Final answer:
Antibiotics such as tetracyclines and macrolides are used in acne treatment to reduce inflammation and bacterial infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acne treatment varies depending on severity. For mild acne, topical agents such as salicylic acid or retinoids are used. Moderate acne may require antibiotics like erythromycin or clindamycin, and acne creams including benzoyl peroxide. Severe acne might need stronger medications such as isotretinoin. Plus, treatments like phototherapy and laser therapy are sometimes employed.
Speaking of antibiotics, these are prescribed either orally or topically to combat bacterial growth. Propionibacterium acnes can infect the skin, leading to more inflammatory acne conditions. Antibiotics such as tetracyclines (for example, doxycycline) and macrolides (like erythromycin) target the bacteria to reduce inflammation and infection.
Systemic antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline are also used for more severe acne cases, primarily affecting immune response and bacterial protein synthesis without harming the patient. Topical antibiotics, including clindamycin and erythromycin, are effective in targeting bacteria on the skin's surface. However, some OTC preparations combine benzoyl peroxide with antibiotics, enhancing their acne-fighting capabilities while mitigating bacterial resistance development.