Acne medications – antibiotics, tablets, creams, online consultation
- Have you noticed more and more skin imperfections appearing, especially on your face – forehead, nose, and chin?
- Do you feel like your skin is getting oilier and more prone to breakouts?
- Have you observed a rapid worsening of acne in a short period of time?
Online consultation with a doctor
Have you noticed more and more imperfections appearing on your skin, especially on your face? Is your skin becoming oilier, and are breakouts healing more slowly? Don’t wait – consult an online doctor to find out what steps you can take to effectively fight acne and take care of your skin’s health. Not sure which products to choose? Get expert help from a dermatologist.
Which consultation should you choose?
Choose an e-prescription if you already know which medication you need to manage your acne.
If you need a doctor’s advice on choosing the right medication, select a dermatologist consultation.
How does it work?
Select a consultation option
Decide whether you want to extend your prescription or talk to your doctor (e.g. to start therapy with a new drug). In the case of psychotropic drugs or strong painkillers, it is necessary to provide data from your IKP or a certificate from your doctor.
Complete the medical questionnaire
Answer a few questions that will help the doctor assess your health. If you are continuing treatment, attach your previous prescription.
Wait for the doctor to contact you
If you have chosen a teleconsultation/videoconsultation, the doctor will call you on the selected date to conduct a consultation. If you have chosen to extend your prescription and are a new patient, the doctor will call to confirm the data from the questionnaire.
Receive your documentation
After the doctor's decision, you will receive a prescription and/or recommendations via text message and e-mail - without leaving your home.
Acne vulgaris – Questions and Answers
Acne and Its Types, Including Rosacea
What is Acne Vulgaris?
When acne lesions appear on the skin, it’s worth understanding their origin before starting treatment. Understanding the cause of acne is key to effective therapy.
Types of Acne:
L70.0 – Acne vulgaris
L70.1 – Acne conglobata: mostly affects men and appears around armpits, groin, and buttocks. Comedones may be very large and leave scars when healing
L70.2 – Varioliform acne
L70.3 – Tropical acne
L70.4 – Infantile acne
L70.5 – Excoriated acne (acne excoriee des jeunes filles)
L70.8 – Other acne
L70.9 – Unspecified acne
L71.9 – Rosacea
Other forms of acne caused by external factors:
Drug-induced acne – caused by steroids or other medications
Occupational acne – caused by contact with substances at work (e.g., chlorine, oils)
Infant acne – may result from contact with mineral oils in baby care products
Cosmetic acne – caused by clogged pores from makeup products like powders
Post-contraceptive acne – appears after stopping hormonal birth control
Symptoms of Acne:
Acne is a skin condition characterized by pimples, comedones, papules, and other lesions. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity.
Most common symptoms:
Pimples and comedones: Red, painful pimples and small dark spots (blackheads)
Papules and pustules: Small, hard, sometimes painful lumps and pus-filled lesions that can scar
Red spots and skin discoloration: Redness around lesions can lead to lasting marks
Pain and itching: Acne lesions may cause discomfort and worsen skin condition
Skin changes: Scars and hyperpigmentation may develop and be difficult to remove
Recognizing acne symptoms is essential for proper treatment. For severe cases, consult a dermatologist for appropriate medications.
Which Acne Medications to Choose?
The best acne treatment depends on its type, causes, persistence, and the condition of affected skin. That’s why an online consultation is helpful. After collecting information, the doctor can select the most suitable therapy.
Already under treatment? You can easily get a prescription refill by filling out an online form on Dimedic.eu.
Prescription Acne Medications
For serious acne lesions and inflammation (sometimes accompanied by fever), doctors may prescribe antibiotics. These may be topical (antibiotic creams) or systemic (oral tablets).
Common prescription acne medications include:
Antibiotics: tetracycline, doxycycline, lymecycline, erythromycin, azithromycin, clindamycin
Retinoids: acitretin, isotretinoin, tretinoin, motretinide, adapalene, tazarotene
Anti-androgen contraceptives: cyproterone acetate, chlormadinone acetate, desogestrel, dienogest
Topical Gels and Creams for Acne (Prescription)
Popular treatments include antibiotic creams and gels. These lighter formulations work well for spot treatment and contain vitamin A derivatives and antibiotics.
Oral Prescription Acne Tablets
Acne is a chronic condition with multiple causes and various skin eruptions. Treatment should match the type and severity of acne.
Mild acne: Topical preparations like OTC or prescription creams, gels, and ointments.
Severe acne: Systemic therapy, including:
Antibiotics (same as above)
Retinoids: acitretin, isotretinoin
Anti-androgen contraceptives
Oral Antibiotics for Acne
Used since the 1960s, antibiotics are effective due to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Topical for mild cases; oral for severe.
Topical: clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline. Oral: doxycycline.
Prolonged oral erythromycin and tetracycline use may increase GI side effect risks.
Oral Retinoids
Vitamin A derivatives used in moderate to severe acne:
Topical: tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene
Oral: isotretinoin
Acitretin is mainly used in psoriasis
Hormonal Treatments
Anti-androgen birth control pills are prescribed for women unresponsive to antibiotics or unable to use retinoids.
Effective ingredients: chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate. Treatment lasts 6–12 months.
Strongest Prescription Tablet – Isotretinoin
Considered the most effective treatment for severe acne, isotretinoin targets nearly all factors: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, comedolytic, reduces sebum production.
Due to teratogenicity, it's prescribed with caution in women of childbearing age.
Prescription Acne Creams and Ointments
Used widely in acne care, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and regenerative properties. Ingredients include:
Antibiotics: erythromycin, tetracycline
Chemotherapeutics: metronidazole
OTC actives: azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, zinc oxide, salicylic acid, ichthammol, isotretinoin
Topical antibiotics like erythromycin (macrolide) are effective and safe, even during pregnancy.
Combining erythromycin with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids improves effectiveness.
Blackhead Acne Ointments
For comedonal acne, characterized by blackheads and oily skin but without inflammation.
Effective actives: retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) reduce microcomedone formation and mature comedones.
Retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy and rosacea.
OTC Acne Medications
For mild acne or early symptoms, try OTC remedies first. Use gentle skincare and avoid irritating products.
OTC options don’t contain prescription-only substances. Start with mild treatments and consult a doctor if needed.
OTC Acne Tablets
Usually supplements and vitamins:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B5
Viola tricolor extract (wild pansy)
OTC Acne Creams
Look for creams with proven actives like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Use alongside a good moisturizer.
OTC Acne Ointments
Common ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, zinc, nicotinamide. Best used topically on mild acne.
OTC Acne Gels
Lightweight gels with ingredients like salicylic acid, thymol, and benzoyl peroxide, great for spot treatment.
Natural Acne Treatments
Natural methods can support acne therapy:
Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains
Avoid sugar and saturated fats
Stay hydrated
Use natural cosmetics: tea tree oil (anti-inflammatory), salicylic acid
Manage stress and fatigue
Always consult a dermatologist in severe cases.
Acne Treatment – Tips & Advice
Follow medical treatment consistently
Use gentle skincare products
Don’t touch your face
Support with natural remedies
Reduce stress and get enough sleep
Heal Acne with a Dermatologist
If acne affects you, consult a doctor. Get prescription treatments after an online consultation at Dimedic.eu. Your prescription will be ready within minutes!