I never used to have acne before I turned 20. In 2 months my face turned into an acne warzone. I got cysts on my chin area, which gradually progressed along my jawline and lower cheeks. These were so red and traumatized me, as I had NEVER had anything like it before. There were so many spots, some would heal, and the marks would remain, and new ones would come. Mineral foundation hid the redness thankfully. I've been on tetracycline for 2 months. It took this long for me to see a DIFFERENCE, but I'm so happy I stuck with the regimen and didn't give up. Now, my face isnt blemish free as when I was 19, but it's really getting better. I have no more cysts on my chin at all, just the red marks which will go away with a little more time. My jawline is not acne-free, but it's getting better as well. When I pass my fingers over my face I dont want to cry anymore. All this to say, please don't give up on tetracycline even if you havent see a difference yet. The regimen for these pills is 3 months. By the 3rd month, I'm sure I'll have my face back 100% (no marks or acne), considering the way things are going now. I'm also using topical products at night and morning. I was extremely depressed when I got acne at 20 for the first time, and so severe. I thought tetracycline would work within 2 weeks. IT DOESNT. It's a gentler antibiotic that takes its time. I accepted that I have an infection, just that it happens to be on my face - which is what acne is. Once I accepted this crappy fact, it was easier to deal with. Sh*t happens. Tetracycline can help you, but dont be impatient and do use mineral foundation in the meantime if you're worried about what people think. Acne is dumb and annoying, but it's really more common than you think, and will go away if you fight it, like any infection.
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November 3, 2012

Pros:

*cleared my acne for 2 years

Cons:

*made my skin dry
*upset stomach (my own fault)

I have been suffering from acne for 4 years. Around 3 years ago my acne got so bad (inflamed) that I went to the dermatologist and she prescribed me with Tetracycline. I took it for about 2 months and then i stopped because my acne cleared and i was having upset stomach (partly because I didnt take the protective pills which u r supposed to take when on antibiotic) I was very happy with the results. I would get the occasional spot here and there but my face and back were mainly clear. Only this summer I got something like cysts on my cheeks. They were just bumps under my skin which did not particularly hurt or anything. About a month ago my inflamed acne came back. I am 18 years old and I really hoped that by this age my acne would rather end then start again. I do recommend this antibiotic because it kept me clear for about 2 years. I might start it again.
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May 12, 2012

Pros:

100% clears skin if only taken with zinc

Cons:

fatigue, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, eyes paining.

i m taking tetracycline for 5 months i am 95% except blemishes ... but i m taking 250mg x 1 with zinc at night, my eyes are paining. i m going to stop tetracycline and going to continue only with zinc... lots of side effects fatigue, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, eyes paining. even if u stopped tetracycline just for 1 day acne comes back.
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April 25, 2012

Pros:

- It works for acne vulgaris (- Do NOT work for blackheads, etc.).
- Highly recommended if you only have moderate teen acne, not if it has gotten out of hand.

Cons:

- There are side effects, just like any other medication.
The side effects I got was:
- Yellowing of the teeths (Not much. I still got whiter teeth than most other teen on my age. Dont let this point discourage you).
- Dry skin (not much).
- Dry eyes (not much).
- Some negative effects on my mood (gets really easily irritated).
- May also disturb sleep, making it harder to get to sleep.

- Do NOT (ever) take more than you your doctor has described for you. - Its NOT a long term solution. I would recommend anyone that has severe acne to go on roaccutane. Its not worth waiting a long time for you acne to disappear/ slow down. I waited 5 years, and I recommend everyone who has severe acne to just go on roaccutane.
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March 5, 2012

Pros:

Completely cleared my cystic acne
Works fast
Helps with inflammation
Very little side effects for me!

Cons:

Dried face out
Have to plan meals around the pill
Occasionally gave me a stomach ache

I love this stuff! It completely cleared my horrible cystic acne in about a month. I tried everything from Proactiv, cutting dairy out of my diet, urine facials (yes, I was that desperate!) Tetracycline was my miracle solution. I rarely experienced side effects while taking Tetracycline. Once in awhile I'd get a stomach ache, but it would only last for half an hour, if that. The only down side to this medication is that you have to take it on an empty stomach. Being a teenage boy, this is extremely difficult for me, but it's so worth it! I would definitely recommend Tetracycline to any acne sufferer! It feels awesome to wake up in the morning and not have to worry if I broke out. :)
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October 25, 2011

Pros:

.cleared up my acne

Cons:

.made me really sensitive to the sun
.when i went off of it, my acne got really bad but now im back on it so my skin is clear again
.after reading other people's comments, im afraid after a while of using it, it will stop working!

i reccomend it! it works like a charm. it only takes about 8 weeks for it to completely clear it up which is a miracle! i will keep using it! .don't have any dairy within an hour of taking it you need to drink a lot of water to wash it down and eat something too . you still need to wash your face and such!
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September 29, 2011

Pros:

works fast
ckears skin

Cons:

makes you feel like your going to vomit
drys your skin out

works fast, its a great product if you can handle the way it makes you feel for about an hr when you take your pill. i used it for a month consitantly then if I felt like my face was becoming unclear i take it for about a week. must drink lots and lots of water!
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August 10, 2011

Pros:

cleared up my acne very well!

Cons:

made me extremely nauseas
skin sensative to sun
had to plan my meals around the pill

I took this for a little over a year and it worked extremely well! it took about two months to COMPLETELY clear up my skin. The only problem is that once i stopped taking it, my acne came back worse than ever before.
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May 17, 2011

Pros:

- clears up my acne quite quick
- no side effects for me

Cons:

none so far

I think it is important to say or skin is the same and medication and creams for different for everyone. A healthy diet makes quite a chance as well. I have always had some spots, but since I got the Mirena coil, I started to develop acne. I will get the coil taken out anyway, but in the mean time I still want to clear my acne. The GP prescribed me Tetralysal. I have been using it for 3 weeks now and it has cleared up my face quite a bit already. If I do develop the occasional spot or boil, I put Sudocrem on it(just the spot, not all over my face, cuz it seems to work the opposit from Tetralysal) and usually the next day it has almost vanished. As for cleaning my face I use sulphur soap or dead sea minerals soap. All together it works really well for me. I still have another 3 weeks to go, so will keep you guys updated. If anyone is interested in my before in after pictures, to see what it does, give me a shout.
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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