Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 March 2010 22:00

Topical Antibiotics for Acne

Topical antibiotics have shown to be very effective for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. They work by fighting bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) on the skins surface and reducing inflammation. They are only available on prescription.

Topical antibiotics are good for inflamed acne but may not have as much effect on blackheads and whiteheads. Topical antibiotics can work as well as oral antibiotics and may help avoid some of the side effects found with oral antibiotics (typically upset stomach). They can also be used alongside the contraceptive pill. They may cause mild irritation but not usually more than other topical treatments.

Common Topical Antibiotics

• Clindamycin: The most commonly used topical antibiotic for acne is Clindamycin (Dalacin T and Zindaclin). It’s available as a lotion, or gel at 1% strength and is applied twice daily to affected areas.

• Erythromycin: Erythromycin is another commonly used topical antibiotic available as a solution, gel, and ointment at 2%. Erythromycin should be applied twice daily to areas affected by acne.

• Other topical antibiotics include: Tetracycline and Metronidazole (particularly for acne caused by rosacea)

There is a gel that combines the topical antibiotic clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide called Duac Once Daily. Benzoyl peroxide reduces the oiliness of the skin immediately, but it may take four to six weeks of treatment before the full effect of both medicines is seen. Ask your doctor for more information.

You can also get erythromycin gel combined with zinc. Zinc is believed to help your skin absorb the antibiotic.

Remember that it may take several weeks for topical antibiotics to take effect so keep using them regularly for at least a month to decide whether they are helping.