American experts warn that excessive antibiotic craving for acne can hurt rather than help.

Including lead to the emergence of resistant "super bacteria".

According to Dr. Joan Tamburro, a pediatric dermatologist from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, today local doctors are increasingly groundlessly turning to long courses of antibiotics for acne.

According to her, there is nothing unusual in a teenager who takes antibiotics for 3-6 months to get rid of acne, and she considers this situation absolutely abnormal.

"We need to reconsider our approach to treatment. Today, it is widely believed that for the final victory over acne, it is possible and necessary to take systemic antibiotics for several months in a row. The consequences of such treatment can be catastrophic, both for the individual patient and for medicine in general, threatening us with the appearance of new superstams, "warns Dr. Tamburro.

Why do systemic antibiotics not cure acne?.

Acne is a complex disease, which is based on four factors:.

Hyperproduction of sebum. The increase in the level of sex hormones, which is usually observed during a period of rapid puberty, increases the secretion of sebum.

Blockage of pores. Skin pores are filled with fat, bacteria and dead skin cells. This can be seen in the form of maloesthetic white and black dots on the skin.

Growth of bacteria. Hundreds of species of bacteria live on our skin and interact with it all the time, from birth. Hyperproduction of sebum and other factors spur their growth.

Inflammation. Excessive growth of bacteria initiates the inflammatory process in the skin, the result of which are those most terrible acne leading the adolescent to the doctor's office.

"Systemic antibacterial drugs help us control the growth of bacteria, but we do not influence the other factors, so acne can not be cured by antibiotics alone. But this we have a lot of potentially serious side effects associated with prolonged antibiotic therapy, "- explains Dr. Tamburro.

What do you need to defeat acne?.

For the average teenager with acne, Dr. Tamburro recommends the following:.

External means containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. The first helps open the pores, and benzoyl peroxide kills pathogenic bacteria on the surface of the skin and helps to remove excess sebum and dead cells.

Retinoids for topical application. Creams with retinoids (close relatives of vitamin A) are effective tools for fighting black and white points.

Antibiotics for topical application. These drugs are applied directly to the skin, inhibit bacteria and relieve inflammation. Unlike systemic antibiotics, which are taken orally, they are much safer. In particular, do not cause dysbiosis.

"Usually, I recommend that my patients start with the first item, and then I add retinoids. Antibiotics for topical use, such as clindamycin, are prescribed only when the first two options are not enough, "says the Cleveland dermatologist.

Dr. Tamburro notes that it is advisable to apply local antibiotics concomitantly with benzoyl peroxide, because the latter acts on bacteria in a peculiar way, as if supplementing and enhancing the effect of antibiotics. This complex treatment dramatically reduces the likelihood that bacteria will become resistant to antibiotics, so we get a double benefit.

Systemic antibiotics should be prescribed only in severe cases, because the potential risk to the body of a teenager is much higher due to a higher concentration of active substance in the blood.

"Due to relatively good tolerability, antibiotics for topical use can safely be administered for longer periods than systemic antibiotics," adds the doctor..

What if the standard treatment does not work?.

In severe cases of acne, in which standard treatment does not help, three options are suggested:.

Isotretionine. It is a drug for oral administration that acts on the sebaceous glands.

Low-glycemic diet. Some studies confirm that there is a direct link between acne and sugar intake. The restriction of sugar sometimes helps with acne, as well as other inflammatory skin diseases. It's worth starting with giving up sugary drinks.

Hormonal therapy. Some women suffer from acne due to an overabundance of androgens, which can be accompanied by thinning of the hair and irregular menstruation. Low-dose combined oral contraceptives (COCs).

Do not delay with treatment!.

You may think that acne is a problem for teenagers, but in fact acne is not uncommon in children, starting at the age of 9. Curiously, the earlier there are acne, the sooner they can pass.

At the part of teenagers who "showered" with the beginning of puberty, acne can remain years up to 25.

Acne usually passes with age, but timely and effective treatment is very important. Including to ensure that your child is not shy about his appearance and confidently felt among his peers. It should be remembered that a heavily flowing acne often leaves behind scars and can lead to a discoloration of the skin. Do not bring to this and on time contact the dermatologist!.

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