Acne is a common skin condition, affecting nearly all adolescents and teens to some degree. In males and females, testosterone levels increase during puberty. This stimulates the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more oil. If the pore becomes blocked, acne develops, causing the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. In severe cases, the lesions can be very deep and form painful cysts.

Acne lesions most commonly develop on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. In most cases, the symptoms go away within five to ten years. Acne can also develop later in life. In adult women, acne can be triggered by hormonal changes.

Treating Acne - The Role of Antibiotics

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates Americans spend more than 100 million dollars/year on over-the-counter acne treatments. However, 40 percent of teens develop acne that requires treatment by a physician.

One approach to acne treatment is the use of oral antibiotics. Some of the most commonly used antibiotics include: doxycline, erythromycin, minocycline and tetracycline. The drugs fight the P. acnes bacteria and inflammation associated with many cases of acne.

Doctors may start acne patients on a high dose of antibiotics, then taper the dose as the acne gets better. However, over time, the bacteria can become resistant to the medication and the drug loses its effectiveness. If this happens, doctors may switch to another antibiotic or try a different treatment approach.

New Use for a Drug

Oracea® is a slow-release, low-dose form of the antibiotic, doxycycline. Lisa Rhodes, M.D., Dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in Austin, TX, says that since the dose of doxycycline is so low, the drug has little antibacterial effect. Thus, it doesn’t promote antibiotic resistance. However, the drug still decreases inflammation. While not specifically approved for acne, some physicians have been prescribing Oracea for acne patients. Rhodes says Oracea appears to be especially helpful for women in their 30s and 40s with cystic acne.

Oracea is taken once a day and may be used in combination with other treatments. Rhodes says it takes about two months for patients to see an improvement in their skin. Patients may then continue to take the medication long-term to keep acne under control.

Currently, Oracea is only approved for another skin condition, rosacea, not for acne. When prescribed off-label for acne, health insurers may not cover the cost of the drug. Rhodes also says although Oracea may work for teen acne, these patients tend to do better with standard, full dose antibiotics. Oracea can cause discoloration of developing teeth, so it’s not recommended for children under 12. It also shouldn’t be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or anyone who is allergic to any of the tetracycline antibiotics.

For information on Oracea®, http://www.oracea.com

For information on acne: American Academy of Dermatology