How effective is tetracycline for Rosacea?

tetracycline is an antibiotic that can be prescribed to treat some types of rosacea, a condition that causes redness, irritation and swelling of the face. In general, it is effective in reducing inflammation after one to two months, but generally does not reduce redness and is not therapeutic. Doxycycline is a tetracycline derivative most often prescribed for Rosacea.

There are four Rosacea subtypes that may gradually deteriorate if they are not treated. Subtyp 1 causes redness that may resemble sleep burns, but no inflammation. Subtype 2 causes swelling and pustules similar to acne on the face. Subtypes 3 and 4 cause a serious swelling of the nose and finally eye irritation. The use of tetracycline for rosacea is often effective in reducing swelling and pustules similar to acne subtype 2, but does not cure the symptoms of other subtypes.

The use of tetracycline for rosacea works primarily by direct reduction of inflammation rather than killing bacteria. Unlike acne density, which can also be treated with tetracycline, pustules caused by pinkThey generally do not contain bacteria. However, tetracycline reduces swelling by maintaining small blood vessels in the face and reducing the skin sensitivity.

The course of tetracycline for Rosacea usually begins with a dosage of about 100 milligrams twice a day. If this treatment causes significant improvement after one or two months, the dose may be reduced to a single daily tablet by extending 40 milligrams. This dose is known as an anti-inflammatory dose or sub-antimicrobial dose because it is not enough to kill bacteria, but is usually effective in maintaining inflammation at bay. Alternatively, as soon as inflammation is under control, the doctor may prescribe a local antibiotic that is applied directly to the skin.

Anti -inflammatory dose or local antibiotics is preferred when Possible because patients on lower dose of tetracycline for rosacea are less likely to have side effects such as diarrhea or world sensitivityLO than in patients at a higher dose. In addition, the prevalence of tetracycline and tetracycline derivatives for the treatment of bacterial infections has led to some tribes of bacteria resistant to these drugs. Reducing the number of patients on these drugs in the population helps drugs to remain effective longer.