This herb native to India is commonly used in the United States to reduce cholesterol. It has been shown to be effective for difficult-to-treat cystic acne. A study in the Journal of Dermatology involved 20 patients with cystic acne. They received either tetracycline 500 mg or tablets of guggul (equivalent to 25 mg guggulsterone), taken twice daily for three months. The reduction of inflammatory lesions in the tetracycline
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), also known as cajeput oil, has a long history of use in Australia. The leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree contain this medicinal oil. Scientific investigations of tea tree oil began in the city of Sydney back in 1922. A government researcher had noticed that the oils were antiseptic yet nontoxic. Tea tree oil was used by the Australian army during World War II. Today, researchers have found over 100 chemicals in tea tree oil. It is used topically for skin conditions other than acne such as fungal infections, warts, cuts, burns, and gingivitis. It is available as an oil, a cream, a gel, a soap, and other topical applications.
Several small double-blind clinical trials have shown that zinc supplements are effective for acne. Zinc is involved in skin healing and improved immunity. Zinc also reduces the skin levels of the testosterone metabolite dihydrotestosterone, which can aggravate acne. Studies show that people with acne tend to have lower serum and skin levels of zinc. We have observed zinc supplementation to be effective for numerous patients. A study published in Dermatology compared the effectiveness and safety of zinc versus antibiotic therapy (minocycline) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In this multicenter randomized, double-blind trial, 332 patients received either 30 mg of elemental zinc or 100 mg of minocycline over 3 months. The clinical success rate was 31,2 percent for zinc and 63,4 percent for minocycline. The zinc group had 5 dropouts; the minocycline group, 4 dropouts. Most of the adverse effects were related to gastrointestinal upset. The conclusion of this study was that both zinc and minocycline were effective in the treatment of acne,with minocycline having a better effect.However, it should be noted the zinc dosage was quite low compared to what nutrition- oriented doctors typically use to treat acne. Read the rest of this entry »
For some people with acne, a healthy diet can do wonders to clear up their complexion. Conventional medicine has traditionally held to the notion that acne is not related to diet. Nutrition-oriented doctors such as ourselves have found that diet plays a major role in acne for some but not all individuals. An emerging body of scientific evidence is demonstrating that diet does indeed have an impact on acne. For example, researcher Loren Cordain, professor of health and exercise science at Colorado State University, teamed up with five scientists from around the country to look at the more than 1,300 Kitivan Islanders of Papua New Guinea and Ache hunter-gatherers of Paraguay. They could not find a single case of active acne in either Kitivan Islanders or Ache hunter-gatherers. According to Cordain, the perfect skin of the two unrelated groups in the study was not due to genetics, but likely was the result of different environmental factors, especially diet.
Unlike the high simple sugar content of U.S. foods, the diet of the Kitivans in Papua,New Guinea, consists mainly of fruit, fish, and tubers. The diet of the Ache hunter-gatherers of Paraguay includes wild and foraged foods, locally cultivated food, and a small percentage of Western foods obtained from external sources.
A Western diet boosts the hormone insulin, which promotes inflammation of the skin as well as the overproduction of oil and skin cells in pores that lead to bacteria overgrowth on the skin and acne formation. In addition, the Western diet increases growth factors and other hormones such as testosterone that contribute to acne. Read the rest of this entry »
Topical
Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova)
Adapalene (Differin)
Isotretinoin (Isotrex gel)
Oral
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A. In topical form, they work by increasing skin cell turnover and promoting the release of the plugged material in the follicle. They also prevent the formation of new whiteheads and blackheads (comedones) because the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. Some retinoids (oral isotretinoin specifically) also reduce the amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands and stop P. acnes growth.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Although the list of side effects and precautions is daunting, the long-term effectiveness of Accutane (isotretinoin) is extremely positive. Seventy percent of patients receiving Accutane will be acne-free for more than 10 years. However, about 25 percent of patients who have used Accutane will see acne symptoms return after two years, and 10 percent will see acne return after just one year. A normal treatment period is about four to six months.
Tetracycline should not be taken with dairy products or with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, or iron; these cause binding of tetracycline in the intestinal tract and may reduce its effectiveness. There is some evidence that berberine-containing herbs such as goldenseal, barberry, and oregon grape may also reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase dizziness associated with tetracycline use.
Digitalis lanata and Digitalis purpurea, herbs commonly known as foxglove, contain digitalis glycosides. These herbs are not commonly available but may be prescribed by some natural health care providers. These chemicals have similar actions and toxicities to the prescription drug digoxin and should not be used with erythromycin. These herbs, though, are not available over the counter. Erythromycin should be taken without food to avoid breakdown before it reaches the intestines.
Research has demonstrated that consuming yogurt or supplements containing probiotics such as bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii can help prevent symptoms of antibiotic-induced diarrhea and reduce the likelihood of antibiotic-induced infection by clostridium or candida. In other research, the enzyme bromelain showed beneficial effects on the activity of erythromycin.
NUTRIENT DEPLETION/IMBALANCE Read the rest of this entry »
People with the following conditions or disorders should discuss their risks with their physician:
- Allergy to any component of the antibiotic
- History of allergies
- Impaired liver function
- Impaired renal function
- History of heart problems
- Porphyria (blood disorder)
- Myasthenia gravis
- History of intestinal disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, enteritis, etc.)
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
- History of Candida albicans infection
KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS
Topical Antibiotics
Using other topical therapies may cause irritation. Research suggests that clindamycin has neuromuscular-blocking properties. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents because it may enhance their action.
Oral Antibiotics
With topical antibiotics, common side effects may include burning, itching, dryness, redness, oiliness, or peeling where applied. With oral antibiotics, the most frequently observed, and usually doserelated, side effects are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. A less common side effect with oral antibiotics is blurred vision, primarily associated with tetracycline. Photosensitivity can also occur with tetracycline, so it is advisable to reduce sun exposure.
More serious side effects associated with oral antibiotics that may require medical attention include severe allergic reactions; other infections; vaginal irritation or discharge; bloody stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Antibiotics can cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) that may occur during treatment or even several weeks after treatment has stopped. Symptoms of this condition may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain or cramping, or blood or mucus in the stool. Clindamycin is particularly associated with this condition, but it can be caused by any antibiotic.
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Using other topical preparations may interfere with the effectiveness of salicylic acid or increase skin irritation; do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you are taking aspirin, diuretics, and methyl salicylate (found in some muscle rubs); he/she may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
None known.
Antibiotics: Topical and Oral
Topical
Erythromycin (Akne-Mycin, Staticin, Erygel, EryDerm)
Clindamycin (C/T/S, Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm, Clindets Pledget)
Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin)
Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide (Benzaclin)
Oral
Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone)
Tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK? Read the rest of this entry »