Oh, and my favorite "light" moisturizer, which is also matte, is the skin balancing moisture gel by Paula's Choice.... it's not emollient enough for really dry skin, though...

 

comfy cat, would you recommend Paula's product? Now that my skin is doing much better, I'd like to find a product just right for my face, nothing too expensive also. I am having trouble finding something and what to use for my skin type. I feel like it needs a fresh start. LOL.

 

P.S. I have a few samples from PC, but I only use the Beta Hydroxy on these frustrating clear, large spots that have been on my face since Jan, including red marks.

 

In general, I like her products... they are well formulated and the correct pH... I use that matte moisturizer and one of her toners. It's also nice that she has samples of everything.

I used her BHA as well, but it never really did enough for me, so now I'm using a stronger exfoliant from my doctor. You can add an AHA (alternating every other day or am/pm with the BHA if your skin can handle it) to help with red marks also....

One thing you stated was "you weren't sure of the exact chemistry that would cause an 'IB' with Spiro, but..." um...not sure what "IB" is? Sorry.

 

By "IB" I meant "initial breakout"

 

DUH! That's pretty obvious ha! LOL.

Thank you "theComfyCat!" I found your answers to be very imformative and useful!! I think I will deal with my acne formation from "multiple angles" and stay on the Spiro 25mg/d and BP for now and just see what happens. One thing you stated was "you weren't sure of the exact chemistry that would cause an 'IB' with Spiro, but..." um...not sure what "IB" is? Sorry.

 

Right now I'm not having any side effects from Spiro, so I think I"ll hold off on starting BCP or see what my Derm says on the 1st. ??? I am also very hesitant about starting BC because of the wt gain issues associated with it. I care almost as much about gaining wt as I do with acne!! Sad I know!

 

Yep my sister is on the 400mg/d and I recently stressed to her-AGAIN-about the importance of getting her electrolytes checked. ie: potassium & sodium. Being a nurse I was well aware in advance of electrolyte imbalances with Spironolactone. So hopefully she keeps her appt to get these checked!! (Thanks for caring! =) )

 

I have tried other acne tx's in the past. ie: tetracycline, clindamycin (oral and topical), Proactive, minocycline, Retin-A, Burt's Bee's acne line, oral rice vinegar, and other "at home remedies," numerous OTC cleansers/bars/ointments/etc..., a few topical herbal products-can't remember names, but things never really worked especially the antibiotics-maybe I didn't give them enough time though? Proactive worked for awhile but stopped. I had acne in my teens (mild, mainly around my cycle times) and mostly clear during my 20's, but now 33 I started getting HORRIFIC acne (types and places I had never had before.) The only things I have tried for the past year have been Mino, Clinda (oral and top), rice vinegar, again the numerous OTC's, and NOW, BP and the Spiro...still waiting for results--PATIENTLY!!!

 

I will check out "Paula's Choice" for a moisturizer. My husband just picked me up the Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. So I'll give these a try first, but keep "your choice" in mind. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

comfycat is great at advice nurse betty, she has helped me alot too.

 

I just wanted to add like you, I also have tried all of the things you mentioned in your post, except a few, but most yes. Also, I am like you on the weight issues with BCP, that's another reason I want off Yasmin. It says it doesn't, but it holds this water like weight over you and I hate it. Plus it makes me ache all over and tired. I would just stick with Spiro for awhile, upping your dosage every month to more and more, to eventually finding a dose you are comfortable with. I'm shooting for 100-175mgs. Anyway, I just wanted to add my 2 cents in. I wish you luck!

 

Thanks greeneyesgirl! Just wonderin how much Spiro your on right now, and for how long have you been taking it?? I know you're on Yasmin, but do you take any other meds or use any medicated topical?? Like I"ve mentioned before I am doing BP and Spiro....for now that is...my Derm appt is in about 10days and I don't know what he'll do??

My face is a complete mess! Not only is there tons of different types of acne, but redness and DRYNESS galore! The dry skin is mainly on the center of my neck--looks and feels exactly like a burn! OUCH! Tried different moisturizers, but they burn the hell out of it. So the last couple days I've been alternating with bacitracin (neosporin) and/or chamomile tea and e.v. olive oil. Which seems to soothe the area. Not sure when it will go away?? I lightly exfolitated that area because there were so many dried flakes. (Looked like I had covered my neck with Elmers glue and let dry--ya know how when it gets on your skin and flakes off??? Well thats my my cute neck looked like.) After washing off my scales, the underlying skin is FLAMING RED and so tender to even turn my head. I know this is from the use of BP so I'm not using it on that part of my neck anymore!

Anyway, so for going on forever...I seem to do that a lot. Lol. But, keep in touch with me and let me know your "current zit status" and what you're doing for it. I'd like to hear more. TTFN.

Hey everyone. I went to my derm last Tuesday after no progress on my previous prescriptions (I have been on doxycycline, oracea, azelaic acid, metrogel as well as all over the counter products). He prescribed Spiro along with Differin. (I'm also on Ortho Tri Cyclen lo for contraception) I've been taking the Spiro since Tuesday and so far not much progress yet (I know it takes time to kick in). I currently have 1 active nodule and 3-4 active papules and that super annoying hyperpigmentation.

 

I am thinking of holding off on Differin until I see progress with Spiro, since I know retinoids typically have a nasty initial breakout (which would make me go insane). Is this a good idea? Has anyone had success with Spiro + retinoids/differin?

 

Other than that, I think that the Spiro will be my lifesaver. I have mild-moderate stubborn hormonal acne on my jawline and cheeks along with some hyperpigmentation. Speaking of hyperpigmentation, does Spiro help in any way? Probably not since it's a melanin issue, not a sebum issue (which Spiro addresses).

 

I'll be posting on here regularly )

Hi Rosacalablaza! Like you, I just started Spiro (last Thurs) as well as BP and havn't seen much progress other than a lot of dryness around some pustules and cysts (I popped them which reslulted in a scab on top of them. YUCK!) I also had a huge breakout about 2 days ago. I have read that an IB is common right after starting Spiro (and BP as well). I guess it's drawing up all the acne that hasn't surfaced yet so your skin can get a "fresh start." I know that acne can lay dormant (sp?) for up to 3 months until it decides to "pop it's head out and say hi."

I haven't tried Differin with Spiro, but if your Dr prescribed both then I would use them. But I'm one for wanting to use to different approaches to acne at the same time, because I know Spiro can take up to a full 6 months before the maximum effectiveness is achieved for acne. You can see results within 1 month, but for the max eff it does take 6 mnths!! Therefore, i definately am not willing to wait that long, so my plan is to increase the Spiro (and still use BP) monthly and when I finally see the results I want, I then will plan to decrease the dose somewhat. So in the meantime my crutch will be BP unless my Derm offers something better for "my type of acne." My appt is in 10 days and I guess I'll see what he says?? But as for you, I would start your Differin. I know that sometimes with treatment, acne can get worse before it gets better. So don't give up if this happens to you. Just go for it and try to "kill" your acne from both sides. IE: retinoids and anti-androgens (Spironolactone)!!!

But...the choice obviously is up to you. Only you know what type of skin you have, and how you'll basically react to certain treatments. So I guess if you don't feel good about it then don't, but if I were you I would definately take my chances with an IB, and know that maybe this is what my skin needs. (Btw, my skin did breakout after the starting of Spiro, but after popping those BIG IN"S my face calmed down some, and I haven't woke up to any new surprises...yet... )

Also, not sure if Spiro helps with the hyperpigmentation, but if you find anything out about it, let me know! I too have that problem!! Geez skin issues SUCK!

Well I will check frequently here and see what's up. So keep me posted. Love to hear more about your progress with "our drug." -lates.

Thank you "theComfyCat!" I found your answers to be very imformative and useful!! I think I will deal with my acne formation from "multiple angles" and stay on the Spiro 25mg/d and BP for now and just see what happens. One thing you stated was "you weren't sure of the exact chemistry that would cause an 'IB' with Spiro, but..." um...not sure what "IB" is? Sorry.

 

Right now I'm not having any side effects from Spiro, so I think I"ll hold off on starting BCP or see what my Derm says on the 1st. ??? I am also very hesitant about starting BC because of the wt gain issues associated with it. I care almost as much about gaining wt as I do with acne!! Sad I know!

 

Yep my sister is on the 400mg/d and I recently stressed to her-AGAIN-about the importance of getting her electrolytes checked. ie: potassium & sodium. Being a nurse I was well aware in advance of electrolyte imbalances with Spironolactone. So hopefully she keeps her appt to get these checked!! (Thanks for caring! =) )

 

I have tried other acne tx's in the past. ie: tetracycline, clindamycin (oral and topical), Proactive, minocycline, Retin-A, Burt's Bee's acne line, oral rice vinegar, and other "at home remedies," numerous OTC cleansers/bars/ointments/etc..., a few topical herbal products-can't remember names, but things never really worked especially the antibiotics-maybe I didn't give them enough time though? Proactive worked for awhile but stopped. I had acne in my teens (mild, mainly around my cycle times) and mostly clear during my 20's, but now 33 I started getting HORRIFIC acne (types and places I had never had before.) The only things I have tried for the past year have been Mino, Clinda (oral and top), rice vinegar, again the numerous OTC's, and NOW, BP and the Spiro...still waiting for results--PATIENTLY!!!

 

I will check out "Paula's Choice" for a moisturizer. My husband just picked me up the Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. So I'll give these a try first, but keep "your choice" in mind. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

comfycat is great at advice nurse betty, she has helped me alot too.

 

I just wanted to add like you, I also have tried all of the things you mentioned in your post, except a few, but most yes. Also, I am like you on the weight issues with BCP, that's another reason I want off Yasmin. It says it doesn't, but it holds this water like weight over you and I hate it. Plus it makes me ache all over and tired. I would just stick with Spiro for awhile, upping your dosage every month to more and more, to eventually finding a dose you are comfortable with. I'm shooting for 100-175mgs. Anyway, I just wanted to add my 2 cents in. I wish you luck!

 

Thanks greeneyesgirl! Just wonderin how much Spiro your on right now, and for how long have you been taking it?? I know you're on Yasmin, but do you take any other meds or use any medicated topical?? Like I"ve mentioned before I am doing BP and Spiro....for now that is...my Derm appt is in about 10days and I don't know what he'll do??

 

My face is a complete mess! Not only is there tons of different types of acne, but redness and DRYNESS galore! The dry skin is mainly on the center of my neck--looks and feels exactly like a burn! OUCH! Tried different moisturizers, but they burn the hell out of it. So the last couple days I've been alternating with bacitracin (neosporin) and/or chamomile tea and e.v. olive oil. Which seems to soothe the area. Not sure when it will go away?? I lightly exfolitated that area because there were so many dried flakes. (Looked like I had covered my neck with Elmers glue and let dry--ya know how when it gets on your skin and flakes off??? Well thats my my cute neck looked like.) After washing off my scales, the underlying skin is FLAMING RED and so tender to even turn my head. I know this is from the use of BP so I'm not using it on that part of my neck anymore!

 

Anyway, so for going on forever...I seem to do that a lot. Lol. But, keep in touch with me and let me know your "current zit status" and what you're doing for it. I'd like to hear more. TTFN.

 

Thanks Comfycat once again. I just need something to make my face from being too dry and not being too oily. Since I've started yasmin and spiro though, it's been great, except my nose ALWAYS gets shiny w/in a couple of hours. Unless that's normal?

Nursebetty,

I am currently on 75mgs a day and I've been taking it for about 2 in half months. I'm moving up to 100mgs at the end of September. Since I'm off of Yasmin, I don't feel 75 will be enough, so I'm scared. As for topicals, I honestly have not had to worry about using anything. While on Yasmin the last 3 months were great for my face, I only had tiny white or tiny pinkish ones and they would come around my period and be gone w/in 2 days. I just used Neutrogena's BP 2.5% on the spot. Before though beginning in Jan-June my face was a MESS and I mean nothing like I've ever seen before. I messed with my hormones so it was my fault. I listened to someone who I shouldn't of and ended buying these herbal hormone pills off the net. NEVER do that! LOL.

I finally went to a doctor, even though I have no insurance. She did NOTHING, acted like I had normal acne, when I told her it was hormonal. Found a WONDERFUL doc and he's been so helpful.

Now I use Dove (unscented, sensitive) bar soap to wash my face, then if I'm going out Oil of Olay with SPF 15, then light makeup. I'm still looking for a moisturizer for my face type, but haven't had no luck yet. anyway, my point is I haven't had to worry much about my skin since the end of July and believe me, it's been a HUGE weight off my shoulders. I just haven't felt so good in since June body wise. Because I don't have that BCP poison in me. I actually could run my 3.8 miles today at the gym.

Just be gentle with your skin and don't over do it with products. I know it is HARD, but give it time for the Spiro to kick in. I heard 3 months and 6 the max. Keep me updated and feel free to ask any questions. I love doing what I can to help.

Sorry about such a long post!

Ouch, sounds like you're having some trouble with the BP, nursebetty Do you think you might have an allergy to the BP? Does it also make your face all red/ scaley? Or maybe it was more of a reaction to the exfoliant? If BP is too hard on your skin, there are other topicals your derm might recommend... did you ease into using your topicals? (ie start out using every three days, working up to nightly use over a few weeks to let your skin get used to it.. and some people can still only exfoliate a couple times a week...)

@rosacalabaza: I'm using spiro + tretinoin, and I'm doing pretty well so far... I did get an IB (initial breakout) from the tretinoin. It helps with my hyperpigmentation, though, so even though I've gotten a lot of red marks since using it, they've at least been fading much more quickly than they would otherwise.

If you've just started the spiro, and you're not using anything topical other than the retinoid, it's very likely that you'll get an IB. Did you mention to your derm that you were reluctant to use the differin? You can mediate the IB with other topicals (BP, topical antibiotics, etc)... or you can also use a systemic antibiotic for a couple weeks before starting the differin to mediate the IB as well. (The idea is to reduce inflammatory response)

Retinoids are a great part of most regimens ....if you can get through the IB.... since they help exfoliate within follicles, which helps reduce the formation of microcomedones (which are the precursors to all acne lesions). Retinoids should also help reduce/fade hyperpigmentation... but you shouldn't start it if you don't want to stick with it. It'll just leave your skin a mess if you quit halfway through an IB... (of course, if you mediate your inflammatory response, you might not have to deal with an IB at all). It's a good idea to talk over your concerns with your derm, to figure out a regimen you're most likely to comply with.

I do think it's a good idea to use more than one type of acne treatment for stubborn acne, though (ie not just spiro)... this has the most likely chance of giving you (at least closer to) 100% clear skin... (of course, as greeneyesgirl said, if you overdo it, you'll end up bright red... but just one or two topicals is usually okay for most people ).. there's certainly nothing wrong with waiting a few months to see if the spiro does enough for you on its own if you want, though....

Spiro will not help with hyperpigmentation... testosterone and sebum production aren't really related to red marks. There is a whole other board here that talks about treating hyperpigmentation, though... "Red marks left after acne" ...the pinned posts there have info about the common treatments... (to sum up for ya quickly, the typical treatments are exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs), retinoids, and/or hydroquinone)

you could not pry my spiro from my cold dead hands! its a miracle for me. i have pcos however so my hormones are all out of wack. took 90 days of 100 mg 1x day for it to work but the result was overnight as soon as it did work. it's incredible!

I love love love love love this tablet. I pray that I never get side effects so I don't have to come off it. Worked a treat for me, I have totally clear skin, on 50mg a day. In the UK where I am I had to persuade my doctor a bit before he gave it to me but I reckon try and get your doctor on side cos this really works!

I've been reading all these posts and noticing that many of my fellow Spiro-takers have started on doses of 100 mg or more per day. Doesn't this seem excessive to anyone? Shouldn't doctors start you out on the lowest dose to make sure your body doesn't react weirdly to it and then move up as necessary? And what if the lowest dose works for some people. The doctors couldn't know and it's better to take only the amount needed, right?

Sorry for the rant. I'm thankful my doctors start me out slow, with low amounts and then adjust as necessary.

Hope everyone's doing well with the Spiro. My skin has shown vast improvements on just 50 mg/day for a month now. Hopefully it's not just a fluke.

I've been reading all these posts and noticing that many of my fellow Spiro-takers have started on doses of 100 mg or more per day. Doesn't this seem excessive to anyone? Shouldn't doctors start you out on the lowest dose to make sure your body doesn't react weirdly to it and then move up as necessary? And what if the lowest dose works for some people. The doctors couldn't know and it's better to take only the amount needed, right?

 

Sorry for the rant. I'm thankful my doctors start me out slow, with low amounts and then adjust as necessary.

 

Hope everyone's doing well with the Spiro. My skin has shown vast improvements on just 50 mg/day for a month now. Hopefully it's not just a fluke.

I completely agree....they started me off at only 50mg twice daily..which I think was mild enough/okay. But then I requested to be dropped down to 25mg twice daily, and it STILL worked!! ALWAYS, always, always try to be on the lowest dosage possible that still works for you.

A side note--has anyone been on spiro for 2+ years? I have...and only over this long period of time did I develop side effects. It caused a stomach ulcer in me due to the spiro damaging my stomach lining over time............it's awful news...because it always worked WONDERFULLY for me with no side effects..and I believe a 2nd ulcer will come back if I stay on it. Has anyone else had this experience? Or know of any other drugs that treat hormonal acne/PCOS symptoms?

Thanks

I've been reading all these posts and noticing that many of my fellow Spiro-takers have started on doses of 100 mg or more per day. Doesn't this seem excessive to anyone? Shouldn't doctors start you out on the lowest dose to make sure your body doesn't react weirdly to it and then move up as necessary? And what if the lowest dose works for some people. The doctors couldn't know and it's better to take only the amount needed, right?

 

Sorry for the rant. I'm thankful my doctors start me out slow, with low amounts and then adjust as necessary.

 

Hope everyone's doing well with the Spiro. My skin has shown vast improvements on just 50 mg/day for a month now. Hopefully it's not just a fluke.

I agree that it's a good idea for people to take the lowest effective dose... some doctors start people out on a higher dose for the first three months, then bring it down... but I agree that it's a better idea to start lower and bump it up if necessary.

If someone has elevated androgens (e.g. has hirsutism and/or PCOS), however, it's probably more reasonable to start out with a higher dosage... but, personally, I think it's a good idea to also be working out other ways to bring your hormones back into balance (e.g. diet/lifestyle changes or other PCOS treatment) so that you don't have to rely on higher dosages (i.e. 200mg/day) of spiro for indefinite amounts of time... if you get your hormones under control, you might be able to drop your dosage to 50mg/day, or even discontinue the spiro and just rely on topicals.... of course, I realize this all depends on your own personal circumstances (what you're comfortable with, what's realistic for you, what types of treatment options your doctor works with, etc...).

But anyway, I agree that those seeking spiro should start with around 50 mg/day to see if that works for them (some people even have said that 25mg is enough to work for them)... but even if you do need a high dosage at first, after you're clear you might be able to maintain your skin with a lower dosage... some people also start to only use spiro during parts of their cycle... but it's hard to run the risk of ruining your clear complexion after fighting so hard for it...

Hello, Blue Eyes,

My derm started me on spironolactone around March, and everything went well up until about a month ago (September), I started noticing my hair was extremely dry, and now in the last couple of weeks it's been shedding like crazy. It has done well for my skin, but my hair is just as important, so it looks like I'll be pulling myself off it, especially after seeing that a few other women on this website have experienced hair loss and dryness as well. But other than that, no other major side effects to report.

Marian S.

A side note--has anyone been on spiro for 2+ years? I have...and only over this long period of time did I develop side effects. It caused a stomach ulcer in me due to the spiro damaging my stomach lining over time............it's awful news...because it always worked WONDERFULLY for me with no side effects..and I believe a 2nd ulcer will come back if I stay on it. Has anyone else had this experience? Or know of any other drugs that treat hormonal acne/PCOS symptoms?

 

Thanks

I've been on it since October 2007. In March, my GP took me off of it so I could be on a painkiller while I did some PT for a hip problem I was having. I was MISERABLE within a month. Then, over the summer, I went in for my yearly exam and asked her about muscle aches. She took me off of it and I've been off of it for 3 months. My acne is horrible and I started taking it again tonight. I've been reading about side effects, and a lot of them seem to coincide with what you're doing outside of taking the pills. I'm a coffee addict. When I'm on spiro I can't drink coffee all day. I have to limit it to one cup in the am and that's it. If I don't, it tears up my stomach and I wake up in spurts all night. The muscle fatigue I was having had to do with my electrolytes. From what I've been reading, if I'm drinking enough fluids (not coffee and tea), the muscle fatigue should go away. The other thing I was on was Zyrtec and I really think it was reacting with the spiro. Since I have a Nasal spray that works for my allergies, I'm going to give Spiro another try. Nothing else works! My husband was totally against me being on it and asked me to follow my Dr's advice back in July. This week, he finally sees the difference and understands that this is important. I'm tired of looking like a teenager and my face hurting so bad I can't even smile. So, here I go again! It will take threat of permanent damage to get me off it this time. We'll see what happens!

Blessings!

Dorinda

Hello All,

I developed really bad adult acne when I was 23 and I am now 27..I had some acne before that but nothing this bad!! And it has progressively gotten worse.. I have tried literally everything!!! Even's Dan's system for some time.. I even changed my diet to such an extreme that I lost over 10lbs and for me that's not a good thing. I cut coffee, all sugars including fruit, all hydrogenated oils, cheese dairy, high glycemic foods everything out of my diet and that did not help!! all while taking loads and loads of supplements that were supposed to be good for me.. IN my desperation I went to a new General Physician, and asked that she do a food allergy test. She said this probably wasn't the cause and would be expensive and suggested I try Spiro.. You all and other sites helped me to decide to give it a try. I am on day 4, at 50mg...and I am noticing some more cystic like breakouts but not full forming its wierd. and I am not sure what it is due to since i went back to my old skin care regimen because I saw from everyone's posts that this might take some time to work..

Two questions...one is 50mg too low? I have been reading that 100mg at minimum is best. And two I have heard that you become MORE fertile on this med. so I am wondering if I should request to be put on BC..I cannot afford to get pregnant right now as I am in grad school.. But I hate taking BC because I just don't even know what my body will do..

But reading all of your posts is going to keep me patient on this pill so keep them coming people!!!

Shells

Hello All,

 

I developed really bad adult acne when I was 23 and I am now 27..I had some acne before that but nothing this bad!! And it has progressively gotten worse.. I have tried literally everything!!! Even's Dan's system for some time.. I even changed my diet to such an extreme that I lost over 10lbs and for me that's not a good thing. I cut coffee, all sugars including fruit, all hydrogenated oils, cheese dairy, high glycemic foods everything out of my diet and that did not help!! all while taking loads and loads of supplements that were supposed to be good for me.. IN my desperation I went to a new General Physician, and asked that she do a food allergy test. She said this probably wasn't the cause and would be expensive and suggested I try Spiro.. You all and other sites helped me to decide to give it a try. I am on day 4, at 50mg...and I am noticing some more cystic like breakouts but not full forming its wierd. and I am not sure what it is due to since i went back to my old skin care regimen because I saw from everyone's posts that this might take some time to work..

 

Two questions...one is 50mg too low? I have been reading that 100mg at minimum is best. And two I have heard that you become MORE fertile on this med. so I am wondering if I should request to be put on BC..I cannot afford to get pregnant right now as I am in grad school.. But I hate taking BC because I just don't even know what my body will do..

 

But reading all of your posts is going to keep me patient on this pill so keep them coming people!!!

 

Shells

Hi Shells,

Well I am not an expert, but I will throw my 2cents in, because it might help. LOL. I am in the same exact boat as you. I went on a special diet and nothing helped, I tried all of the topicals and that didn't help. I'm currently on 150mgs a day of Spiro and it takes time to kick in, so stick with it. I didn't have an IB because at the time I was taking Yasmin with it. A few little ones here and there, but nothing HUGE. *yet* I do not think 50 is too low. It just depends how you feel and your body reacts to it.

Never heard about becoming more fertile, but someone else may know something here. I hated taking BC too, so I feel your pain there! Just be sure to use condoms. I know you're not suppose to get pregnant while taking Spiro.

Ok, hope I helped.

Hi Angel,

Thanks for replying I really appreciate it! So you said you have been on the spiro for a bit, so how is your skin now? And as for BC I will talk to my dr. when I go back for a check up. I am thinking the 50mg is having an effect my face is actually breaking out more and more even today!! its crazy..but if this is what needs to happen to be clear well then I don't care. I will just try to combat it from the outside too.

Strange how the diet change works for some people and not others..I just hope Spiro really works!! I know its doing something already I just hope its good!!

Any replies are welcome! thanks again!

Shells

Hi Angel,

 

Thanks for replying I really appreciate it! So you said you have been on the spiro for a bit, so how is your skin now? And as for BC I will talk to my dr. when I go back for a check up. I am thinking the 50mg is having an effect my face is actually breaking out more and more even today!! its crazy..but if this is what needs to happen to be clear well then I don't care. I will just try to combat it from the outside too.

 

Strange how the diet change works for some people and not others..I just hope Spiro really works!! I know its doing something already I just hope its good!!

 

Any replies are welcome! thanks again!

 

Shells

It's fine now, I only get little ones and they go away pretty quickly. I like Spiro SO much better than BCP. I wish I would of done this first. I'm hitting my 3 month mark! WHOO HOO! Works better than BCP in my opinion.

Yeah for some diet does work, but I tried that and nothing. I was still getting bad acne. I do however eat healthy, but I'm not so conscious on cutting out gluten, sugar, wheat, etc. In fact I eat those now and nothing happens. So I dunno.

Anyway, stick with it!! In the end it's WELL worth it!

So this is officially ONE WEEK ON SPIRO.. My face had a terrible initial Breakout. like five cysts/nodules I don't the difference honestly. and I usually only have one maybe two at a time before my menstrual cycle sometimes.. But this happened within a day or two of taking spiro and after my cycle was over..so there was no connection with that. it had to have been the spiro. Luckily having read all these posts I knew this was a possibility and I began to combat it from the outside so I would have less scaring. Now a week in and my face has already cleared up nicely. I have one persistent big'un (hahah) by my chin..but it will go away eventually. For the first time yesterday I noticed that my hair and face was less greasy.. keeping my fingers crossed today will be the same. I have been extremely more thirsty than usual but I already drink a lot of water. I do have to pee more. And my hormones were out of whack the first few days. My body has always been extremely sensitive to any medication so I usually know pretty quickly if there is a change in my body. Advil even makes me tired lol!!

So far so good.. if this works I am giving my general physician an enormous hug.. cause I didn't even know this stuff existed!! I am wondering if the mg will need to be upped at some point but I am hoping I can keep it low. I don't think I will have that answer for like a month though!! yay!

So this is officially ONE WEEK ON SPIRO.. My face had a terrible initial Breakout. like five cysts/nodules I don't the difference honestly. and I usually only have one maybe two at a time before my menstrual cycle sometimes.. But this happened within a day or two of taking spiro and after my cycle was over..so there was no connection with that. it had to have been the spiro. Luckily having read all these posts I knew this was a possibility and I began to combat it from the outside so I would have less scaring. Now a week in and my face has already cleared up nicely. I have one persistent big'un (hahah) by my chin..but it will go away eventually. For the first time yesterday I noticed that my hair and face was less greasy.. keeping my fingers crossed today will be the same. I have been extremely more thirsty than usual but I already drink a lot of water. I do have to pee more. And my hormones were out of whack the first few days. My body has always been extremely sensitive to any medication so I usually know pretty quickly if there is a change in my body. Advil even makes me tired lol!!

 

So far so good.. if this works I am giving my general physician an enormous hug.. cause I didn't even know this stuff existed!! I am wondering if the mg will need to be upped at some point but I am hoping I can keep it low. I don't think I will have that answer for like a month though!! yay!

I'm glad it's working for you! Yes, this medication is like genius!!! The side effects should go away eventually. Keep us updated!

So today was not such a great day. I woke to 3-4 growths under the skin. most on my chin area again.. which in one way reaffirms that this is hormonal. But on the other hand its frustrating because I've never broken out so badly in my life. And so I am just mortified. I was literally walking home after class today praying to god to just take this away. To let this be the answer for me. I am usually very optimistic but since beginning spiro a week ago I have to say this has been one of the hardest weeks ever. Again I should be hopeful since this in a way shows it is working. But Really I just keep telling god, I can't take much more. This HAS to be the answer. And I know I don't have it half as bad as a lot of people on here. But as we all know this is a frustrating disease. And after years of ups and downs you get sick of the roller coaster and just want to wake up wash your face and walk out the door like a normal human being.

I'll be more hopeful tomorrow. But today. I just feel defeated again...= /

Hey Shells,

It is seriously SO hard to stay positive when you‚„re breaking out, but hang in there‚¦ I hope my story helps you in some way‚¦

I‚„ve been on Estelle (bc pill) for 7 months and Spiro for 3 months. During the first 5 months of being on Estelle my skin didn‚„t improve at all‚¦ Only in the last month or so has my skin started to clear up and I really believe it‚„s mainly because I added Spiro (100mg daily) into my regime.

My acne, like yours is hormonal. It‚„s very inflammatory and cystic, I have extremely oily skin and tend to breakout on my lower cheeks, chin and jawline‚¦ And I get that typical pre-menstrual flare.

The week before and during my last period I didn‚„t get one pimple! This was always a MAJOR breakout time for me. I‚„ve started to notice my skin is a lot less oily and I haven‚„t developed any cysts in the last 2 months.

I think the Spiro is really starting to take effect. I urge you to stick with it for at least 3-6 months. By the way what topicals are you using at the moment? Hope you‚„re feeling better today.

Hi Spinnerette,

Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it! It is good to know that sticking with it paid off for you, that is soo wonderful. Congrats!! I bet that really feels wonderful! Is your acne clearing anywhere else besides your chin? Like did you get anything on your forehead etc?

My Acne is weird still hoping it is hormonal, although as I said these current breakouts make me think it is. But lately most of my cysts are near my chin/jaw but some are on my forehead and in between eye brows, these only came after the spiro which is weird.. As for Topical I stopped using those months ago as I just got frustrated and most of them were drying out my skin and leaving it discolored. I am however, exfoliating like crazy, sea salt is a great exfoliator/topical/cleanser, baking soda really is like microdermabrasion, and I also use Patricia wexler's glyco peel at night, and I use coconut oil to moiturize my skin as it helps to kill bacteria but really is very moisturizing.

Today is better than yesterday, some of the cysts have subsided and I only got one more yesterday.. I am hopeful I really am, just some days are harder than others.

But I thank you for your kind words and support, and for sharing your story with me. Let me know if there is anything I should watch for side effect wise or anything that helped you if your skin cleared everywhere etc.

Thanks,

Shells

Hey no worries! And thanks heaps, Iam feeling a lot more optimistic with the current treatments my derm has prescribed me. Hopefully itas of some comfort to you to know that other people have had success with Spiroa It definitely has put my mind at ease a bita

I was getting cysts mainly on my cheeks, chin and jawlinea And occasionally on the sides of my nose and in between my eyebrows. Iave cleared up in all these areas. My forehead hasnat really been affecteda However I did used to get some small pustules there and on my upper lipa

Derms typically diagnose acne as hormonal if it affects the lower cheeks, chin, and jawline. However my acne, like yours had spread to other areas and Iave cleared up there too.

I havenat had hormonal testing donea I might ask my derm about it at my next appointment. Even if I donat have PCOS or excess androgens Iam probably just sensitive to androgensa

And I can totally relate to your frustration with topicalsa Over the last 3 years Iave had very limited success. Spent A LOT of dough. But my derm suggested azelaic acid and Iave been using that for 3 months and itas the best thing Iave ever used. I use the 20% cream, not the 15% gela It doesnat irritate my skin or dry it out, itas pretty cosmetically elegant.

The only side effects Iave experienced with the Spiro is just weeing all the time and dizzy spellsa I think with Spiro itas gonna be about getting to the right dosagea Iam on 100mg a day and am hoping I can move up to 150mg soon.

I went over a week without getting cysts. I also started taking Niacin which really help heal the old ones and kept me even less greasy and no cysts... only my jawline still wasn't clearing up. So I upped my dosage to 50mg twice a day. Immediatly the next morning I saw a cyst forming. today another one both on my forehead. SO FREAKING wierd!! They were just so random. My forhead looked fine and smooth. uggh.. but again at least I know part of this puzzle is hormonal. still.. its just frustrating.. and I still need "ask" my dr. to be moved up to 100mg..

Would have loved for it to work!

I guess I should have taken accutane sooner!

It does seem to work for a lot of people though!