What is Oracea?
Oracea is an oral antibiotic capsule that contains a low 40mg dose of doxycycline. It’s used for rosacea, but is also prescribed off-label to treat inflammatory skin conditions, like perioral dermatitis, a rash that causes red bumps and irritation around your mouth, nose or eyes. (‘Off-label’ simply means that the medicine isn’t licensed to treat that condition, but can be prescribed for it by a doctor if they think it will be safe and effective to do so.)
Oracea doesn’t target bacteria directly, as perioral dermatitis is typically not caused by bacteria, unlike some other skin conditions. Instead, it helps to calm inflammation in your skin, which can make it effective as a long-term treatment.[1]
How does Oracea work for perioral dermatitis?
Oracea works by reducing inflammation in your skin. Perioral dermatitis often develops after prolonged use of topical steroids on your face, or from irritants like harsh skincare products.[2]
Doxycycline – the active ingredient of Oracea – targets your immune system’s overreaction, which helps to lower levels of inflammatory enzymes and cytokines – which are responsible for redness and swelling. This also can help to prevent future flare-ups and reduce the risk of scarring.[3]
Will I get side effects using Oracea?
Oracea can cause some side effects like all medications, but that doesn’t mean that everyone will experience them. The most common include:
- sore nose and throat,
- stomach upset,
- diarrhea,
- nausea and vomiting,
- sun sensitivity,
- and darkened skin or nails.
If you experience any signs of allergic reaction or skin reaction, like hives, a rash, or pain in your skin, stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately.
What doses of Oracea are there?
Oracea comes as a 40mg capsule, taken once a day. It’s a low dose of doxycycline, and is specifically used for inflammatory skin conditions.
Treated trusted source:
- Del, J.Q. (2011). Management of Papulopustular Rosacea and Perioral Dermatitis with Emphasis on Iatrogenic Causation or Exacerbation of Inflammatory Facial Dermatoses: Use of Doxycycline-modified Release 40mg Capsule Once Daily in Combination with Properly Selected Skin Care as an Effective Therapeutic Approach. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 4(8), p.20.
- Tolaymat, L., Syed, H.A. and Hall, M.R. (2020). Perioral Dermatitis. In: StatPearls Treasure Island (FL).
- Kim, Y.-S. and Kim, H.S. (2024). Tetracyclines revisited: tetracyclines in the field of dermatology. Dermatology, 250(5-6), pp.1–22.
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