How Long to Take Doxycycline for Acne
Doxycycline is an antibiotic medication used to kill bacteria. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. You can find the common brand names for Doxycycline at your local pharmacy.
Doxycycline treats Acne by eradicating the bacteria on the skin so they can’t cause inflammation. This then improves Acne by lowering inflammation in the skin. Doxycycline treats mild to severe inflammatory Acne, especially if Acne isn’t getting better with other treatments.
How long does it take Doxycycline to start working for Acne?
Like other treatments (especially for Acne), Doxycycline takes time to work. Your Acne might start improving within two weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks (3 months) to see the full benefit of the treatment.
The effect of Doxycycline will be seen when the Acne on your skin steadily reduces until it is completely eradicated. Some treatments make you look worse before you get better, but Doxycycline does not, so if you seem to be getting worse, it is best to consult your doctor.
How Long to Take Doxycycline for Acne
You should take an antibiotic, in this case, Doxycycline, for the shortest time possible. When including an antibiotic in your acne treatment plan, your dermatologist will prescribe it immediately. Acne takes time to treat, and this usually means three to four months of taking Doxycycline once or twice daily.
The most extended prescribed period to take Doxycycline is three months, as anything more than this may lead to resistance to Doxycycline (the drug ceases to be effective). However, this is all up to your dermatologist, as some people may need Doxycycline for extended periods to control their Acne.
It is important to note that Doxycycline is prescribed alongside other drugs, especially topical drugs like retinoid creams and gels. While Doxycycline battles Acne internally, other treatments battle it on a surface (skin) level to ensure a fast resolution to your problem and prevent antibiotic resistance and possibly a future reoccurrence.
Your healthcare provider will take you off Doxycycline once your skin has improved. You’ll then stay on topical treatments long-term to keep breakouts away.
Pregnant women and children under the age of 8 should avoid Doxycycline, as it could affect growth and cause a permanent yellowing of the teeth in the foetus and the children. People allergic to tetracycline should also prevent it, as Doxycycline is under the tetracycline class of antibiotics.
Finally, always wear sunscreen and reapply it often whenever you’re spending time outside to help keep your skin healthy and protect you from skin cancer.
