Acne vulgaris, or just acne, is a skin condition that affects almost everyone. There are several treatment options that are commonly employed to treat acne. Creams and lotions that contain bactericidal agents and antibiotics are very commonly used to treat acne. Bar soaps that contain these ingredients are also available in the market.
Bactericidal products kill the bacteria that caused acne vulgaris. When the sebaceous glands get blocked, sebum gets retained inside and a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes grows and multiplies in it leading to inflammation and redness in the surrounding areas. Bactericides kills these bacteria and provide relief from acne.
The most commonly used bactericidal agent used in acne creams is benzoyl peroxide. Creams and gels contain about 10% while soaps usually contain 2 to 10% of benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is very effective against acne as it both unplugs clogged glands by dissolving keratin and also kills the bacteria that cause inflammation. On the minus side, benzoyl peroxide causes side effects such as dryness and irritation of skin where it is applied. Gels and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide have moisturizers added to them to reduce the side effects of benzoyl peroxide.
While using benzoyl peroxide based creams, care should be that it doesn’t come into contact with clothes and other fabrics. It may cause discoloration.
There are also other bactericidal agents such as triclosan and chlorhexidine gluconate that are used in some acne treatment creams. However, there are not as effective as benzoyl peroxide and are less frequently used.
Antibiotics such as tetracycline, erythromycin and clindamycin are also used to treat acne vulgaris. There are also many other antibiotics such as minocycline, stievamycin, and trimethoprim that are commonly prescribed to treat acne. Antibiotics are either applied on the skin (i.e. topical application) or taken orally. However, topical administration is usually preferred as it doesn’t have side effects like stomach upset that are associated with oral use. Oral administration is usually prescribed only when the effectiveness of topical use is not found effective.
Antibiotics have side effects. Antibiotics can also cause side effects such as teeth discoloration and disturb gut flora. Another disadvantage with the use of antibiotics is that the bacteria that causes acne is becoming more and more resistant to them. Acne usually reappears soon after the treatment has been stopped.
Just taking antibiotics alone doesn’t provide complete treatment from acne. Antibiotics only kills the bacteria that cause acne; they do not stop excessive sebum secretion from the glands or prevent the blockage. However, they are more effective when used in combination with other treatments.
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