Genetic test for antibiotics as an acne treatment

I recently read about a genetic test called AcneDX that tests whether or not oral antibiotics will be an effective acne treatment.  My teenaged daughter has moderate acne and tetracycline has been suggested. I'm concerned about giving her a medication that may have side effects and produce an antibiotic resistance later in her life, and it may not even work to clear her acne up.  The test sounds like a great way to find out prior to treatment if the antibiotics will help.  Do you know anything about this test?  Please shed some light.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Yes you are right; it is a test that very recently appeared on the market. Patent is still pending. The test should be able to determine (with high probability) if P. acnes (bacteria important in pathogenesis of acne) is resistant to erythromycin and the tetracycline-class of antibiotics that are often prescribed to patients with acne. Clinical data presented by the manufacturer are promising. I look forward to reading more scientific articles as they become available.

However, if your daughter has moderate acne, there are quite a few topical therapeutic options available before you move to oral therapy. Also, you could discuss personalized diet modifications with a nutritionist. For example, our Western diet includes many dairy sources containing hormones as well as foods with significant sugar content and other carbohydrates that promote increased production of androgens (hormones important in development of acne).

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[GoHawks921]

Could you suggest a diet to follow to discourage acne?  (I am new to this forum, and apologize if it is readily available elsewhere on the site.)  

Also, like DaliaP, I have been reluctant to fill a prescription for  Minocycline and Differin which were prescribed by our family physician for our 14 year old son.  When I searched for side effects, they definitely caused some concern.  Are the side-effects common?  How do you know if the benefits outweigh the risks?  

We have tried over the counter products containing benzoyl peroxide and/or salicyclic acid, and sulfur.  They seem to have made his acne worse.  He does not have oily skin, and the pimples are just red - they do not seem to be puss-filled.  I have tried products from 3-6 weeks before discontinuing.  Am I giving them long enough?  Are there any natural, home remedies I could try while I am waiting for him to see a dermatologist (in one month)?  THANK YOU!