I have a question - Can oral antibiotics cause purging? I searched the forums and only see topical treatments that cause purging.

It has taken me almost 2 years to get my routine where it works with all the trial error involved and trying so many different things. But a few of months ago, I felt and looked great and was happy with everything.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, everything started falling apart. Pimples, hard whiteheads, blackheads, redness, irritation. I have never had my skin look so bad in my entire life. I hadn't changed anything, nothing new in my life. Can't figure it out. I'm 44 and wondering if it is perimenopause or menopause setting in. Hormones? Ugh.

Anyway, have been researching into trying some new stuff, but wanted to see the derm first. Saw her and she is placing me on Minocycline 100 mg twice daily. She said it might get worse before it gets better. And to give it maybe a month before I see results. I have never been on antibiotics for acne before and am not sure what to expect.

I have a trip in a week and a half to go to and don't want to be "worse" while seeing so many old family. But I look so bad now, I don't know how much "worse" could be.

If I start these antibiotics now, will purging occur? I should have asked the doctor what "worse" meant and if she meant purging. It might just be my overactive imagination going on overdrive. Do you even purge with oral antibiotics or only with topical treatments? Confused. Please help.