Doxycycline is a common oral antibiotic used for skin infections and abscesses, especially when doctors want to cover MRSA, a type of staph bacteria that is harder to treat because it’s resistant to many antibiotics. Doxycycline helps stop the bacteria from growing and reduces infection and inflammation. Still, the main and most important treatment for an abscess is incision and drainage (I&D), and antibiotics are added only when there is redness spreading, fever, or higher-risk conditions. It’s usually taken twice a day and is generally well-tolerated, though it can cause stomach upset and increased sun sensitivity.