A method and composition for topically treating acne and acneiform dermal disorders includes applying an amount of an antibiotic selected from the group consisting of ampicillin, amoxicillin, other aminopenicillins, and cephalosporin, and derivatives and analogs thereof, effective to treat the acne and acneiform dermal disorders. The antibiotic is blended with a carrier suitable for topical application to dermal tissues. The carrier is selected from the group consisting of an aqueous liquid, an alcohol base, a water soluble gel, a lotion, an ointment base, petrolatum, a nonaqueous liquid base, a mineral oil base, a blend of mineral oil and petrolatum, a suspension of solid particles in a liquid, and a suspension of an ion-exchange resin in water.