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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July 30, 2010

Pros:

Effective when nothing else worked

Cons:

Frequent trips to the bathroom

I have experienced moderate acne since age 10. At age 23, my acne got HORRIBLE. (Children began to point at my face -- that's how bad.) All topical treatments failed; antibiotics failed; and Accutane made it *worse* (I had to go on a steroid to reduce that inflammation!). I'd just about lost hope when an alternate dermatologist recommended combining 100mg of Spironolactone with a light dose of antibiotic. The pairing worked! Now I take 50mg Spironolactone per day (no antibiotic anymore) and only experience a few blemishes at a time. Whew! There are some mild side effects: it makes me suddenly hungry within 2 hours of taking it, and I pee more frequently than my grandma. But all things considered, it is a welcome tradeoff. Such a relief.
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July 30, 2010

Pros:

Clearer Skin
Weight Loss

Cons:

Lightheadedness
Fainting
Dry mouth

I had only been on this drug for about a week and had started to see positive results for my skin, unfortunately I was getting very lightheaded later in the day (I was taking 100mg in the am) which ultimately led to me fainting in the middle of a restaurant at the end of dinner. If you are having the same lightheadedness after taking it for not that long you should stop, passing out and being taken away in an ambulance was sooo much more embarassing than having bad skin! If it works for you without the side effects its a great drug!
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July 28, 2010

Pros:

- gets ride of acne

Cons:

- the side affects were something I had to deal with tremendously.
- fatigue
- extreme tiredness
- racy heart beat

Spironolactone helped me so much in reducing my acne. I never had severe acne problems during my adolescence days, but this year (3rd year in college) I started breaking out like I have never seen in my life. Spiro did not make my acne disappear overnight. It took me a span of two to three weeks for me to notice how my face was no longer flooded with new pimples, while the old ones were going down. Yes, spiro helped me so much in calming down my acne and I am so thankful for that. However, the side affects were... in other words, extremely difficult to deal with. The side affects of fatigue and tiredness hit me so hard since DAY ONE and hasn't changed since (and I've been only taking 25-50mg). The fatigue feeling is almost to the point of anxiety. I recently stopped taking spiro (after 1 1/2 months) last week because I felt that I was going to faint. Spiro sometimes (and by sometimes I mean most of the time) makes my heart beat so fast to the point that it makes my whole body jittery. Even when I got a good nights sleep, i would take 2-3 hour naps (and even so, it makes me feel that I just pulled an all nighter). The other day when I took spiro, I ended up taking a nap on the living room floor because I was THAT TIRED to even go upstairs into my bedroom. just sayin' The only reason why I sucked it up was because spiro DID help my acne. However, let me emphasize how difficult it was to even maintain my daily tasks (going to class, focusing, trying not to fall asleep, or trying to sleep with my heart beating so fast- not fun) So if you try Spiro and the side effects are nothing how I described, I'm so happy for you. But if you're like me, beware. Here are some before & after pictures. You can see how different my skin looks (despite the different lighting in each pics). Now it's only the acne scars that are left. BEFORE [link removed]
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July 26, 2010

Pros:

-greatly reduces oily skin and hair
-reduces acne (for me, acne was eliminated)
-reduce cysts (for me, cysts were eliminated)
-pores look smaller, less noticable
-reduces body hair
-unlike Accutane, you can take it long term
-with health insurance, it can be very cheap

Cons:

-not for pregnant women (it can feminize male fetuses)
-not for men (sorry guys!)
-tastes bad
-it might be hard for some woen to swallow the 100 mg pills as they're about the size of a dime (the 25,50 mg pills are smaller)

I had severe acne compounded with rosacea for several years, (it started out mild in junior high and became progressively worse over the years). I went on Accutane twice to clear my skin (it also helped with my rosacea) but I knew my oily, inflamed skin would return as it always did. I also had moderate hirsuitism and had done a few electrolysis sessions to get rid of the hair that bothered me most, but even that didn't work to get rid of the hairs. Although my hormone levels were normal (I had them checked), my endocronologist told me that I was most likely sensitive to androgens, and that was why I had such oily skin and hirsuitism. I was prescribed 200 mg Spironolactone 8 months ago and it cleared up my skin within a few months after taking it regularly. It reduced my oil production tremendously, and gave me back my self-esteem. My hair is beautiful now and I only need to shampoo it every three days instead of every day like I used to. I have more of a problem with my skin being too dry now than being too oily. Spironolactone has also reduced my body hair by about half - the hairs grow back slower, are less thick, and are not as dark. You don't have to get it proscribed by a derm-you can also get it prescribed by your OBGYN or endocronologist if you have one. For me, it's only $5 every month because I have health insurance (I'm not sure how muh it woud be without it). I would definately reccomend this drug to women who have a hormonal inbalance or have had trouble clearing their skin with Accutane or antibiotics. Good luck!
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July 20, 2010

Pros:

WORKS WONDERS!!! 95% Better on breakouts.

Cons:

Once you get it in your system you must keep taking the med or the acne will come back worse than before. Did not work for the hair growth on my face, this may be due to the low dosage.

I've had hormonal acne for over 20yrs (40yr female) and have seen doctor after doctor, been put on so many different pills, antibiotics, creams and washes. Even gave the ones on tv a chance. Some may have worked for a minute, but none gave the results that I've seen with Spironolactone. This October will be 1yr that I've been taking it (25mg twice a day) and unless some major health issue presents from using it, my plan is to continue. Works great for me, hope it does for you!!! Would advise you keep to as low of a dosage as possible.
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July 11, 2010

Pros:

Less oily skin

Cons:

my cystic acne came back :(

I went to my dermatologist because my skin was too oily and rosac was not doing anything to prevent that. I got on spiro (50mg per day) and not my chin acne is going crazy. I hadn't had a cystic pimple in a long long time. I don't know what to do. Will this go away if I keep on using it, or will they just keep on comming?
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July 7, 2010

Pros:

less oil, less cystic acne, smoother face.

Cons:

Very hard on your stomach, potassium is now high. Always thirsty no matter how much I drink.

This really works when nothing else would . I use to get big cystic acne that swelled and throbbed with pain and took forever to clear up. I have been on 100 mgs for 1.5 years however I watched my potassium slowly creep up on my blood tests. When I was at 4.7 my doctor put me down to 75 mgs and my face started to break out again, not as bad as before spiro but I am not clear anymore. Too much potassium can damage the heart so unfortunately if I can not maintain my clear face on a lower dosage I will have to go off this. My advice start out low and see if you can maintain a clear face at 50mg.
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July 7, 2010

Pros:

Inexpensive
Works REALLY well

Cons:

Worry about potassium levels
Worry about heart problems
I peed a lot at first (lol)

I've had cystic/pustular acne since I was about 10. I've tried (along with the regimen) a whole slew of pills, creams and medications, everything short of Accutane. This was my last shot before Accutane, which I really didn't want to go on. I am SO glad I found Spiro. It has worked absolute MIRACLES for my skin, which is so incredibly resistant and stubborn to everything else. My dermatologist and I talked about taking it after we realized my testosterone levels were a bit high (I recommend you get those checked out ladies) along with starting Tri-Sprintec, and I've been using it a bit over a month. Usually in any given day I have several nodules and pustules. Today? I have one minor nodule. Two days ago I had absolutely nothing for the first time in so, so long. Now if I could just erase my scars, it would be perfect :) I HIGHLY recommend Spiro to people who are at their wits end and about to jump on Accutane, it's done so, so much for me and I'm incredibly grateful.
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July 5, 2010

Pros:

Has reduced my late adult acne to almost nothing, when nothing else worked. It wasn't bad but would flare up from time to time and what woman in her 50s wants to deal with acne? It has also generally made my skin smoother. My hair is less oily (but not overly dry) and requires less freqent washing. Best skin I've had in years

Cons:

It is a diuretic so you need to be really careful about getting plenty of fluids. The potassium test didn't bother me - I only had to get it when dose was increased. I started at 25mg then moved within a few weeks to 50. Saw a lot of imporvement for a couple months and then a plateau. Doctor upped to does to 100mg again significant additional improvement. ALthough I still get minor flare ups when I am very stressed they are just that - MINOR

This product solved the problem for me. My skin is softer and prettier and virtually no zits. Ir also reduced those annoying little hairs that can grow on your chin and turn into zits. If you are careful about staying hydrated and getting electrolytes checked this is a great product. I did have some mild dizziness at first but that went away quickly . No other negatives. I used it with the topical ZIana which is a retinoid.
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July 4, 2010

Pros:

Cheap, effective on hormonal acne, minimal side effects (for me)

Cons:

Potassium levels can change so you have to get checked

This drug worked on my hormonal acne (I'm 26F). It took about four months to see a real change, but it does seem to work. I'm 99.9% clear now with this and the addition of antibiotics and Finacea. I haven't felt much of the side effects that happen on this drug. I was worried about feeling lethargic but I barely notice a change in my energy levels. I do hate getting blood taken though, and you have to get regular tests for K levels.
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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