Acne Products
Topical antibiotics can be particularly effective because they are applied directly to acne lesions to destroy bacteria.
Erythromycin
Topical antibiotics are acne products used to help reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria and treat the inflammation of acne. This type of acne remedy is available in the form of lotion, gel and liquid solution and is usually applied to the skin once or twice daily. Two popular topical antibiotics are clindamycin and erythromycin.
Pros and Cons
The main reason that topical antibiotics are effective acne treatments is their ability to kill the skin bacteria, P. acnes. Most topical antibiotics cause some skin irritation and dryness. Severe skin irritation is rarely seen with this acne remedy. If an individual does experience severe skin irritation from topical acne antibiotics, he or she should consult with a physician. Another side effect of antibiotics for acne is bacterial resistance, which can occur when antibiotics are used on an intermittent basis.
Cost
The average cost of a prescription for clindamycin can run anywhere from $25 to $75, on average while erythromycin is a bit cheaper, ranging from $20 to $40. Keep in mind that the prices for these prescriptions will vary depending on which medication is prescribed, the dosage and how much insurance will cover.
Effectiveness
Topical antibiotics can be particularly effective, because they are applied directly to acne lesions to destroy bacteria. Because they are not swallowed, they do not need to travel through the digestive system and, thus, do not cause the same kind of side effects that oral antibiotics can. Topical erythromycin and clindamycin offer similar rates of success in resolving cases of acne.
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Using topical antibiotic acne products can be an effective way to treat acne. For information on oral antibiotic acne medication, go to the next page.