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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April 16, 2009

Pros:

clear up skin. No side affects (at least for me)

Cons:

takes a WHILE to work.
Bad inital breakout

I am on my 5th week on Doryx and FINALLY seeing results. I am not 100% clear but definitely clearing up. The 3rd week I broke out SO bad. I was about to call it quits but after reading some of the reviews on Acne.org and talking to my Derm I decided to give it another few weeks. From what I read and what my Derm said it takes time to see the effects of antibiotics and it typically gets worse before better. I think many times we are quick to assume it isn't working if we do not see "instant" results (aka within a week). My suggestion is to give doryx 6 weeks to see an improvement, even if you get worse before you get better. I really believe if you have a horrible initial breakout it means that the antibiotic is working, it is just getting all the crap to the surface. I took accutane a few years back and the same thing happened. I hope my review helps anybody who was in the same position as me a few weeks ago. Upset with the initial break out and questioning whether to continue with tre
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

It works great! I was taking it with my daily regimen and I think it really helped!!

Cons:

It made me sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen.

Works great! I was using Differin at night,Benzaclin in the morning & taking Doxycyclyne once daily. I had great results right away & my face cleared up in 1-2 months. I took the antibiotics for bout 2 months. I am not taking them anymore but I am still using Benzaclin & Differin.
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

90% clearer skin. I used to have bumpy pimples all over my forehead, chin, and back in addition to large red zits. Now my skin is perfectly smooth and I have only a couple small blemishes left.

Cons:

It takes about 6 weeks to see the initial results, and over three months for full results. If I take it in the morning and don't eat breakfast, I will get nausea.

Despite the slow process, this is the only product that has ever gotten rid of my acne. It is absolutely the best thing to treat moderate to severe cases.
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April 9, 2009

Pros:

It gets the job done, if you remember the job of taking it.

Cons:

As with the rest of my doxycycline brethren, I too experienced nausea upon popping the pill without some grub in my stomach.

I suffer from a horrible case of mild acne, that sometimes decides to go cystic on me. The breakouts tend to vary both in location (on my face you silly goose), and time (God only knows when I'll experience the wrath of a breakout). When my doc recommended an antibiotic to battle the bacterium I was skeptical, knowing the side effects of prolonged antibiotic use. I took the chance, and now my friends don't call me leper face anymore. Only down fall to the little pill (I'm taking 100mg 2 times daily) is it wreaks havoc on your stomach if you don't take it down with some ramen and a beer. (P.S. I don't recommend taking antibiotics with ethanol containing beverages.) All in all, for 10 bones, you can have yourself an acne massacre.
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

- I was placed on a 100mg a day plan for my mild acne, and have noticed a big difference with my skin in the first week!
- Affordable
- Little and easy-to-swallow pills

Cons:

- At first i was very lax with the 'take with food rule'...and was rewarded with a very nauseus stomach. Now i take it with food and this is not a problem.

- So far I am happy. The results have been positive so far and it is only in the first week! I shall post again when I have been on it for a bit longer
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April 3, 2009

Pros:

* Cheap
* Helps clear some acne

Cons:

* Long term antibiotic use isn't a good idea
* Decreases effectiveness of birth control pills
* Can cause yeast infections

Taking any type of antibiotic is merely a temporary fix for acne since long-term antibiotic use can seriously mess up your body. And once you stop taking them, your acne will come back. I was having a really bad problem with breakouts and cysts on my chin and took doxy as a last resort. It does take awhile to actually see any improvement. And I will admit it has helped with a large majority of my acne, although I do not have clear skin and still break out. I fear that once I stop taking doxy my acne will return, if it does not become resistant to the antibiotics on it's own. Unfortunately if you are helped by antibiotics many dermatologists will tell you to take them forever and will not pursue other treatment options. I guess they are good to take if you have a really bad acne problem, but only on a temporary basis.
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March 29, 2009

Pros:

After using doryx for a few weeks I have finally noticed a significant improvement! I have a lot of whiteheads (closed comedones) all over my cheeks and forehead and I have seen significant improvement taking this antibiotic!

Cons:

Causes stomach upset.

Patience is key. This product works, it just takes time to get into your system and start working. I have noticed a huge improvement with the amount of whiteheads, about half of them are gone and I've been using Doryx for a month now. Knock on wood, I also have not gotten any cyst like breakouts! On average I was getting 3-4 a week, but now I am getting zero! LIke I said, patience is key...it takes time to work...at least for me it did. I am starting my second month of this antibiotic and I'm hoping it will continue to improve my acne!
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

I've only been on Doxy for 2 weeks but I saw a remarkable improvement in only 5 days. My main gripe was a bunch of small surface pimples on my forehead. Nothing else worked, but Doxy has made them all disappear. Very happy with the effect on my acne.

Cons:

The strict timing of ingesting this med is a hassle. Taken only on an empty stomach, 2 hours after eating and 1 hour before eating makes it challenging but for a clear complexion I will glady do it!

I do get an upset tummy after taking it-not

I've read SO many posts here where people say that take this drug with food. My directions CLEARLY state that this drug must be taken on a completely empty stomach to be effective. I've followed the directions to the letter and take 100mg X2 a day on an empty stomach and have watched my face get better and better with each passing day. I have also read that the results are not permanent for many people - effectiveness sometimes wears off after taking Doxy for a few months. I've only been on it for 2 weeks but even a short reprieve from those pesky pimples is most welcomed. :o)
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March 12, 2009

Pros:

It has helped a lot with my acne i have used it in the past for other cases not necessarily acne.

Cons:

It's really rough on the stomach if not taken with food.

It really helped with my acne, but it wasn't prescribed for it. I have taken it for walking pneumonia for the two times i had it and imagine my surprise when it did clear my acne up. It also helps for walking pneumonia:D
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March 11, 2009

Pros:

Started to work within a week. Noticed I was breaking out less and when I did they were not as big as before.

Cons:

The fact that it is an antibiotic and do not need to use it for an extended period of time. Also makes you sick if not taken with food.

It is a good stepping stone to the next course of treatment for my acne. I am glad that is has worked thus far, however, I am only taking it for 8 weeks. I hope that my derm and I can continue to progress with whatever he describes me next. But it doesn't hurt to try.
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Finding a Doctor

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