What to do when antibiotics fail to treat acne

Some call it the “acne antibiotic game.” Tetracycline comes first, then doxycycline, and finally your doctor recommends erythromycin. But what do you do when these common antibiotics fail to control acne breakouts? Well, usually your dermatologist might suggest isotretinoin, the best prescription medication for acne.

But why is isotretinoin the ultimate pharmaceutical answer for acne? This is probably because excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics could lead to gram-negative folliculitis.

Gram-negative folliculitis is caused by bacterial interference and replacement of gram-positive bacteria on the face and within the mucous membranes of the nose with gram-negative bacteria.

And while acne is easily diagnosed, according to a study in the American journal of clinical dermatologythe incidences of gram-negative folliculitis are probably underestimated in patients with recurrent and difficult-to-treat acne.

Although isotretinoin has been used successfully to treat gram-negative folliculitis, this powerful acne drug is not always available to acne sufferers for health or financial reasons. So the question arises: are there other methods to control or destroy gram-negative bacteria and control acne breakouts?

Two proteins that control bacteria that aggravate acne

Researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, discovered that the protein lactoferrin changes the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Because lactoferrin disrupts the protective barrier of gram-negative bacteria, this new vulnerability allows another antimicrobial protein called lysozyme to further destroy the bacteria.

home remedy for acne

The gram-negative fighters lactoferrin and lysozyme are found naturally in products like milk. Also, whey protein contains several antibacterial proteins, such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and immunoglobulins. You can make a homemade acne mask to help reduce pimple breakouts using whey protein. (Whey protein is widely available at health food stores.)

Step 1:

Clean your face with warm water and a clean washcloth. Pat your face dry.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix one scoop of whey protein with enough water to create a paste.

Step 3:

Apply the paste on the face and let it dry for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4:

Rinse off the paste with warm water and a face cloth. Apply moisturizer.

You can use this serum mask once a day as a natural part of your acne control regimen.