Doxycycline
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Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic that works by fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation. It should...

Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic that works by fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation. It should be used only short term (max. 3 months).

It is usually prescribed at a dose of 50 to 100 mg once or twice per day.

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3.4
1460
5
20.4%
4
35.1%
3
21.8%
2
12.1%
1
10.5%

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January 3, 2008

Pros:

Hopefully it's improving my skin, hard to remember what I looked like before!

Cons:

Makes you vomit on an empty stomach, can't go in the sun

I've been back and forth on this medication for years (alternating with Monocycline in the summer) and I still get embarrassing breakouts. It's probably worth a try-- I think when I was put on doxycycline in middle school and high school it improved me a little. Then I went on accutane, was completely clear, and two years later I went back to the same 'ol acne. Due to the high side effects, my doctors never wanted me to go back on accutane, so I am 'stuck' on these lesser effective medications. I would say that it DOES improve acne, but definitely does not clear you up.
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December 25, 2007

Pros:

clears skin after a while.

Cons:

bad nausea. i had vomiting after taking this pill when i hadnt had a big breakfast. anyone who takes this have it with a big breakfast (should be balanced and plentiful). also you get a BAD SUNBURN. very red, peeling, painful skin even with sunblock

give it a chance. it works best for moderate acne if you use it with a mild retinoid and a fairly strong (5 or 10%) benzoyl peroxide (i recommend clean & clear persa-gel). just be patient, in the morning EAT BREAKFAST, and WEAR SUNSCREEN. also, if you are like me and have very bad nausea side effects when taking this pill, i recommend the tablets (little and orange) more than the capsules (bright blue ones). the tablets wont upset your stomach as much. so... just be very conscious of the amount of time you spend in the sun (seriously - i play field hockey and had a game on a chilly november morning - on this pill and got bad burn), and be sure to eat a big breakfast. i found that if you take the pill AFTER there is food in your body, it is better. i have been on this pill for 6 months now and a few weeks ago my derm told me i can cut it to once a day instead of twice because my skin was so much better. so that proves that if you stick with it, it really will make a difference
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December 2, 2007

Pros:

The blue colored pills.

Cons:

My acne didnt improve at all.

About 5 years ago I went to Thailand and was prescribed doxycycline for malaria and my doctor mentioned it can be used for acne and it really cleared up my minor acne. A little over a month ago my derm prescribed doxy and I was positive it would clear up my acne but unfortunately it did not. Doxy actually didnt do anything for me. However, I really like the vibrant blue pills and it is used to treat a lot of things such as syphilis and chlamydia so thats always good. Initially I was a little unsure about doxy because my derm told me to make sure and eat when I take it because it can make you sick and to not take it before bed because it can burn a hole in your esophagus. The only side effect is my skin is super sensitive to sunlight.
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

Makes your skin feel really soft. Stopped deep, painful acne.

Cons:

Didn't clear up acne. Makes throat feel sore and tight. Upset stomach if no food in system.

I'm 22 and have had cystic acne pretty bad for the last year. I was told by my doctor that I should notice full results in 2 months. Well, it's been 2 months, and I guess it's a little better but not much. It seems that the pimples aren't as deep, but the ones I already have are not going anywhere. You're not supposed to eat with it as having calcium in your system will mess with the absorption, but you get a really queasy stomach if you don't have food in your system. It always made my throat feel slightly sore, and then as if I had a lump in it. Turns out that's a common system. Switched my BC to Yaz a week ago and it's clearing everything up.
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November 1, 2007

Pros:

Doxy has worked pretty well for me, I would say about 90% of my acne has gone, and some weeks I have had a totally clear face and my skin never looked better.

Cons:

Ive not had any bad effects people talk about like stomach aches, but ive never been stupid enough to take it without food or lots of water, why? because the label tells you not to do that.

Doxy has given me a huge confidence boost, my skin has never been so clear, but my question is will it last? im not entirely confident im seeing small signs after 3 months of it getting slighty worse, but only very slighty I just wonder were I will be at with it another 3 months down the line. So eat before you take it and throw a good amount of water down your neck and you wont have any problems.
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October 30, 2007

Pros:

ummm it seemed to be working a little

Cons:

It make you REALLY SICK. if taken on an empty stomache.

i took it and thought well i will eat after i take this... so i added a littke bit of food after i took it and bam! everything came up..it was scary. I hate throwing up. I think iam gona go back to minocycline. Doxy has too many restrictions! minocycline you can just take it and be done...Doxy... you will prob get sick as ever! Next time i will listen when they say "don't take on empty stomache" just did not work for me.
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September 26, 2007

Pros:

None so far have been on this tablet for 2 days. I will write another review if I notice change but acne has remained the same.

Cons:

Itchy back & gential area- feels like a constant needle is in my back (Scratchy feeling)

Specs of light in my vision, & Sick feeling in stomach- I can see specs of light as well as having my 'normal eyesight'

Have yet to see results
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September 22, 2007

Pros:

Starts quickly

Cons:

Disgustingly dry skin, your spots come back as soon as you come off it.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. I was on it for 2 weeks and came off it cos the side effects were crap. And now, my acne is about 5 times as bad as it was before, now it's probably severe rather than mild. Why go on this if you know that in the long-term, you'll be back to square one?
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September 1, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

I have taken this product for 12 weeks and it has not cleared up my acne. Makes me sick if I don't take it with food.

Will ask for something else. Doesn't work for me.
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August 10, 2007

Pros:

Easy to take
With Doryx you can take both pills for the day at the same time.
Cleared me up halfway

Cons:

Hurts your stomach and you CANNOT go in the sun without getting sunburned.

Use it but be wary of its side effects...I probably am going on accutane if mino doesn't work and I tried it for 4 months
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The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website