Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What does erythromycin primarily treat?

1. Fungal infections

2. Respiratory problems

3. Infections and acne

4. Skin irritation

The correct answer is: Infections and acne

Erythromycin is primarily an antibiotic that is effective in treating bacterial infections. It is commonly used to target conditions such as skin infections and acne vulgaris. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which helps to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection or inflammation. In the context of acne treatment, erythromycin reduces the number of bacteria on the skin, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, which can contribute to the development of acne lesions. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that assist in reducing redness and swelling associated with acne. The other options do not accurately describe the primary use of erythromycin. While it can be implicated in respiratory issues due to its antibacterial properties, it is not primarily known for treating respiratory problems. It also does not have efficacy against fungal infections or skin irritation in the same way it addresses bacterial infections, making the use of erythromycin more specifically targeted towards treating infections and acne.