Doxycycline
Results
Side Effects

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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December 31, 2011

Pros:

- Gradually clears up acne
- reduces redness and pimple size
- very inexpensive
- easy usage

Cons:

- takes a long time to see results
- doesn't completely clear acne
- makes skin sensitive to ultraviolet light

This pill does clear up most acne in time. I have been taking one pill a day for 6 weeks and about half of my acne has been cleared on my face, chest, back, and shoulders. My dermatologist said to wait 3 more weeks before seeing full results. The redness and size of my pimples has decreased as well. It does take a while to see results so you must have patience. Unfortunately I can't use this pill in the summer because of the sun sensitvitey and I am not spending my days hiding under an umbrella. All in all, this pill has work rather well for me but results vary for everyone and therefore if I were you, I'd give this perscripiton a try.
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December 9, 2011

Pros:

-Improved complexion
-Decrease of acne

Cons:

-Chest pain if not enough water is drank
-Stomachache if taken without food

I was prescribed 100mg twice daily of Doxycycline for an infection. At the time I didn't know it was also an alternative use towards acne prevention until I looked in the mirror and noticed a lot of my pimples (that usually took ages to disappear) were gone within 3 days of treatment. There are signs of dry skin, so I apply a moisturizer before bed. Also maintaining a water-diet while on the treatment will also aid in dry skin. A lot has been spoken about stomach problems; I took as many precautionary steps towards preventing it, and one of the key tips is to buy a probiotic (live cultured yogurt or supplements) that have vital bacteria(s)--Bifdobacterium & Lactobacillus. If you're absolutely adamant on pursuing long-term treatment then I press for you to get a probiotic and take alternatively twice a day, 2 hrs before and after. This will replenish your digestion and help prevent diarrhea, stomach upset (which is induced by good bacteria deterioration caused by the antibiotics), and yeast infections. It will also help stabilize your body during the treatment so you don't suffer more serious problems after wards! That said, I'm not a doctor, so please seek advice before taking anything. Also, *eat with food*! If you're vomiting consistently or suffering pain without food, please listen to your body. It's giving you a clear message.
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December 6, 2011

Pros:

clears up skin to an extent

Cons:

cant take pill forever
Breakout after stopping it

Its works pretty good once you're on it, however you cant stay on it forever. Once you get off you you will most likely have breakouts again. The negative side effects outweigh the benefits of any antibiotic
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December 5, 2011

Pros:

No Side Effects
Cheap

Cons:

Takes a while to work

So I've been taking this for a couple days and I haven't really noticed any results yet (my acne is moderately bad) But I havent had any side effects. I take it every night right before I go to bed and I have no nausea or anything
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October 28, 2011

Pros:

Slightly Cleared

Cons:

On and off Breakouts/clearing
Nausea (depends on factors)
Skin rash/spots/burns (read more)

I'm currently on 100MG taking it twice daily. I'm not 100% sure if it's working, but I would rather take this over accutane. You can puke if you don't eat a decent meal with the pill. I like to tan, to try and help my skin out.. But I can hardly do 4 minutes in the bed. I will rash and get white spots on my chest. It's starting to get better the more I do it.
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October 13, 2011

Pros:

Did not get deep pimples for a week or two

Cons:

Started to get more cysts (more than I've ever had on my face at one time) once I took 100mg twice a day
Yeast infection
Nausea if not taken with food

I've been taking 100mg once a day from August 24th to mid-september. But I realized I was actually supposed to be taking 100mg TWICE day, so I've been taking 100mg twice a day for about a month now and my acne is not really getting better now. I'm not going to lose hope but this was about $70.00 in Canada and I really hope it ends up working. The true bottom line is follow what your dermatologist says. I've also been using differin and benzaclin so I'm not sure what's helping/not helping.
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September 26, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up my entire face except for blackheads on my nose.
Nice and simple.
Free (in Europe, if you have health insurance).

Cons:

Worked only once.
Yeast infection.
Prescription needed.
You can't drink alcohol.
Sun issues.

Worth a try but only if your family doctor / GP gives you a prescription.
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September 25, 2011

Pros:

Made redness decrease
Less blackheads
Reduced body acne some

Cons:

Noticeable side effects, like sleep pattern changes and horrible sensitivity to the sun. I am pale to begin with and I had the worst sunburn of my life on my HANDS from one day at an outdoor job. It feels like your skin is on fire whenever you are in the sun. Stomachaches for a solid half hour after taking each pill. Plus there is the fact that I hate taking pills to begin with, and this is a twice a day medication.

I have invested a lot of money into getting rid of acne, and I think this is decent in reducing acne. If you have light acne, it is so not worth it. This reduces my acne but is nowhere near eliminating it, and I take it with a topical treatment as well.
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September 1, 2011

Pros:

Clears up skin, leaving it smooth, soft, and dewy.. beautiful
Cheap with insurance

Cons:

Vomiting if taken on an empty stomach
Tears up esophagus

It literally cleared up my skin in two weeks; my skin wasn't bad to begin with, but it seemed like I always had a couple pimples. I started right before summer, and once or twice I experienced heartburn. Now, I have severe heartburn. My back is sore, and I can barely eat because it hurts so much. I'm on medicine to counter-act it, and now I can finally breathe without feeling squeezed. My doctor was confused at first; he said it sounded like I have GERD, which is bad acid reflux, but that didn't explain my back pain. After blood tests and chest x-rays, he realized that I was taking doxycycline hyclate. Apparently, it is supposed to be taken followed by two tall glasses of water, (which the label fails to mention) otherwise it will lodge in your throat. Since I've been dry swallowing, the medicine has inflamed my esophagus. To top that, I had previously been taking pain medication. Apparently, Tylenol is the only pain med that doesn't cause heart burn. I was taking Aleve, making it even worse. So, at the moment I am not taking my doxycycline. I'm waiting 3 or 4 days (until my GERD-like symptoms are gone) and then resuming it. If drinking two full glasses of water doesn't help, then I will discontinue. Also, my doctor has prescribed me Tylenol (for pain) and two other medicines to fix my esophagus. Wish my derm had warned me about the side effects and how to properly take this antibiotic.
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August 18, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up acne
No new breakouts

Cons:

Stopped working after 6 months

This really did work for the first 6 months but I think my body became immune to it. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it yet, as it might continue to work for you.
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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

Finding a Doctor

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