Spironolactone
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Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present...

Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present in both males and females that lead to more acne, and spironolactone helps reduce androgens.

It is usually taken once or twice a day, around the same time(s), preferably with a meal.

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January 6, 2012

Pros:

Easy to take
Cleared persistent acne completely at around 2 months
Inexpensive
Improved self-esteem
Hair is less oily

Cons:

Difficult to obtain
SEVERE initial breakout
Takes months to work
Black box warning
Can raise potassium levels
Dry skin
Lowered libido
Frequent thirst

I have had moderate acne on my face and back since I was twelve (thirteen years), and despite monthly visits to my dermatologist and countless topical creams, washes, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives it never even came close to going away. My acne humiliated me, making it difficult for me to stay overnight anywhere and I refused to go swimming because the water would wash the makeup off of my face. I took a backpacking trip over the summer and over half of my backpack was full of acne products. My acne dictated so much of my life. About three months ago (after a few horrible crying spells) I did some research and discovered Spironolactone. My dermatologist wouldn't prescribe it so I went through my Gynecologist to get it. I started on 50 mg and got a SEVERE initial breakout. I never had much of a problem with cysts, but this medication caused numerous deep cysts to form on my face that were very red and took weeks to go away. After a month I increased the dosage to 100 mg, and after a small breakout, I am completely clear. I have gone off all topical creams and only use TriNessa (birth control) and the Spironolactone. My face and back are completely clear and I have never been happier. This medication changed my life and I am so grateful to have discovered it. On a side note, it dramatically reduces the oil your skin produces and I am happy to report that I no longer have to wash my hair twice daily. I can get away with washing in twice weekly. It does make your skin very dry and if I don't moisturize my body, I get dry skin patches. Given enough time, this medication will work wonders. It does NOT work in days or weeks. It takes months to see results, so anyone claiming to be cured in four days should know that it is probably only a coincidence. Be prepared for a wicked initial breakout, but try to endure it!
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January 6, 2012

Pros:

Hormonal Balance. Oil control, no more break outs, just tiny zits before period which go away if you don't touch them. Appetite control, normal weight loss, water weight loss. Improved my complexion.
a.k.a water pills

Cons:

If you stop taking them you might gain back the water weight, you might start breaking out (according to the pharmacist and the doctor). Do not get pregnant while on this medication, if you have low blood pressure, consume more water during hot months of summer, b/c you'll feel exhausted and tired. Hydrate more often during summer.

Cleared my skin within a 9 month time period from December 2010 to August 2011. This medication is originally for ppl with high blood pressure, but it has shown to cure acne. I was told by my Dr. that I might urinate more often, and desire to drink more water, I haven't have any of these changes in me. All I can say, I haven't had breakout since July 2011. My face was disastrous on December 2010 with nodules, cysts, and blemishes (for about 8 years, from 19-27). the pain was horrible but since I started taking water pills combined with antibiotics; Bactrim for 9 months, I stopped having breakouts, and I just remained taking water pills only. It's exactly a year that I am on them. Pharmacists recommend to stop once acne is cured, but dermatologists suggest not to stop, unless trying to get pregnant. Will have an updated review when I stop taking the pills, to tell you guys if I have broken out or not. Good luck and be patient, it takes months to see results, and NEVER give up your face clearing routine. Always use medicated cleansers twice daily. B/c you never know, acne might come back, especially for those who developed adult acne, such as myself.
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January 5, 2012

Pros:

Only treatment that worked for me.
Water weight loss
Painful hard bumps gone!
Back/shoulder acne gone!

Cons:

Frequent but lighter periods
Have to be careful about drinking enough water

This drug has been a miracle for me. I am 47 and always had acne since 12. Birth control years ago helped some but not like this. Also I have taken tetracycline off and on for years. I even tried Solodyn ( bad stuff for me, it's the drug that darkened my teeth). Within weeks of taking spironolactone, my acne cleared from my face and back/shoulders. I had painful hard bumps on the chin. My back & shoulders had so many bumps and marks & I couldn't wear a swimsuit. Not to mention being sore to the touch. Now, for the first time in my life I get compliments on my skin! I am not oily at all & even use a light moisturizer at night. Not sure I would recommend it for someone still able to have children. But my peri menopausal acne was worse than my teenage acne. Now it's gone!
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January 2, 2012

Pros:

- clears cystic acne
- reduces oil production
- reduces body hair growth
- helps shed water weight (I lost about 5 lbs)

Cons:

- makes you thirsty
- ATROCIOUS initial breakout

I wish I had heard of this stuff years ago. I'm 23 years old and started getting cystic acne my freshman year of college. I'd tried every topical and antibiotic on the market just short of accutane which I could never quite bring myself to take. I had some short lived success with Solodyn and was clear for about a year (best year EVER) but this past March, the acne returned with a vengeance. After trying homemade "natural" remedies all summer (FYI, the egg mask was the worst thing to ever happen to my face), I finally went back to the derm. At this point I was almost ready to ask for accutane, I was that desperate. My derm suggested I try Spiro first and holy cow, SO THANKFUL that I did. My skin has not looked this great in I don't even know how long. Don't get me wrong, I've been on it for about 4 months now. I didn't see improvement until about month 3 and the first two months included some of the worst breakouts I've ever had in my life. This drug is NOT an instant fix, I hate seeing reviews that say "OMG MY SEVERE ACNE WAS GONE IN FOUR DAYS." If that's even true, fantastic, that's really exciting for you but that's not the way it goes 99% of the time! I used to read reviews here daily just to keep myself motivated and seeing stuff like that made me wonder why it was taking so long to work for me. Patience is key with spironolactone. In addition to my new, gloriously smooth complexion, Spiro has also helped me shed a few unwanted lbs of water weight (hello, flat, unbloated stomach!) and reduced body hair growth tremendously. The peach fuzz along my jaw is thinning out, I only have to tweeze my eyebrows once every two weeks, and my leg hair takes like three weeks to reach the length it used to reach in a week. I could not be more thankful for Spiro. I'm so excited to have my life back, just in time for the new year!! Last year was awful and I know a large portion of it was tied to my acne. So ready to move on!
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December 31, 2011

Pros:

It works!! My skin is finally clear
Good for painful cystic acne
Easy on the stomach (unlike some of the oral antibiotics)

Cons:

Can't be used by men (sorry guys)
Heavy, irregular periods (need to go on birth control pill while taking it)
Get dehydrated more easily
Not all dermatologists will prescribe it

I really like this prescription. It has worked better than anything that I've ever used before, and I finally have clear skin. Drink lots of water (which we should all be doing anyways). Some people need to pee more frequently when they take it All in all, I recommend asking about it if you're fed up with oral antibiotics.
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December 25, 2011

Pros:

-Has stopped chronic, cystic acne lesions

Cons:

-Brittle Nails

I have had acne since I was 13, and cystic acne since I was 18. I was finally prescribed 100 mg a day of spironolactone in conjunction with Retin-A and it has been amazing. The spironolactone may have caused an initial breakout (more likely the Retin-A), but after about only 2 months, my cystic acne lesions have disappeared and fingers crossed have not yet returned. First time in years that I don't have either healing cysts or new ones. Highly recommend this.
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December 22, 2011

Pros:

Cleared Acne
Improved complexion
Didn't irritate or over dry skin

Cons:

Causes break out at first

Bottom line is that I am 25 years old & have had acne since I was 13. I have tried everything you can think of! Over time my acne has changed from teenage acne (mostly in the T-zone) to adult acne (along my chin, jawline & neck). My new dermatologist told me "all acne is treatable, we just need to find what works for you" this was the best news I have ever heard. I have a love-hate relationship with dermatologists. But finally this one got it right! I have been taking it a little over a month now & at first I was skeptical because I was still breaking out pretty badly, but then I read reviews that people normally do break out badly at first. A month later & my skin is flawless! I have had no new pimples & I didn't even break out during my periods! Other than old scars my skin looks & feels fantastic! I cannot believe how much this has changed my skin!
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December 21, 2011

Pros:

-Cleared up majority of my acne in Only 11 DAYS!
-Pills are small and easy to swallow.
-Hair became A LOT less oily.

Cons:

-Urinate more frequently.
-Minor hives on body that come and go.

I've been on Spironolactone for exactly 17 days (2 weeks, 3 days) and WOW I am amazed at how fast this product cleared up my skin. So, the first week I took 50 MG a day. Which really didn't do much for my skin, and actually made it break out more. I was disappointed. Then, the second week, I switched to 75 MG a day, and WOW it worked wonders! My acne decreased significantly within 3 days after switching from 50 MG to 75 MG. I only break out on my cheeks, my left side cleared up completely already. I have like a couple little pimples on my right side, but no big deal. I am honestly so happy that this product has worked so wonderful so far. Hope this continues then eventually clears up everything. BUT. During the ending of my 2nd week, I started to develop very small hives on my body that would appear, then disappear every day. I googled it, and site said it's a very serious allergic reaction. This may sound bad, but I really don't care, I'm still going to continue to take it. Because the impact this pill has had on my mood and self-confidence, it's worth it. Note, I'm a 20-year-old female, and I've tried EVERYTHING. Even Accutane right before taking Spironolactone (but I was on a VERY low dose, so that was probably why it wasn't effective.) Retin-A, over the counter creams, Minocycline, Doxicycline, BP, EVERYTHING! Please give this a try. I was skeptical at first because it statistics show it only works fo about 65 % of females with hormonal acne, and it would take up to 4 months to see results. Well I saw results on my 11th day. Please give this a try :)
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December 19, 2011

Pros:

Acne 95% gone
Skin has smooth texture
Less Oil
Pores much smaller

Cons:

None

I am 38 y/o and have been suffering from acne since I was 14. I have literally tried just about everything over the years including dietary changes, etc. For the past two years my moderate acne, became severe. I would cry when I looked in the mirror. I visited the dermatologist at least every other month almost in tears begging for help. I had asked for spiro but the last two dermatologists I went to refused to prescribe it. I finally found a dermatologist who prescribed it. It has been a God send!!!! My oily, red, irritated, cystic skin is now clear, even, less oily and smooth. TRY IT but be patient. I suffered from some of the side effects the first few weeks but drinking more water helps. I no longer feel any side effects at all. I am on 100mg 1 x day. I seemed to break out more for the first couple weeks. I still broke out almost like usual until about the 2nd to 3rd month but now I am going on about four months and my skin is beautiful!!! I am confident again. The new man I am dating can't stop complimenting me on my skin. It's that good! I am also using a topical retinoid at night and Aczone twice a day along with a benzo wash in the AM and a glycolic acid wash in the PM. I also just feel better in general. I don't know if it's because of spiro's effects on my hormones or the confidence that comes with having clear skin but either way, I am not stopping this drug!!!!!
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December 18, 2011

Pros:

Normalize your skin!!
Not carrying my concealer around anymore!!

Cons:

None so far

I had written earlier after having my initial breakout but really had to update because I wish I had taken spiro YEARS ago! I finally have normal skin...not greasy, pores are small, no pimples on the horizon!!! I swear I always had a new one popping up. I take 100 mgs and just got my labwork back & it was normal. I was so afraid I would have to stop taking it. If you try it, be patient..
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website