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 5, 2008

Pros:

Hoping it will help with my oily skin....

Cons:

Being careful about consuming foods with Potassium

Only been on it a week, waiting to see how I do....
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September 4, 2008

Pros:

I have normal skin now!

Cons:

None for me maybe I have to pee a little more often

If you have hormonal acne then try this! I have used everything and my roommate told me about spironolactone. It takes a little while to work but it has been a miracle for me! no more accutane or antibiotics finally something that really works!
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August 30, 2008

Pros:

No longer need to blot my face 10 times a day! 90% of my acne is gone at only three weeks.

Cons:

NONE!

I'm 29 and have had acne since 15... this is the first time I've seen results! I tried proactive... that was a joke! Now my makeup stays in place all day. I no longer need to blot my face 10 times a day and my pores are tiny. AMAZING. It took a week to titrate my dose so that my BP wouldn't drop too low. I take 50mg twice a day. It's only been three weeks and people are already telling my how good my skin looks! LOVE THIS STUFF!
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August 25, 2008

Pros:

Clear, bright complexion! No more bumps and marks!

Cons:

Takes a good two motnhs to see a big difference.

It took me about 2 months to see a big difference but my face has been clear since. I have been on spiro for almost 6 months and I have been really happy with the results. I was so worried about my skin back in April and May and now it's not something I think about. I can walk out with no makeup or sweat during a sport and not feel self conscious. It works!!! It was also combined with Tazarac cream which also helped my progress.
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August 20, 2008

Pros:

Complete disappearance of acne, reduced pores, reduced visibility of red nostril veins, DRAMATIC reduction in facial hair (both size/darkness and number), hair all over body grows back much more slowly, moderate weight loss

Cons:

I already have low blood pressure without Spiro so its bp-lowering effects cause me occasional very brief periods of intense dizziness upon standing

I have been on Spiro + hormonal birth control for almost six years to manage polycystic ovarian syndrome and its works beautifully. My endocrinologist has had me on one 100mg pill per day for the entire duration of the treatment and I am satisfied with the results. I saw an improvement in my acne right away and after two months, the full effect had taken place. My woman-stache was barely visible, the chin hairs went away without any harsh creams, etc. The only thing I didn't like was the month my body took to get used to the hormone change - I cried a lot at nothing at all and would get very dizzy when I stood up. After that, everything's been great. I get a lot of compliments on how nice my skin looks but I don't have to wear any makeup.
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August 17, 2008

Pros:

Softened my skin texture (less oily, generally more sublte texture and brighter color), Less facial hair, my scalp is nearly never oily yet my skin does not get dry, and oddly enough, i have little to no ear wax!! Hehehe. Miracle Drug!!

Cons:

The first week, i felt tired and a little light headed but that disappeared despite increasing my dosage. I suppose my sex drive went down but...eh...who cares, i have clear skin daaahhling!

I started with 50mg and upped my dosage to 150 as well as a small dosage of anti-biotics. I never really suffered from acne until i was in my mid-twenties. I got on all sorts of medications for four years, all my doctors insisted on putting my on Accutane but i felt it was a risk since i have very dry eyes. Finally, a found a doctor who took one look at me and told me my problem was hormonal and that Accutane will not solve my hormone imbalance. My chest, back and face (which were peppered with acne) slowly started to clear up and with in 3 months, i was completely clear. People now compliment my on my clear and glowy skin. Please give this a shot if you're considering Accutane, ESPECIALLY if you're a growm woman suffereing from acne (especially along the jaw line and lower half of the face). I did'nt expect to find a cure for myself, but i finally did.
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August 15, 2008

Pros:

Less bloating, lower blood pressure, aids in weight loss, clear skin, less menstrual cramping. I've also noticed less irritability (note: this is the only med I'm taking other than my multivitamins)

Cons:

occasional headaches

This med was prescribed to me mainly for bloating, but found out that it had help clear my skin (hormonal acne) and less cramping. I've been on it for the last 3 months. I've stopped taking it for the headaches to see if it was the culprit and sure enough, it was. However, I'm starting on it again with a lower dose this time (50mg) and it's doing the trick without the headaches.
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

Was on everything from doxy to differin, acne was getting worse, tried spirno. Worked within a few weeks bumps going away, still had acne scars using lightening cream for that. Acne problem seems to be hormonal.

Cons:

frequent restroom trips, but worth the clear skin

Using 50mg day, as well as topical med for scarring. Have been seeing derm for about 1 1/2 yrs, spirno seems to work for me, have been on antibiotics, which did't help. Last step would be accutane dont want to go on it, so keeping my fingers cross that spirno works for yrs to come.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

Acne totally cleared up, hair & skin not oily anymore, shorter and pain-free period, lost water-weight, body hair grows slower, less sweating - no need for deodorant.

Cons:

Need to drink more water & pee more frequently, under-eye cicles (look tired), my veins are prominent all over my body

I take 200mg twice a day for the past year. I will continue using it because the pros outweight the cons for me personally.
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August 6, 2008

Pros:

IT WORKED! Within the 1st month my back was totally cleared up, my face was clear in 2 months. It dramatically improved the texture of my skin. It made my skin flawless!

Cons:

NOTHING

This worked for me and changed my life! My dermatologist was going to put my on Accutane and wanted to try one more thing! Thank God it worked!
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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:

  • 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.
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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.
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