Taking doxycycline for acne can be an effective way of eliminating or reducing breakouts, but like all antibiotics, it can have some undesirable side effects. As a general rule, health care professionals will suggest over-the-counter and topical treatments for acne before prescribing oral antibiotics. This is because doxycycline, like all antibiotics, carries with it the risk of certain side effects, including yeast infections in women, digestive problems, and, like many antibiotics, an increased resistance to some bacteria, making it harder to treat any future bacterial infections a patient might develop.
If a patient suffers from acne breakouts that do not respond well to over-the-counter treatments, a doctor may prescribe acne medication. Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic that can reduce skin inflammation and pimples and can be very effective in treating stubborn acne. Its main advantage is its efficacy and the fact that it can sometimes clear up breakouts even when prescribed at low doses.
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Doxycycline may cause side effects that are commonly associated with other antibiotics. These include nausea, yeast infections, as well as sensitivity to the sun. It’s a good idea to apply extra sun protections while taking doxycycline for acne, as there is the potential for developing a rash as a result of sun exposure. Sunscreen can help, as can physically blocking the sun with clothing, hats, and portable shelters. When offered the option of taking doxycycline, patients should speak with their doctors about the possibility that they could develop strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which could have significant health consequences down the road.
Women of childbearing age should be particularly cautious about taking doxycycline for acne, and if a woman believes that she might be pregnant, she should speak to her doctor about her concerns.. This is because doxycycline may cause birth defects if consumed by a pregnant woman. Making matters worse, the drug can also interfere with the efficacy of contraceptive pills, so women who use doxycycline for acne as well as oral contraceptives should use a backup method of birth control during and for at least seven days after their course of doxycycline treatment. It is also a good idea to speak to one’s doctor about the possibility for interaction between antibiotics and contraceptive pills, as a doctor may modify his prescription of the drug or provide additional instructions for its use.

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