People with darker skin tones and rosacea may present with brown or violet tones and yellowish-brown, hard bumps.
Some people have found success usingdoxycyclinefor rosacea.
Doxycycline is atetracyclineantibiotic commonly prescribed for moderate to severe rosacea.Brand names include Vibramycin, Oracea, and Doryx.
Yuliya Shauerman / Getty Images
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one brand of doxycycline product, calledOracea, forrosacea.
It is the only systemic (body-wide) treatment the FDA approved for this use.
Low-dose doxycycline does not cause antibiotic resistance.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
How Much Doxycycline Will I Need?
The dose of doxycycline you will take for rosacea depends on whether you’re taking traditional or modified-release forms.
How Effective is Doxycycline for Rosacea?
Four subtypes of rosacea exist and are based on symptoms.Doxycycline is effective for the pop in known aspapulopustular.
This form of rosacea is often mistaken for acne and involves bumps that can be papules or pustules.
Doxycycline also reduced flushing by 50% in this study.
However, a larger review of data concluded that low doses of doxycycline are unlikely to improve flushing.
It also works to lengthen the time between flares (relapses).
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
How Quickly Does Doxycycline Work for Rosacea?
It can take weeks or months for doxycycline to work for rosacea.
In one study, over half the people surveyed reported that Oracea started to work in two weeks.
What Are the Major Side Effects of Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is associated with side effects that affect the digestive tract and the skin.
It’s important to know that rosacea is a chronic condition with no cure.
Treatments aim to keep symptoms at bay and prevent flare-ups.
Lasers
Another alternative treatment for rosacea islasers.
You may need up to three treatments to see an effect.
Consider limiting foods that trigger rosacea and adding anti-inflammatory foods to your meals.
Supplements
Some people usesupplementsfor rosacea.
Remember that there is only minimal evidence to support using these or other supplements for rosacea.
If you decide to go this route, discuss it with a registered dietitian or pharmacist for best results.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Summary
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat moderate to severe rosacea.
It is most effective for lesions on the face.
Doxycycline can improve these skin lesions in a few weeks to months.
At high doses, doxycycline is associated with gastrointestinal side effects and skin reactions, including sensitivity to sunlight.
Lower doses of doxycycline, including the brand-name product Oracea, reduce the likelihood of these side effects.
Do not use doxycycline if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
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Published 2024 May 2. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-02895-4
