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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May 29, 2008

Pros:

Hair les oily, face less oily

Cons:

still have not seen any real change in face acne.

I still am having major breakouts around my chin and sides of my mouth. The acne is different than it used to be but I am still waiting for some real change. I am getting a little discouraged. I have been on the medication for almost two months. I am going to the derm in a couple days and am going to ask to increase my dosage. Currently I am taking 100mg a day. I also was thinking of changing my current BC to Yaz since it comtains 25mg in it. I really want this to work out since I do not know how much longer that I can handle this acne. I do not go anywhere or want to meet anyone. I continue to be positive but need some signs of improvement!
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May 24, 2008

Pros:

Less oil

Cons:

Irregular periods

This medication really does work. I am just curious as to what others use to wash their face while taking this medication?
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May 22, 2008

Pros:

Clear Skin!! No More Acne!! No more Oily Skin!! Smooth Skin!!Hairs on body growing slower and less coarser.

Cons:

Slight Dizziness and frequent urination for the first week or two.

I'm a 26 year old female. I've been using Spironolactone 200mg in combination with OrthCyclen(same amount of hormones in every single pill) not OrthoTriCyclen everyday for three weeks. After the first day of using the Spiro I noticed a difference. My skin was less oily. After a week I noticed I had less active pimples and there was a significant reduction in oil. After two and a half weeks no new pimples, skin is super smooth not only on my face but all over body as well. I have clear skin for the first time in like 10 years!! I love this stuff!!
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

smoother skin, reduced acne, not having to wash hair as much = more self confidence

Cons:

outbreaks in first couple of weeks, feeling fait, dizzy...

If your acne is because of haywire hormones then this is the pill for you! absolutely amazing!!! breakouts in the first couple of weeks but do try and stick it out and you wont regret it. im on my fourth week taking 100mg per day and i feel like a new woman. im no longer waking up to new spots but instead watching them vanish day by day. I know how it feels when you feel like you are stuck under a black cloud that just wont quit, however spiro will bring the light back into your life..well it has for me. good luck everyone.... xxxxxxx
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

It works.

Cons:

Lower sex drive, feel tired

Use it but ween your dose down after 4 or 5 months.
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May 9, 2008

Pros:

much smoother skin / starting to dry out

Cons:

steady menstruation

hi girls! been taking about 7 weeks now - started with 50 mg once a day for three weeks now on 100 mg per day starting FINALLY to see improvement , my skin is so smooth and soft i am not breaking out in usual places but smaller break outs where i havent before - i have have never had bad acne just very persistent (been on accutane once and dont want to go that route again) i was getting the cystic acne on my chin forever - everywhere else just bumpy starting now to see an overall improvement and anxious to see results in another few months. only problem for me has been last 4 weeks of consistent period - yuck!!!! no other side effects! Good luck my friends!
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

Clearer skin!

Cons:

More bathroom trips, more tired

I've been using this stuff for about 2 or 3 months now and the amount of cysts I get has greatly decreased. Now it seems that I only get those big, deep pimples before my period. Since my dermatologist saw that I hadn't completely cleared up and he still had to inject 2 pimples on my cheek with cortasine, he just upped my dosage from 25 mg 2x a day (morning and night) to 3 times a day (1 in the morning, 2 at night). Hopefully it will completely take care of my acne. Unfortunately, I still have a lot of annoying red marks that I have to cover up with makeup. I am using glycolic peels and finacea in an attempt to get rid of those. Hopefully by the summer time I wil be able to go to the beach without makeup on and feel beautiful! Good luck everyone on getting clear, gorgeous skin!
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

Less oil production and clear skin!

Cons:

Frequent urination at night.

I've been taking this drug for about a month now at 100 mg a day and have already seen great results. My skin is a lot clearer and I haven't had a cystic acne since my start date. My only complaint is that I've been peeing a lot more frequently at night, which can be annoying for obvious reasons. My Dr. told me that I should see significant results within 3 months. I can't wait!!
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May 3, 2008

Pros:

Weight loss, larger breasts, dizziness at first but no other side effects.

Cons:

i cant see much improvent yet

I am 34 and have had moderate acne my whole life. I've been on antibiotics and accutane. I'm tired of all the side effects of acne medicines so i'm trying this. I am also drastically changing my diet and started cleansing and exfoliating my face. I have been doing some research on how to clear acne naturally. I have become a Vegan and eat nothing but fruit and vegetables and tofu. I also do not eat nuts. I read that nuts aggrevate existing acne. I wash my face with sulfer soap in the a.m. and cetaphil cleanser at night. I exfoliate with baking soda at night. I exercise daily which can also make acne worse. So immediately after I run I take a cold shower. I read that cold showers help reduce acne. I also use a very mild mosterizer and a organic acne reducer instead of retinal A. Dermatologists have always told me to only wash my face with water, but since I've been gently washing my face and getting rid of the dirt and makeup my face feels and looks better. anyone else?
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May 2, 2008

Pros:

Not sure

Cons:

Still oily

I just started using Spironolactone 3 days ago. I am taking 50mg/day. I have really oily skin and I breakouts on my chin mostly. My face is still really oily. Does it take awhile for it to work? Maybe it is because I take the pill at night? That is what my doctor told me because I have another pill that I take in the morning (Oracea) along with benocline.Any thoughts?
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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.
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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:

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  • 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.
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