Rather than refer you to a dermatologist or look at topical creams themselves, they write the PrX for tetracycline or erythromycin and send you on your way. I’m bashing the over-prescribing of them by doctors, specifically GPs, not derms, who should know better.Īnd in the case of acne, especially in the UK, an antibiotic prescription is the first port of call from nearly every GP. Meningitis or pneumonia? Antibiotics will save your life. It goes without saying that if you are required to take antibiotics long-term for chronic illness, then I am not talking about your situation. Strep throat? Bacterial – get a prescription for it. Antibiotics are without doubt a wonder drug. Prescribing long-term antibiotic use is tantamount to abuse in my eyes. Why?īecause they’re not bacterial – and you may already be resistant to the antibiotics prescribed. You may get some relief initially but as soon as you stop taking them – and in most cases before, the spots are back. Whilst there are a few forms of oral antibiotics that may kill off bacteria in your oil glands, what if your acne is hormonal? Food allergy related? Have you had it for years? Antibiotics are pointless in those situations. I know I’ve already said this over on the cheat sheets for acne -> and it won’t be anything new to regular readers, but please, please think carefully before taking antibiotics for your acne. It’s easily the topic of my most-asked questions and the lead search on this site. Apparently the second most searched word on the internet, after porn (obvs).

Cheat sheet for prescribing antibiotics