In a new world of antibiotic resistance, are acne treatments using antibiotics safe? Dermatologist Dr. Richard Thomas gives us an insightful response which may surprise you. Why are antibiotics used to treat acne? Antibiotics are not used for its primary function when used to treat acne as acne is not an infection; you can't pass on acne from one person to another. Antibiotics do suppress P. Acnes, a bacteria that is often associated with acne and proliferate around the areas that are affected. Its main function, however is in its anti-inflammatory effect.

It's important to know that they act slowly. Unlike treating an infection like a strep throat, the effects are extremely slow. In acne, the expectation might be something like a 50% improvement over 12 weeks. The general philosophy for prescribing antibiotics for treating acne has changed over the decades.

There is a greater awareness of antibiotic resistance. Generally antibiotics are used for shorter periods, and there is a greater use of topicals rather than antibiotics for long-term maintenance. Benzoyl peroxide or other topicals can be used in conjunction with antibiotics to treat acne. It's a matter of weighing out the benefits and drawbacks when using antibiotics to treat acne. Is it beneficial? Yes, but it's not ideal.

Dr. Richard Thomas is a dermatologist that currently practices at Sidra Research and Medical Centre in Doha, Qatar. http://www.sidra.org/

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