How Does Doxycycline Work For Acne?

Dealing with acne is a constant struggle. It needs more than just serums, lotions, and generic topical treatments. Conditions like rosacea, acute acne, and other severe skin problems need stronger medications. Most often than not, it comes down to antibiotics. Doxycycline is one such drug that has gained popularity for treating acne. What is doxycycline? How does it help battle acne? Are there any possible side effects? It’s time to find out all of that. Read on.

Table Of Contents

• What Is Doxycycline?
• How Doxycycline Works For Acne
• How To Use Doxycycline For Acne
• Who Should Not Take Doxycycline
• Possible Side Effects Of Doxycycline
• Things To Keep In Mind

What Is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline group of antibiotics (1). It works only on bacteria and not viruses. It is used to treat bacterial infections like skin infections, eye infections, pneumonia, UTI, Lyme disease, etc. (2). All this explains how the drug has come to be a part of acne medication. Let’s understand how it works for acne.

Back To TOC

How Doxycycline Works For Acne

Doxycycline is prescribed to cure acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments. It controls the bacteria that cause breakouts, clears the pores, and prevents the infection from spreading. Acne is not contagious, but antibiotics like doxycycline can help clear acne by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) present on your skin.

The antibiotic works on reducing the redness and inflammation caused due to acne vulgaris and other acute forms, including rosacea. But remember, it is not a spot treatment for clearing blackheads, whiteheads, or breakouts.

Back To TOC

Great! Is there a specific way to use it for acne?

How To Use Doxycycline For Acne

Shutterstock

• Follow your dermatologist’s instructions.
• If you are on other medication, talk to your physician to adjust your dosage accordingly.
• Doxycycline cannot be purchased over the counter. It needs a prescription.
• It is always short-term and should be used for the period recommended by your doctor. Extend its use only if your doctor suggests you do.
• It does not stop the formation of the comedo or the oil plug in the pore and needs to be followed up with topical applications.
• Use retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or other serums that work on clearing your pores from the outside while the drug works from within.

Can everyone take doxycycline or is it contraindicated for certain people? Find out in the next section.

Back To TOC

Who Should Not Take Doxycycline

• Do not give it to children below 12.
• If you are breastfeeding, avoid doxycycline.
• If you are on birth control pills, talk to your doctor because doxycycline might interfere with the pill and lose its efficacy.
• If you have any known reactions to tetracyclines or other antibiotics, do not take doxycycline without testing or getting approval.

Seems like a promising treatment for acne. But, are there any side effects?

Back To TOC

Possible Side Effects Of Doxycycline

Shutterstock

1. Doxycycline can be a little strong on your tummy, especially if you have a sensitive gut. You might experience diarrhea or frequent stool sensation initially, so do not take it on an empty stomach.

2. It can cause some serious heartburn and acid reflux. If you have a history of acidity or other related issues, talk to a physician. It will take a while before your body gets used to the drug.

3. Topical application of doxycycline makes you susceptible to sunburns, tan, and UV rays. It exposes you to photosensitivity.

4. In the initial stages, it causes nausea and vomiting or even notice a loss of appetite for some people.

5. In very rare cases people might experience breathing problems, swollen lips, or break into hives or rashes.

Before you use doxycycline, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Back To TOC

Things To Keep In Mind

• If you are taking doxycycline orally, do not forget to apply sunscreen. Use it consistently before you see results.
• If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, talk to your OB/GYN or physician before you start using it.
• Take a glass full of water before and after taking the pill.
• Do not self prescribe the dosage or decide to take it without a physician’s guidance.
• Also, do not stop taking the medication because you see the results. Finish your course.

Doxycycline works from within, and remember, it takes a while to clear from inside out. It does not promise instant results like powerful topical applications. Hang in there and let it work organically. Do you have any questions on this? Leave a message in the comments section below.

Back To TOC

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

1. How long does doxycycline take to work on acne?

It is not a spot fix for acne, and it will be a while before you start seeing results. It will take a minimum of 3 to 8 weeks before you see any real improvement.

2. What is the best time to take doxycycline for acne?

Take doxycycline as prescribed by your doctor. The usual prescription is about 2 per day, spaced out between meals. Take it one hour before a meal or two hours after.

References

1. “Tetracycline Antibiotics: Mode of Action…”, Microbiology And Molecular Biology Reviews, US National Library Of Medicine.
2. “Doxycycline…“, Medline Plus, US National Library Of Medicine.

The post How Does Doxycycline Work For Acne? appeared first on STYLECRAZE.