Clearing Skin, Wrecking Health: My Experience with Antibiotic Acne Treatments

In my teenage years, I, like many others, dealt with the occasional acne breakout. It wasn't anything too severe—just a few pimples here and there, both on my face and back. However, my mother, concerned about my appearance, decided to take me to a dermatologist. At the time, I had no idea that my journey with acne treatment would involve years of daily antibiotics. The dermatologist quickly prescribed either tetracycline or erythromycin (I can't remember which came first), and I ended up taking antibiotics daily for at least four years. Looking back, I now realize the potential damage this regimen may have caused.

At that time, I naively thought antibiotics were harmless. In my mind, they were just another form of medication, similar to vitamins, with no risk of adverse effects. After all, how could doctors prescribe something harmful? Unfortunately, I now see the bigger picture: antibiotics, while often lifesaving for serious infections, should not be overused, especially for something like acne, a non-life-threatening condition.

My acne never cleared up fully despite the long-term antibiotic treatment. In hindsight, the four-year-long antibiotic regimen may have done more harm than good. I eventually developed anxiety, though I attributed it to junior high school at the time. However, I now wonder if the prolonged use of antibiotics, which can impact gut health, contributed to my anxiety. What I do know for certain is that I developed a chronic yeast infection, which didn't resolve until decades later when I completely changed my diet and cut out processed foods.

The Use of Antibiotics for Acne: Then and Now

In the past, dermatologists commonly prescribed antibiotics to treat acne, especially for mild to moderate cases. Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and doxycycline, were routinely prescribed, sometimes for years on end. The idea was that these medications could reduce the bacterial population on the skin and in the sebaceous glands, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria believed to contribute to acne.

While antibiotics can temporarily improve acne by reducing bacterial counts and inflammation, they come with significant risks when used long-term. Many dermatologists continue to prescribe antibiotics for acne today, though there is growing awareness of the potential for harm.

The Dark Side of Long-Term Antibiotic Use

Long-term antibiotic use, especially for non-life-threatening conditions like acne, has been associated with several negative side effects. These side effects include:

Dysbiosis (Gut Imbalance): The gut microbiome is composed of trillions of bacteria that help regulate everything from digestion to mental health. Antibiotics, while effective at killing harmful bacteria, also wipe out beneficial bacteria, leading to a condition known as dysbiosis. Disrupting the balance of the gut microbiome can contribute to various health problems, including digestive disorders, compromised immune function, and even mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Studies have linked long-term antibiotic use with changes in gut flora that persist even after the antibiotic regimen ends .
C. Difficile Infection: A particularly serious consequence of long-term antibiotic use is the development of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Antibiotics can kill off the healthy gut bacteria that keep C. diff in check, leading to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, life-threatening complications .
Yeast Infections: Antibiotics are also known to trigger yeast infections by disrupting the natural microbial balance in the body. By killing off the beneficial bacteria that normally keep yeast in check, antibiotics can promote the overgrowth of Candida, leading to chronic yeast infections. This was my personal experience, as I struggled with a yeast infection for years until I changed my diet to one that excluded processed carbohydrates .
Resistance to Antibiotics: One of the most concerning consequences of overprescribing antibiotics for acne is the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. With each dose of antibiotics, bacteria have a chance to mutate and develop resistance, which can render antibiotics ineffective for future infections, including potentially life-threatening ones .
Impact on Mental Health: Emerging research shows a connection between gut health and mental health, often referred to as the "gut-brain axis." When antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome, they may also trigger or exacerbate mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression .

Ironic Contradictions: UV Light and Antibiotic Treatment

One of the most ironic aspects of my treatment was that in addition to antibiotics, I was placed in front of a UV light as part of the therapy. Today, dermatologists universally recommend avoiding UV exposure without proper protection, as it is a known risk factor for skin cancer and premature aging. Yet back then, UV light was considered an acceptable treatment option, demonstrating how medical advice can change as we learn more about the risks and benefits of certain treatments.

The Efficacy of Chronic Antibiotic Use for Acne

Despite the risks, dermatologists continue to prescribe antibiotics for acne, often because they see temporary improvements in their patients' skin. However, research shows that long-term antibiotic use is not an effective solution for many cases of acne. The bacteria responsible for acne can develop resistance, making antibiotics less effective over time. Additionally, acne often returns once antibiotics are stopped, suggesting that the treatment is merely masking the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the problem .

A Better Path: Whole Foods and Natural Healing

While antibiotics may offer temporary relief, the real key to addressing acne and other chronic health conditions lies in adopting a whole foods-based diet. A diet free from processed carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and other inflammatory foods can promote healthy skin, gut balance, and overall well-being.

Processed carbohydrates, such as refined sugars and flours, can spike blood sugar levels and trigger inflammation, both of which are linked to acne breakouts. Vegetable oils, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, also promote inflammation and are associated with a host of chronic health problems. By eliminating these harmful ingredients and focusing on nutrient-dense, animal-based foods that include their natural fats, individuals can support healthy skin from the inside out.

A diet rich in whole foods, such as grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, pastured eggs, and organic vegetables, can help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy gut microbiome. In fact, there is increasing evidence to suggest that a healthy gut is key to maintaining clear skin and overall health .

Conclusion

In my case, after years of battling both acne and its side effects, I finally found relief not through antibiotics, but through a change in my diet. I eliminated processed foods and focused on eating whole, natural foods, including animal-based products rich in their inherent fats. My yeast infection finally cleared up, and my skin improved dramatically.

The lesson I learned is that while antibiotics can be a valuable tool for treating bacterial infections, they should not be overused for non-life-threatening conditions like acne. A better, more holistic approach to health lies in nourishing the body with the right foods and supporting its natural healing processes. By focusing on a whole foods diet devoid of processed carbohydrates and vegetable oils, we can achieve better health without the risks associated with long-term antibiotic use.

The Benefits of Sun Salutations in Your Morning Routine

I just started doing "sun salutations" in the morning after a prolonged layoff from doing them. I had moved on to other forms of dynamic stretching, especially when I was doing CrossFit. I have been doing more sprinting, bicycle riding, and farmer's carries, and my back and legs were starting to get very tight, especially in the morning. I did a few minutes of what they call sun salutations this morning, and the results were immediate and close to miraculous. In this post, I will describe what they are and why they are a very worthwhile addition to my morning routine.

How Education Impacts Lifespan: A Closer Look at Diet, Lifestyle, and Healthcare

In the United States, data has consistently shown that individuals with a college education tend to live longer than those with only a high school education. A report from the National Center for Health Statistics found that in 2017, men with a college degree lived an average of 8.6 years longer than those with just a high school diploma, while college-educated women lived 4.2 years longer than their less-educated counterparts. The factors contributing to this disparity are multifaceted, with diet, lifestyle, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors playing key roles. This post will cover some of the reasons why the disparity exists and what to do about them.

Chronic Disease is on the Rise and the Experts Won't Tell Us the Reason, So I Will

In this post, I am using type 2 diabetes as an example to highlight the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses despite significant research and pharmaceutical intervention. The true cause is often overlooked due to the enormous profits associated with treating the illness, leaving prevention and the actual cure sidelined. I will explain the reasons behind this phenomenon later in this post. First, let's examine some type 2 diabetes statistics.

Understanding Chronic Pain: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

In 1977, George Engel's revolutionary call for a new medical model helped pave the way for a holistic approach to chronic pain. He advocated for the integration of social, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of illness. This model allows for greater flexibility in understanding and treating pain by moving away from the simplistic correlation between pain and tissue damage and recognizing that psychosocial factors often play a substantial role. His ideas became known as the biopsychosocial model. This post will cover what it is and how it can help address the complications of chronic pain.

Transforming Health Beyond Teeth: The Joy of Ancestral Medicine

This post will relate to an encounter with one of my patients that recently made me very happy. When most patients come to me, they often assume that I am just like any other dentist. However, what they don't realize is that my practice is unique. I specialize in treating the root cause of gum disease, tooth decay, and facial development issues, taking a holistic approach that considers the entire body. This approach, which is often new and intriguing to them, sets my practice apart. Despite my recommendations, my free-range patients often continue with their unhealthy lifestyles. But I'm used to it. After all, people should be free to live their lives as they see fit. However, many of my patients implement my recommendations and transform their health. When I hear their stories, I am overjoyed.

The Real Effect of Pharmaceutical Ads on TV May Surprise You

This post takes a closer look at the world of pharmaceutical advertising, which is often intricate and controversial. It exposes the multi-billion dollar campaigns that may have an influence on more than just consumer choices. The promotions often prioritize lesser drugs and there is potential for conflicts of interest to arise within media relationships. This article sheds light on the profound impact of pharmaceutical advertising on both public perception and healthcare practices. It raises critical questions about the intentions behind these advertisements and examines the ethical dimensions of such heavy investments. By tracing the flow of money from pharmaceutical companies into media outlets, this discussion explores how this influx of capital could be shaping the news and information that reaches the public, possibly at the cost of unbiased reporting and the broader public health. Ultimately, this overview sets the stage for a deeper investigation into whether these advertising dollars are merely driving sales or also buying silence and compliance within the media and beyond.

The Dangers of Identity-Protected Cognition

A 2017 paper by Dan M. Kahan of Yale University explains identity-protective cognition. In his paper, he explores how people's political, cultural, sexual, and social identities have a major influence on their beliefs. Kahan originally termed this phenomenon "identity-protective cognition." Intelligence evolved more as a tool to enhance personal well-being, social status, and group belonging than a means of determining objective truth. He explains that intelligent individuals can reject scientifically accurate data in favor of information that aligns with the beliefs of their cultural, political, or social groups. As a result, we should expect individuals to acquire habits of mind that guide them to form and persist in beliefs that express their membership in and loyalty to a particular identity-defining affinity group. For example, Ketanji Brown Jackson was asked what defines a woman during her hearing to become a Supreme Court justice. She said she could not give the definition as she is not a biologist. A person uninvolved in gender ideology culture can easily describe a woman. Identity-protective cognition goes a long way in explaining how insanely polarizing things get when it comes to health, diet, medication, Covid, and most other current science, politics, and community standards. This post will help explain Kahan's perspectives.

The Netflix Series "Bad Surgeon" Highlights The Criminal Medical Ethics of One Man. Sadly Similar Ethics Were Used During COVID.

I just watched the documentary "Bad Surgeon," which is available on Netflix. It details the privileged lifestyle and works of a physician, Paolo Macchiarini, who appeared to be pioneering groundbreaking surgeries that could help save the lives of people who otherwise would die. In the end, it is revealed that he skipped critical research, hid his devastating outcomes, used faulty techniques, and did not truly care for his patients, colleagues, family, or friends. In short, he was a sociopath only concerned with his reputation and lifestyle. He used the excuse that the people were going to die, so he thought his "experimental" procedures were an acceptable means of saving lives. His actions were no different than those imposed on us during the height of COVID by most of the governing bodies of the globe. They all tried to justify their ethical misconduct by telling us they were only trying to save us. This post will cover some aspects of medical ethics as they relate to the documentary and the COVID pandemic.