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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September 10, 2012

Pros:

Almost totally cleared my acne!
Skin less greasy
Very few side effects

Cons:

Periods every 3 weeks
Have to go to the bathroom once more everyday than usual
Easier to get dehydrated - sometimes have a dry mouth

After years of trying to clear up my acne, this medication has been incredible! I'm 20 and had acne all thoughout my teens, though it got much worse about a year ago - awful cystic pimples on my cheeks that left big, yucky marks. I've tried a load of creams, antiobiotics and the Pill, but nothing made much of a difference. My GP recommended I try Spiro before going on anything more drastic like Roaccutane, and I am so so glad I did. Within 2 weeks of starting, my acne completely cleared, and since then (its been about 3 months) I haven't had ANY cystic pimples - only a few small ones around my periods. I am now on 50mg, which seems to be working really well for me. The side-effects have been very mild and easy to get used to. I would highly recommend trying this before anything with more serious side-effects. It might be your saviour, like it has been mine.
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September 10, 2012

Pros:

Fairly quick results
Increased self-image and esteem
Beautiful, healthy skin!

Cons:

Have to be diligent about taking it-it's suppressive therapy, so it doesn't work as well if you're irregular with it
Breast tenderness around period
Moisturizer is now a must-both day and night, or your face may feel like the Sahara!

I am a teacher and was having worse skin than my secondary-level students! I was depressed over the slowly increasing severity of my acne over the past few years, and when I turned 30, my face was like Armageddon, and my chin was the Ring of Fire! I tried every OTC I could get my hands on, but none truly worked. I was about to try Proactive when my husband urged me to bite the bullet and go to a dermatologist. After going to one five years ago and not getting good results, I was hesitant; however, my new doctor took one look at me, knew what was going on, told me my last one was an idiot for prescribing Tazorac for my very sensitive skin, and tried me out on spiro and an antibiotic, Solodyn. Worked like a charm and I saw results in 2 weeks! Now, because of crazy insurance-ness, we've gone to a slightly stronger antibiotic, minocycline, and my skin is even better than before. For $18 a month, I can run my fingers across my chin without reading Braille-it's so smooth! Now waiting for the scars from that cystic acne to go away from my fair skin, but besides that I would recommend this to anyone exasperated by adult acne!
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September 9, 2012

Pros:

reduction in acne, even the pustules and nodules
affordable

Cons:

energy level slightly lowered
sleepier more often
takes a while to work

It took 7 months for me to see results. I use it in conjunction to benzoyl peroxide 5% and Tretinoin (Retin A), which aren't bad. The Tretinoin is a bit expensive since it isn't covered under any insurance for people 27+. The spiro and benzoyl peroxide were super affordable. I was worried for 7 months when nothing happened. Things actually got worse for the first four months, then my doctor upped the dosage from 50 mg to 75 mg, and it started doing its magic. I'm not completely rid of acne, still some cropping up every so often, but thank god I don't have to deal with painful nodules and pustules (they make my lymph nodes swell). I hope this will keep on working.
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September 6, 2012

Pros:

CURED my acne!
Skin & hair are less oily.
No more scalp acne.
No initial breakout.
Vivid dreams (most would see this as a Con, but I love it).

Cons:

Frequent need to urinate.
Headaches at first.
Watch potassium intake.
Hair loss (not sure that it is related though).

I have had moderate to severe acne since I was 12 (I'm 30 now). I haven't left my house without foundation makeup since I was 15. I've also experienced some scalp issues/acne in the last year. I'll be honest; I didn't have very high expectations for Spiro since nothing has ever worked on my acne. I also feared the initial "horrible breakout" that so many reviewers have reported as a side effect of this medication. I decided to just go for it and I am very glad I did. I have been on Spiro (100mg once a day) for a little over 3 months and my acne is GONE. All of it. I've left the house without foundation makeup on for the first time in 15 years! I was even able to switch to a tinted moisturizer (for the SPF). My life and self-esteem are greatly improved, and I can now use products that are not specific to treating acne. I take the medication at night because it can cause dizziness, so I've never experienced that particular side effect. I do have to get up at night to urinate on occasion and I experience VERY vivid dreams. I don't see either of these side effects as a huge issue since the results outweigh a little lost sleep due to getting up on occasion. This medication has also prompted me to stay hydrated and consume more water, which I see as a good thing. Try it. I did and I am very pleased with the results.
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September 5, 2012

Pros:

Improvement beyond belief!

Cons:

Initial breasted tenderness; frequent bathroom breaks after taking.

This has changed my life! Have tried everything else nothing has worked. Hoping no long term side effects. I have clear skin for the first time in 11 years.
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August 22, 2012

Pros:

My skin cleared up only after two months
I lost a few pounds of water weight
My hair looks a lot healthier as well

Cons:

Frequent urination
I have to constantly be drinking water
There are no immediate results
Watch out for too much potassium (this can be dangerous if you don't)

My story is like all of you guys who have cyst. You hate them because you can't pick at them, they are painful, and you just want to avoid any face to face interaction. Good news! This wonder pill helped me out so much! I started using it mud July and right now there is so much improvement on my skin. However, I had to be patient and change some of my habits this is what has worked for me and hopefully helps you out too. When I wake up i take 100 mg of spironolactone along with a multivitamin (1 A Day for her) with a large glass of water. -After I wash my face with a hypoallergenic soap bar I let it dry. -My skin is really sensitive so salicylic acid is much better than benzyl peroxide. I apply a few drops on the problem areas (At first is was practically half of my face). -It is important you put a thin layer of clindamycin phosphate lotion on your entire face. I know it sounds like a lot of chemicals but this is an antibacterial cream and if you accidentally pop a pimple or cyst it will prevent more outbreaks. -Next moisturize with a hypoallergenic oil-free facial cream with at least 30 SPF. (Spironolactone can cause spots if you are not careful) -Last step if you wear makeup is to make sure it has zinc in it. You can do some research on the healing properties of zinc. I began seeing more improvement after I began using a foundation with zinc in it. -If you don't use make up find a way to add zinc in your routine! It has done wonders but only after I was patient and followed this routine. Good luck to you all! Remember that you have to be patient.
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August 14, 2012

Pros:

effective
cheap (less than 15 bucks without insurance for me)
easy to get a prescription
old drug (safe enough to still be on the market after many years)

Cons:

frequent urination
initial breakout

I have had moderate acne since around age 13. I went on Yasmin which helped my skin a lot in high school, but I didn't like the way it made me feel. so I went off, and my face was okay for months after (it gradually got worse, but I think I had outgrown the horrible face breakouts, although i was still getting a cystic type pimple fairly frequently). I got REALLY bad bacne though. bleh, terrible cysts and lots of smaller zits. I have fair sensitive skin so most topical treatments irritate my skin. 9 months ago I started taking 25 mg once daily spiro. That seems like a really low dose, and it is, but I'm pretty small. It was a big enough dose to give me a hellish breakout for almost two months. then it felt like I was back to normal. I think on the fifth or sixth month i stopped getting acne around the chin area and I have only gotten two cystic pimples on my face since then. And the best part, my bacne dramatically cleared pretty much entirely. And yes, all on only 25 mg daily. My suggestion is to take as little as you need because it is a drug and it comes with side effects. These days I pretty much exclusively get zits around my period on my forehead, but that's always where i broke out the worst. And for me "breaking out" on my forehead means non-inflamed clogged pore zits and stuff. So yeah spiro has helped me a LOT. I suggest you hang on past that IB, it has the potential to be really bad but you'll make it through. results are worth it. P.S. DONT PICK AT YOUR SKIN.
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August 12, 2012

Pros:

Does work....

Cons:

just may take a while ,for me it took 4 months to see a difference and 7 months to be clear .

I suffer with pcos ive had acne for over five years now and tried numerous antibiotics,creams,health products that claim to work be nothing every did.It took over my life upset every day hated looking in the mirror .I came to this site and read all the great reviews, decided to ask the docter she didnt give it me at first wanted me to try 3 months of yasmin (contraceptive pill) it didnt work so was prescribe 100mg of spriolactone once a day as well as yasmin......please be patient it took 7 months to be clear and i still can get a odd spot...they were days when i thought this isnt gonna work but please just stick with it....nothing can get rid of acne over night.One happy girl now!!!!!
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August 9, 2012

Pros:

Cleared my cystic acne in 3 months
Skin and hair are less oily
No side effects!
Cheap - $30AUD for 3.5 months worth

Cons:

None

Suffered acne for 10 years, tried everything from minomycin to accutane. Some helped temporarily but not like spironolactone. Skin is completely clear after 4 months and it will just keep on improving the longer I am on it. Definitely worth the wait which I don't think is very long. This will cure your hormonal acne, accutane wont!
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August 1, 2012

Pros:

99% Clear skin
Lose some water weight
No oily hair

Cons:

Can't take NSAIDS (Aleve, Ibuprofen, etc.)
Bad initial break out

I had basically tried every type of topical and antibiotic out there. I've been on Doxy, Mino, Tetra and none of them helped at all. I didn't have cystic acne but I definitely broke out quite a bit, especially around my period. Finally, I was prescribed Spironolactone and it's my life saver! I started out at 200mg (one pill in the AM one in the PM) which is what I'm still taking. Initially, I broke out like crazy for about the first two months, then around the third month it began miraculously clearing up. Now that I'm on my 10th month, I'm super clear. If I do get a zit, it usually goes away much quicker than before. Try it, you have nothing to lose!
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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