Acne is a common condition that affects people of all ages, sex and race. It can cause painful breakouts that range from small bumps to large cysts deep within the skin. Topical creams, gels and lotions such as Retinol A, Differin and other topical antibiotics can be effective treatment but if these do not help your dermatologist may prescribe oral medications that include birth control pills to regulate hormones, antibiotics to prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes acne and medications that reduce the amount of oil that your skin produces.

Acne breakouts can be papules which are small red bumps commonly known as pimples, pustules which are pus filled and have a red ring around them, and cystic acne which are hard bumps that are located deep in the skin and may be red and painful. Your dermatologist may prescribe a combination of therapies that include oral and topical medications. If you have severe cystic acne he may prescribe injections of a weak solution of a corticosteroid which “melts” the cyst over the course of a few days.

Oral Medications for the Treatment of Acne
Always take your oral medications exactly as your doctor directs. Taking more will not speed up healing and may have dangerous side effects. Oral medications include the following:

- Oral Contraceptives – also known as birth control pills have been shown to reduce acne breakouts by 50 percent in some women. Ortho-Tri-Cyclen is the a common oral contraceptive used to treat acne. Women who smoke, who are over 35 and smoke or have a history of certain cancers should not take oral contraceptives because of the increased risk of blood clots and occurrence of reproductive cancers. Women who have a history of migraines should also avoid oral contraceptives. Your doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for this course of treatment.
- Oral Antibiotics – These include Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Minocycline, and Bactrim/Septra. Oral antibiotics work by killing the bacteria P. Acnes that causes breakouts. Tetracycline has also been shown to be an anti-inflammatory agent reducing redness and swelling. It also works to reduce the size and severity or pustules and papules. Pills are normally taken once a day.

Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, vomiting, upset stomach, dizziness and light headedness. These normally go away once your body gets used to the medication. If you are taking birth control pills, be sure to tell your dermatologist because certain antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Avoid exposure to the sun. The antibiotics may cause you to be sunburned easier, cause a rash, redness or itchiness with sun exposure. Women who are pregnant or nursing should take caution when taking oral antibiotics because of the danger of birth defects or a degeneration of the teeth and spine in nursing infants.

Avoid scrubbing your skin and using harsh cleansers. This may dry out your skin and cause breakage of acne lesions which spreads the bacteria to other parts of your face or body. It is better to use a gentle cleanser, lukewarm water and a gentle cleansing action when washing. Pat your skin dry to avoid irritation and always let any topical acne applications dry before you apply moisturizer or makeup. Take a lukewarm bath or shower after you have been working out so that you remove any dirt and excess body oils that may cause break outs. These tips will help to prevent further break outs. A trip to your dermatologist is your first step in healing and preventing acne. Tell him or her of any medications you are taking so that he or she can find the oral medication that will work for you.