One of the worst things about having rosacea is that, in at least 50-60% of sufferers, it affects your eyes. Known as ocular rosacea, the symptoms of this condition can vary significantly and include:

• a persistent burning and gritty feeling
• bloodshot and water eyes
• blurred vision
• swollen and inflamed eyelids
• crusty and flaky skin
• dryness and sensitivity to light

In the worst case scenario there is a risk of bacterial infection which can affect the cornea with the possibility of vision loss. As there are potentially serious consquences, this condition requires immediate treatment.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of doxycycline, an antibiotic which is frequently used to treat moderate to severe rosacea and ocular diseases.

Doxycycline comes from the tetracycline antibiotic group. Studies have reported a significant improvement in symptoms when using doxycycline to treat ocular rosacea. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be effective in treating facial redness.

Exactly how is doxycycline so effective? The precise cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is thought there is a link between the helicobacter pylori bacteria and rosacea. There is also evidence that bacteria found in demodex mites (tiny parasitic mites found near hair follicles) cause rosacea. It's for this reason that oral antibiotics are recommended. Doxycycline decreases the bacteria's ability to make protein, which they need to live. It is used to treat bacterial infections suh as acne, STDs, gum disease as well as rosacea. Even though tetracycline, another commonly prescribed antibiotics, alleviates symptoms of ocular rosacea more quickly, many patients prefer using doxycycline because it causes fewer digestive upsets.

Even though doxycycline is the preferred treatment for ocular rosacea, there are recorded side effects. Some of the common side affects are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, indigestion, unexplained rashes and difficulty in swallowing. Even more serious side effects include stomach cramps, bloody stools, water diarrhea, blurred vision, joint pain, headaches and fever. It's important to consult your doctor if you are having any of these side effects.

Another side effect of taking any antibiotic is that it can cause a disruption of intestinal flora which may result in an overgrowth of yeast causing candida. The symptoms of candida include migraines, foggy brain, achey muscles, thrush and cystitis. You may want to think about taking a probiotic during and after a course of antibiotics to balance intestinal flora.

Pregnant women shouldn't take doxycycline because of the risk to unborn babies. If you're taking oral contraceptives, it's important to note that doxycycline can render them less effective. So, you should think about taking other forms of contraception. Also, make sure you don’t take doxycline after the date of expiry because there is the possibility that it can cause kidney damage.

Taking all the pros and cons into consideration and given the possible seriousness of ocular rosacea, doxycycline appears to be a safe and effective treatment option.

To know more about treating ocular rosacea and about rosacea symptoms, check out my Clear Skin Guide website.