It's good that you found Laureen's topic about Herxheimer reactions. If you search other similar topics pertaining to Herxing, you will find even more answers. The search function is located in very small letters up at the top of the page, right below where it says "Post Reply". Likewise, if you do a search about doxycycline, you will find even more information that way, also.

PS - I'm editing to add that you will find more on both of these two topics in the Medical Forum than you will here in the Forum for General Support.

Sun sensitivity is a big issue, especially in CA in the summer. As you've noticed, sunscreen is not enough.

Everybody I know wears gloves, longsleeves, hats, and heavy duty sunglasses. Cotton gardening gloves can work. I found that the longer I was on doxy, the more sensitive I became. I had to wear the gloves even when driving short distances. You can get burned through the closed windows.

Pay especial attention to hands, ears, nape of the neck. I know you're a guy, but I kept a big scarf in the car to cover any area the sun was shining on.

Also, make sure you protect your eyes. Good quality sunglasses are a must!

As to the eating issues. Doxy is notorious for causing nausea. Are you eating it with a good sized meal? No dairy, but a good amount of protein and some carbs can help. I would eat half my meal, take the doxy, then eat the rest of the meal.

What problems are you referring to about spacing food? You SHOULD take doxy with food, unlike tetracycline. Is it just the dairy issue?

You are right, no lying down for an hour after taking doxy, or you can burn the esophagus.

Are you also taking probiotics, like acidophilus and bifidus? These are very important to keep the digestive tract in shape.

Antibiotics kill off the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract, which need to be rep[laced. Take a couple of good quality probiotic capsules two hours after taking the doxy.

I am aware the dairy is not to be taken with it. Last night I had a lot of yougurt and probiotics 2 1/2 hrs. after the doxy and feel great this morning! And the backache let me sleep.

Discovered I have a yeast infection. Something else deal with now. Not sure what do about it.

You may want to try a sunscreen that is Austrialian Standard. Their standards are much more strict that the US.

If it is just oral, or in the Gi tract, your doctor could prescribe nystatin. If it is more systemic, they might use Diflucan. Ask your doctor, you don't want that to get out of control.

Yeast is why you want to take probiotics. It's possible that taking the probiotics will help if the yeast is not bad. But check with your doctor to be sure.

Glad to hear that I could help with the food issues. Doxy is no fun on an empty stomach!

Started on a regimen of not being too concerned how close to eating I take the doxy pills. This allows me to pop some probiotics before going to bed at night. And feel great this morning. Thanks.

Be careful, I'd try a little at a time. The backs of my hands got so burned it looks like some weird rash. All parts that were not covered were burned. Sun screen is useless.

Just because you are not sun sensitive(or herxing) on doxy, doesn't mean it's not working. I was on doxy for like 2 years, and in the very beginning I wasn't sun sensitive, but later on , there were periods I was.

It can strike you when you least expect it so be prepared.