Acne is a complex occurrence that results from a number of causes. While the mechanical function of acne comes from an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands, causing skin oil the accumulate dead skin cells and block pores, the exact reasons why this happen are broad and not fully understood. Hormones, genetics and stress all exert an influence on the appearance of acne. Nevertheless, there are a number of treatments available for acne that can help reduce the appearance of pimples and zits and slowly stop breakouts. One such product is minocycline for acne. Here are a few questions answered about this product.

Q: What is minocycline?

A: Minocycline is a derivative of tetracycline, a powerful antibiotic that targets the bacteria on the face that cause the formation of acne. When a pore becomes blocked by excessive skin oil and dead skin cells, bacteria present on the face will begin to breakdown this blockage, causing an infection. Products derived from tetracycline eliminate the amount of bacteria present, making it less likely for an infection to occur.

Q: How is minocycline prescribed?

A: Only those with problematic and persistent acne that does not respond to over the counter treatments are eligible for minocycline. A prescription is required from a dermatologist. Minocycline is effective at treating nodular acne, large, under the skin growths that can be painful and cystic acne, which causes large, pus filled nodules to develop that can cause scarring.

Q: How exactly does minocycline work on the skin?

A: As stated before, minocycline acts as an antibiotic, helping reduce the amount of bacteria present on the skin so the formation of acne is inhibited. It does this by interfering with the reproduction of these skin based bacteria, causing the population to rapidly decline. However, minocycline also has the benefit of being an anti inflammatory substance, causing acne that does form to be lessened in appearance. Existing acne is also reduced in size and redness due to the minocycline, which is often combined with retinoid or benzoyl peroxide cream.

Q: How effective is minocycline for acne?

A: Results can generally start to appear in several weeks from first use. However, doctors do not advise patients to take minocycline for long periods of time as the skin bacteria can quickly build an immunity to the medication. This often results in antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria that reduces the potency of future treatments.

Q: What are the side effects of minocycline?

A: Commonly reported side effects of patients on minocycline include diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, indigestion, lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, rash, skin redness and skin reaction to sunlight. Long term use can result in skin discoloration but this often fades after several months of ceasing treatment. In extremely rare cases, lupus can result, however this occurs only in 1 out of 10,000 cases.

Q: Is minocycline used for anything else?

A: Besides minocycline for acne, this medication is also effective at treating other conditions, such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, urinary tract infections and painful, swollen joints due to rheumatoid arthritis.