doxyxycline and inital breakout

Should one experience and initial breakout when first using doxy? I've been taking it for a few weeks now and my skin has been getting noticeably worse on a daily basis. I am now concerned that it is actually an allergic reaction to the medication causing the brakouts. Anyone on the board experience this?

thanks
james

[chellybeans]

are you itchy? allergic rashes are typically itchy. it is common to see an initial outbreak with antibiotics. you must realize that acne does not start as a pimple, it is a process that starts below the surface as a plugged sebaceous gland. they must come out at some point. what the doxy can do is prevent them from happeneing again

if you are itchy or burning call the prescribing doctor right away

[selecta]

kudos chellybeans!

I am a bit itchy and warm. I assume if it was an aleergic reaction it would itch like crazy, I'm not experiencing that.  I called the derm yesterdat and advised him of that and he really didn't seem concerned.. He basically said to give the meds sometime to work. Have an appointment this coming up wednesday so I guess we shall see at that time.

So, to understand your explanation? The doxy unplugs the pores initially, purging out the nastiness underneath? I thought only a few topical cremes (differin,finacea, etc..) did that.

thanks
james

[chellybeans]

nope, your getting a more effective form of that same "pruging" with the orals.

one thing to keep in mind, doxy does make you photosensitive so be very careful in the sun. you'll burn much faster!   also wash your face twice a day with a gentle soap. alot of people have a misconception that they need harsh soaps and rough scrubbing for acne, but acne skin is typically sensitive.

we typically gave patients a follow up in 6 weeks so they were beyond this initial stage so we could actually see if they needed something stronger.

it sounds like you are under good care and on the right track.

good luck :)

[selecta]

cool. One last question though. I actually suffer from Rosacea not traditional acne. Would it hurt to stop using anything on my face for a few weeks, no cleanser or moisturizer. I have a suspision that they may be contributing to the problem. Could not cleansing or moisturizing for a short time actually make matters worse?

[chellybeans]

moisturizer is okay, the cleanser, well it depends. is it harsh? medicated? and as for the moisturizer, is it oil free and non comedogenic? in toher words did the doctor recommend them? if so they are probably fine and a good idea.

[selecta]

I'm currently using Dove for sensitive skin bar soap and Lubriderm fragrance free mositurizer. It is non comedogenic but not necesarrily fragrance free. I've used this combo of products for many years now.

Another thing. Do you know anything about topical steroid usage on ones face? I used Elocon and Desonide respectively for a little over a month at a time back in 2006 and I'm worried that is the cause of my ongoing facial problems.

[chellybeans]

it will cause a temporary flare, not long term. look up steroid induced acne. there is almost no mention of topical use unless it is long term. it's just a simple hormonal issue usually.