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Managing Acne with Doxycycline and Addressing Side Effects: Insights and Strategies

Explore user experiences with doxycycline for acne treatment, including concerns about photosensitivity and eye strain. Discover strategies like probiotics, lutein, omega-3s, and protective measures to support health during and after treatment. Gain insights on effective skincare and supplement options.


  • 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)

  • It sounds like you're taking doxycycline to manage your acne and you've experienced some side effects such as photosensitivity and eye strain. While I can't provide medical advice, I can suggest several supplements and strategies that might help support your body during and after your doxycycline treatment.

    1. Probiotics: Antibiotics like doxycycline can disrupt your gut microbiota, which may indirectly affect your skin health as well. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and can be beneficial in restoring gut health during and after antibiotic treatment. This might help reduce any gastrointestinal side effects and support overall health1.

    2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These are carotenoids found in the retina that are often recommended for eye health. They can help manage eye strain and protect against blue light damage, which could potentially support your eyes if you're experiencing strained vision2.

    3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that could help with inflammation, both in terms of acne and general body inflammation3.

    4. Vitamin E and C: Both vitamins are antioxidants that protect skin from oxidative stress and could help manage skin health during periods of increased photosensitivity4.

    5. Sunscreen: As you noted, doxycycline increases photosensitivity. Continue using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    6. Hydration: Maintaining adequate hydration is critical when on antibiotics, as you've been doing. This helps with overall skin health and minimizes some side effects like eye dryness.

    It's important to discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider, especially to rule out interactions with your existing medication. Also, regarding your concern about eye strain or blurriness, these symptoms often subside after the cessation of doxycycline, but if they persist, it would be prudent to consult with an ophthalmologist.

    If you want more specific product recommendations for any of the supplements mentioned, let me know, and I can help find suitable options.

    Footnotes

    1. Martin H Floch, "Probiotics and Prebiotics," NCBI, 2014.

    2. John T. Landrum and Richard A. Bone, "Lutein, zeaxanthin, and the macular pigment," Ophthalmology Clinics of North America, 2003.

    3. Philip C Calder, "Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes," Nutrition, 2006.

    4. Philippe Humbert, "Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin," PubMed Central, 2003.

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