Topical Erythromycin for Acne

Erythromycin, in its topical form (applied to skin), is used to treat inflammatory acne. It cannot cure acne, but it can help you keep it under control. Erythromycin is typically used in combination with other medications.

You can only get topical erythromycin for acne with a prescription. Oral erythromycin is also sometimes used to treat acne.

This article discusses topical erythromycin as an acne treatment. It also goes over dosage and side effects.

How Erythromycin Helps Acne

A proliferation of acne-causing bacteria within the pore is a factor in acne development. Propionibacterium acnes is the chief culprit.

Antibiotics like erythromycin reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria. Topical erythromycin specifically can also help decrease redness and inflammation.

When Topical Erythromycin Is Used for Acne

Topical erythromycin isn't the first treatment choice for acne. First-line treatment typically includes topical benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid.

Topical erythromycin isn't as effective as some of the other treatment options. This is because it only targets one acne-causing factor: bacteria. There are other factors that are responsible for acne breakouts, like the abnormal shedding of skin cells and the development of pore blockages, that topical erythromycin just doesn't address.

More importantly, antibiotic resistance is a big issue with topical antibiotics and erythromycin for acne, in particular. The bacterium that causes acne has become used to the medication, rendering it ineffective as time goes on.

Erythromycin may be recommended in certain situations, such as when first-line treatments aren't effective or when acne is severe and there's a risk of scarring. Topical formulas containing erythromycin are available by prescription only.

As a second-line treatment, erythromycin is usually prescribed as part of a combination topical formula that also contains benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. Combining the antibiotic with another medicine has been shown to be more effective and help reduce antibiotic resistance. Benzamycin is an example of an acne treatment medication that combines topical erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide.

Erythromycin is sometimes recommended for treating acne in pregnant and breastfeeding moms, but usually in combination with other therapies. It is also prescribed to treat newborn baby acne and infantile acne if need be.

How to Use Topical Erythromycin

Before using topical erythromycin, wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. It's a good idea to wait 30 minutes after washing before applying the solution.

If you use moisturizer, wait until the solution has completely dried before applying it. To help prevent clogged pores, make sure to choose an oil-free moisturizer.

You will only use topical erythromycin for a short time. This is to help prevent antibacterial resistance. Once inflammation is improved, you can stop using this medication. Keep using your second acne medication, though, to continue to reduce breakouts and keep your acne under control.

Dosage

This topical antibiotic is usually prescribed as an ointment, gel, topical solution, or medicated pad with a strength of 2% erythromycin. Your healthcare provider will likely direct you to spread it on the affected area twice a day (morning and night), but individual recommendations may vary.

Possible Side Effects

Most people can use topical erythromycin without any problems at all. When using erythromycin for acne, side effects, though, may occur.

These are similar to other acne treatments:

• Mild irritation
• Burning
• Stinging
• Redness
• Dry skin
• Sun sensitivity

If side effects are bothering you, or if you develop a rash, let your dermatologist know.

Likewise, tell your healthcare provider know if the medication is not working or if acne comes back after clearing up.

Summary

Topical erythromycin is a second-line treatment for acne. It is usually prescribed in combination with another medicine such as benzoyl peroxide.

Because of the risk of antibiotic resistance, medicines containing erythromycin are intended for short term use. You can discontinue this medication once your acne has improved, but you should continue to use other medicines as prescribed by your dermatologist.

Erythromycin can cause side effects like dry skin, redness, and sun sensitivity.