Beware of Long Term Antibiotic Treatments for Acne

In La Jolla

By Nasrin Mani, M.D.

Taking antibiotics to treat acne is a common practice, but it may not be the safest for your health. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that long term use of antibiotics to treat acne may increase your risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) such as the common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis, or laryngitis.

The study examined 118,496 patients who were treated for acne. Approximately 71.7% of these patients received either topical or oral antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks or longer, while 28.3% received other types of treatments. Researchers found that patients who received antibiotics were more than twice as likely to develop a URTI within the first year of treatment.

Doctors must balance the risk of URTI with the benefits associated with antibiotic acne treatment when deciding whether this is the best approach for their patients. It is also likely that additional research is necessary to understand the true impact of this risk.

At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic, we offer a variety of state-of-the-art acne treatments which provide a safe alternative to antibiotics. These include:

During your initial consultation, Dr. Mani will review these options with you in detail so that you can make a fully informed decision regarding your treatment plan.

Please contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic today to schedule your initial acne consultation. We serve clients in La Jolla, California.

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