Common Topical Antibiotic Acne Creams

Topical acne cream is one of the most common anti-acne medications prescribed to people suffering from acne vulgaris. These are topical antibiotics that are given when OTC medications fail. They are often used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other medications in order to totally eliminate acne and prevent breakouts.

The Common Topical Antibiotic Acne Creams

Using topical antibiotic acne cream is fairly easy. The process is simple and anyone can do it. You only need to apply a thin layer at least twice a day. When you’re using antibiotic acne cream, you should avoid using harsh cleansers or putting on other acne creams that would react negatively with the antibiotic cream. Some of the most common topical acne antibiotic cream includes:

a. Clindamycin - This medication also contains phosphate and benzoyl peroxide. This helps by killing the bacteria which causes the acne. It also assists in shedding off the dead skin cells from the skin’s surface layers. There are side effects to using this medication and you need to watch out for these side effects. They are mild though and fairly tolerable. These side effects may include skin dryness, irritation and peeling. You might also experience excessive oil production, skin itching or burning, rash, skin swelling and slight breathing difficulty. If the medication does not suit, you could have an allergic reaction to it. If you experience an allergic reaction, you need to immediately cease from using the medication and consult with your healthcare provider promptly.

b. Erythromycin - This medication is unique in a way that it uses oxygen in order to kill off the bacteria causing the acne. It helps clear off blockage from the skin pores and follicles. The good thing about erythromycin is that you can use it even while you’re pregnant. So, pregnant women who are most likely to suffer from acne brought about by hormonal imbalances may resort to erythromycin as treatment without worrying that they’d be putting their baby at risk. There are, however, slight side effects to erythromycin. People using this medication may experience skin itching, redness, increased oil production, skin dryness or flaking, and a feeling of slight skin burning. Again, if you have any adverse or allergic reaction to erythromycin, you need to consult with your primary healthcare provider immediately.

Erythromycin and Clindamycin requires prescription. These medications are more effective than OTC acne medications. You will also notice faster results with prescription acne medications.

Comparing with Oral Acne Medications
Oral acne medications are also available and maybe more familiar than topical acne cream products. After some time, people will develop resistance to these antibiotic medications that this product will lose its effectiveness. This is why people are not advised to use oral medications longer than half a year. For this reason topical acne creams are prescribed for chronic acne.

What should you do then if you are a chronic acne sufferer?
You cannot use oral antibiotics as a stand-alone medication far longer than six months but you can use a topical acne cream beyond six months. Many people prefer topical antibiotics acne cream because they will be able to avoid the dangers associated with oral antibiotics. It’s easy to use and it’s easily absorbed by the skin.