Pharmaceutical Care: The Use Of Topical Antibiotics In Acne Therapy

Skin is the largest organ in the body, approximately 17% of the weight of the human body. Skin thickness ranges from 3-5 mm. The main function of the skin is to protect the underlying structure of the trauma, the temperature difference, the entry of dangerous objects into the skin, moisture, radiation, and the invasion of microorganisms.

Acne or acne is a common disorder of the skin, causing skin lesions called papules.Lesions mostly occur on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. This condition generally occurs between the ages of 14-19 years, although there are some individuals who experienced it at the age of 20-30 years. Sometimes the acne to recur at the age of menopause. Acne is characterized by blackheads, which are formed due to blockage of the outlet of the hair follicles by oil secretions and dead skin cells. Although not a serious health disorder, but severe acne can disturb the appearance of scars and permanent scarring.

Treatment of acne (pimples) depending on whether acne is most inflamed or komedonal. If the acne does not resfonsif of topical preparations, oral preparations may be needed.

Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin may be effective for acne infected or komedonal.

Topical antibiotics used for acne with mild to moderate severity. The preparation of topical erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin, quite useful for most patients with less severe acne, these medications can cause mild skin irritation but rarely cause sensitization.

Cross-resistance, especially between erythromycin and clindamycin is a bigger problem, to avoid this are:

Wherever possible use non-antibiotic antimicrobials (such as benzoyl peroxide)
Avoid treatment with oral antibiotics with different antibiotics topical if an effective antibiotic used for re-treatment.
Topical neomycin is not suitable for causing sensitization.

Objectives and targets of therapy

Prevent and control the appearance of acne symptoms
Prevent or reduce the occurrence of acne
Inhibit or reduce inflammation in acne

Therapeutic strategies

Non-pharmacological therapy

Wash your face too often do not need, just twice a day with soap (not antiseptic)
Do not let the hair covering the face. Especially the dirty hair, can aggravate the condition of the clogged pores.
Use a water-based cosmetics.
Do not squeeze or break the pimples as it can leave scars in the form of scarring on the skin.
Balanced nutritional intake is also beneficial to help maintain health kulitUsahakan to remain relaxed. Stress is known is one of the causes of acne.

Pharmacologic Therapy

Some acne preparations containing topical antibiotics, such as erytromycin, clindamycin, and neomycin, with or without combination with benzoyl peroxide, and should be kept dilemari ice. These preparations generally work by ridding the skin of bacteria. Antibiotics are usually used for combination with other drugs that can mencengah blockage of the follicle.

Topical antibiotic medications