Doxycycline

An antibiotic prescribed to fight acne

Doctors prescribe doxycycline and other antibiotics for stubborn or serious cases of acne. Doxycycline kills the bacteria that are responsible for infecting your skin and lead to the redness and swelling of pimples. Antibiotics are most frequently used in cases where over-the-counter acne products aren't having a significant impact on acne.

Why doesn't everyone who has acne take antibiotics? Primarily, because antibiotics can be resisted by bacteria in the body, which can pass on this resistance to other bacteria, potentially creating an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria. Also, doxycycline and other antibiotics are not selective. They kill all bacteria, harmless, helpful or harmful. That's why doctors don't hand out doses of antibiotics.

Advantages of doxycycline

Doxycycline is more gentle on the body than erythromycin or tetracycline. It is therefore prescribed to people who are more sensitive or who have had bad reactions to other antibiotics. Doxycycline should be taken with food -- otherwise, significant nausea may be your reward for skipping a meal.

Unfortunately, doxycycline has an odd side effect. Those who take this antibiotic are very likely to experience extreme solar sensitivity and easily sunburn. Tetracycline has this same side effect, but it is less common for those who take tetracycline.

Is doxycycline right for me?

You can't prescribe doxycycline for yourself. Go to your doctor and ask about antibiotics to treat your acne. Doctors and dermatologists have a wide variety of tools and technologies available to help you get rid of acne.

You should strongly consider implementing an anti-acne skin care regimen into your daily grooming ritual to help keep your skin clean and clear, regardless of antibiotics.

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