I have used low-dose doxycycline in the past for rosacea --- as periostat, a periodontal antibiotic --- used off label. It worked well, but as all of you have pointed out, antibiotics have side effects.
I'd recommend that each of you find a good holistic doctor and a good dermatologist. I have my rosacea under control via the following combination: Food avoidance, particularly soy, peanuts, and nuts, but also yeasty things, most wines, and moldy cheeses. I'm allergic to soy, peanuts, and nuts; rosacea and facial redness are among my symptoms when I eat them. Oral vitamin B2 and B5. And a B5 cream. (B2 is known as riboflavin, and B5 is panthenol or panthothenic acid.) Rosacea laser treatments. Finacea. And a gentle unscented facial cleanser. I use Free and Clear right now. I don't use the finacea and the B5 cream at the same time. They're each too strong to use together (or perhaps they interact with each other).
Good luck to each of you. Rosacea is extremely frustrating, particularly if you have bumps, crustiness, or burning, but even if it's just serious flushing, because it affects how others see us and can affect how we feel about ourselves.[/QUOTe I just read many of the replies on the board, and after such horror stories, I think your answer makes the most sense. So instead of starting the Oracea I think I'll try avoiding the foods (peanuts make me so red too -especially my neck), check out the vitamins, and sadly, very saldy, give up wine and alcohol for a while, and up my fatty fish intake. Thanks for your post. Guess I'll have to look into the laser treatments too - they don't make it worse do they? I've heard it's a bit painful. Thanks again.