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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Recurrent Acne Be Treated?

I am on doxycline for acne. It has been working great. my doctor told me I should start taking half the amount. but the acne comes back. I tried this a couple of times over the past few months. It comes back every time so I go back to the original amount. Now, however, I have been back to the full amount for about two weeks and the acne comes back. I want to know if it will work again for me, or if it loses it effectiveness
Mon, 26 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi there

Although antibiotics like doxycycline do work in the treatment of acne, using the same antibiotic for more than 3 months at a time on its own will lead to bacterial resistance and will therefore become ineffective.

I would suggest the following:
Cleanse and tone your skin with a mild frangrance and alcohol free solution such a cetaphil.

Use a course of bactrim ( sulphur based antibiotic) for two weeks, if not allergic. I suggest this because you have already taken doxycycline. If you are allergic to Bactrim, try tetralysal 150mg twice a day for up to 3 months and then stop.

You need to also use a topical retinoid such as epiduo.

I also suggest you try washing your face with benzoyl peroxide ( benzac), this will reduce the oil build up. Some people do react to this by breaking out so do a test patch first.

Another option to consider is trying a topical antibiotic with zinc, it's a good option if your acne is mild e.g. zinc and erythromycin ( zineryt).

Do drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet, low in sugar.

Hope this helps.
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How Can Recurrent Acne Be Treated?

Hi there Although antibiotics like doxycycline do work in the treatment of acne, using the same antibiotic for more than 3 months at a time on its own will lead to bacterial resistance and will therefore become ineffective. I would suggest the following: Cleanse and tone your skin with a mild frangrance and alcohol free solution such a cetaphil. Use a course of bactrim ( sulphur based antibiotic) for two weeks, if not allergic. I suggest this because you have already taken doxycycline. If you are allergic to Bactrim, try tetralysal 150mg twice a day for up to 3 months and then stop. You need to also use a topical retinoid such as epiduo. I also suggest you try washing your face with benzoyl peroxide ( benzac), this will reduce the oil build up. Some people do react to this by breaking out so do a test patch first. Another option to consider is trying a topical antibiotic with zinc, it s a good option if your acne is mild e.g. zinc and erythromycin ( zineryt). Do drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet, low in sugar. Hope this helps.