WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-The trouble with treating acne

November 22, 2011

Diane Costomiris, 36, has been battling acne for years. The topical creams and ointments she uses aren't always enough.

"When there is a really bad flare up the oral antibiotics tends to go to the root of the problem and takes care of it quickly," she said.

Now a new study shows those antibiotics could lead to another common health problem-- a sore throat. University of Pennsylvania researchers looked at a group of college students and found that those taking oral antibiotics got sore throats more often.

"The patients were three times more likely to have an episode of pharingtis, meaning they complained of a sore throat while taking the antibiotic," said Dr. Michele Green of Lenox Hill Hospital.

About 40 to 50 million Americans have acne at some point in their lives. In some of those cases, oral medication is the only thing that works.

Researchers aren't sure exactly why antibiotics lead to sore throats.

"Patients are told to take the antibiotic on an empty stomach, but truly if they're sensitive to reflux they should be taking the antibiotic with food," Green said.

Doctors also recommend drinking lots of water with medications.

Costomiris uses a combination of topical and oral antibiotics and she does her best to take care of her skin.

"Just keep my skin clean, and you know avoid major sun or products that might irritate my skin," she said.

Because she doesn't want to be on antibiotics long-term.

Researchers found people using antibiotic creams did not report the same side effect.