My daughter is taking Doryx

[karen1228]

My daughter has been suffering with acne for several years, she is 15 and it is getting worse and her self esteem is going down hill.  She has been on many antibiotics which work for a while but stop after a period of time. She has now been on Doryx for about a month and her condition has gotten worse, not better. Is this normal? Most of the posts I have read say they have seen results in 4-5 days. I am at my wits end. The dermatologist is giving her chemical peels also (so far shes only had one). I hate to see my beautiful daughter so upset. Can I assume that this medication is not working for her.

[loiloi]

Hi. Doryx (doxycycline) is an effective antibiotic for acne. Others such as oxytetracycline are often tried first. Even the most effective treatments can take 4-8 weeks to start working. Acne responds slowly to oral antibiotics and it is sensible that her dermatologist has also recommended topical treatment.
It is better to persevere with one treatment for a long time rather than giving up and switching treatments before they've has a chance to work.
Acne often has a hormonal cause and, if your daughter has started her periods, discuss an anti-androgen contraceptive pill with your doctor or dermatologist. The pill most often prescribed for females aged 13-19 with acne is Diane35 (called Dianette in the UK). It blocks the action of androgens (male hormones) in the body to prevent acne and unfeminine hair growth. It also makes periods lighter.
Eloise x