What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It’s used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including skin conditions like folliculitis.
It’s commonly used in dermatology because it targets bacteria while helping to calm the immune system, which helps to reduce redness and swelling. Because of this, it can be prescribed when topical treatments haven’t worked or when folliculitis is widespread, painful, or recurring.[1]
How does Doxycycline work for folliculitis?
Doxycycline works for folliculitis in two ways. Firstly, it makes it difficult for bacteria to multiply, which helps to stop the growth of bacteria that could be causing the infection.
At the same time, it reduces the amount of key inflammatory chemicals in your body, even at low doses.[2][3] These anti-inflammatory properties help with pain, swelling, and skin irritation, even if bacteria isn’t the main cause.
Will I get side effects using Doxycycline?
Like all medications, some side effects can happen, but they won’t necessarily happen to everyone. The most common are nausea, diarrhea, and feeling tired.
Doxycycline can also irritate your throat and stomach if it’s taken right before bed, or without water.
It can also make your skin very sensitive to the sun.
If you feel very tired or unwell while taking it, or if you have a rash, stomach pain or problems with vision, stop taking it and contact a doctor.
What doses of Doxycycline are there?
Doxycycline is available in several strengths, usually as 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, or 150mg capsules or tablets. For folliculitis, the most common dose is 100mg once or twice a day.
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