Treating Acne With Topical Erythromycin

Erythromycin is a topical antibiotic that is used to treat inflammatory acne.  It comes in many different forms, from lotions, gels, and ointments, to toner-like solutions and pledgets (small pads soaked in the medicated solution, similar to a Stridex pad.)

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

One factor of acne development is a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria within the pore. The propionibacterium acnes is the chief culprit here.  Antibiotics like erythromycin reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria and infection. 

Topical erythromycin can also help decrease redness and inflammation.

Topical erythromycin itself isn't the first treatment choice for acne.  It isn't incredibly effective against acne, and there are plenty of other options that simply work better.

Topical erythromycin 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, a big issue with topical antibiotics and erythromycin, in particular, is antibiotic resistance. The bacterium that causes acne has become used to the medication, so it no longer works against it.

In some cases, though, erythromycin is the best treatment choice.  For pregnant and breastfeeding moms, for example.  It is also prescribed to treat newborn baby acne and infantile acne if need be.

If your dermatologist decides that topical erythromycin is needed to treat your acne, there are some steps that can be taken to help get the best possible results.

First, don't use erythromycin as the sole acne treatment.  It works much better if it's paired with a second acne medication, like benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid.

Benzamycin is an acne treatment medication that combines topical erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide.  This helps streamline your treatment routine, giving you the benefit of two acne-fighting ingredients in one.

Secondly, to help combat bacterial resistance you ideally will only use topical erythromycin for a short time.  Once inflammation is improved, you can stop using the erythromycin.  Keep using your second acne medication, though, to continue improving breakouts and keep your acne under control.

Most people can use topical erythromycin without any problems at all.  If you do develop side effects, they're similar to other acne treatments: mild irritation, burning or stinging, redness, and dry skin.  If side effects are bothering you, or if you develop a rash, let your dermatologist know.

One drawback of topical erythromycin treatment is that it can stop working over time. Again, blame bacterial resistance. Let your derm know if it isn’t working for you, or if acne comes back after clearing up.