Guidance and Supplement Advice for Doxycycline-Induced Acne Treatment
In this chat, a user seeks advice on managing doxycycline side effects for acne, focusing on eye strain and photosensitivity. The assistant suggests supplements like lutein, antioxidants, probiotics, and omega-3s, and provides general health tips while stressing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals.
looking for some advice with doxycycline
i've been struggling with acne and inflammation on my face for a while, so i got put on 200mg of doxy for 2 weeks, and then 100mg for another week. so far it's working really well and idk what will happen when i quit it, but i'd prefer not to take it long term
i'm 2 weeks in, i take it with food and stay hydrated. my recent bloodwork was great and probably the only side-effect i'm having is more strain on my eyes (i already have high-ish myopia). but now with a week left, i'd like to look into some damage control and read up on others' experiences. does the blurrier (than usual) vision go away after stopping treatment? what would you advise me in general?
lots of doctors here are pretty expensive, unavailable, dismissive and they often disagree with eachother. so getting to know what works for my body, knowing the risks and not jumping straight into things helps a lot. for one, it threw me off that my derm didn't tell me doxy makes you photosensitive. even with sunscreen, my skin instantly burns if under direct sunlight (so - that's my 2nd side effect along with the eye strain)
I understand your concerns about taking doxycycline and the side effects you're experiencing. While I can't provide medical advice, I can suggest some supplements and general considerations that might be helpful to support your overall health while using antibiotics such as doxycycline. For specific medical concerns, it's important to consult a healthcare professional, even though it might be challenging to find one who fits your needs.
Supporting Eye Health
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These are antioxidants that are known to support eye health and might help with eye strain. They are found naturally in leafy greens and may be taken as supplements.
Managing Photosensitivity
- Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that can help mitigate skin damage caused by sun exposure. They can be found in dietary sources or taken as supplements.
General Skin and Gut Health
- Probiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt gut flora, which can affect your overall health, including skin health. Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome balance1.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil supplements, these have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with skin health2.
Other Considerations
- Hydration: Continue staying well-hydrated as it is crucial for both skin health and mitigating some side effects of medication.
- Balanced Diet: Ensure you're consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support overall health and skin condition.
Regarding eye strain, it might reduce after you stop taking doxycycline, but it's important to monitor your symptoms and consult an eye care professional if the issue persists. Additionally, managing sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and finding shade can help with photosensitivity.
Always make sure to discuss any new supplements with a healthcare provider before starting them, especially when you're on medication.
Footnotes
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Martin H Floch, "Probiotics and Prebiotics," NCBI, 2014. ↩
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Gabriel B. Foster, "Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Reducing Acne Vulgaris: A Meta-Analysis," Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021. ↩