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 2, 2010

Pros:

Decreased oil on face and back
Acne not as severe

Cons:

Can raise blood potassium levels

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS and at my wits end with trying what seemed like every prescription treatment for acne. I finally went to my OB/Gyn and was diagnosed with PCOS, which can have a major effect on acne production. I've only been on this for two weeks, but i can already see a difference in the size of my acne and less oil production on my face and back. I am also using Minocycline 50mg twice daily, as well as chemical peels every three weeks, so that may play a factor in the reduced and less severe acne. I plan on staying on Spironolactone unless I experience any major side effects.
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June 22, 2010

Pros:

Only took for a month so I saw no changes, but it COULD have worked if I stayed on.

Cons:

My potassium levels shot up so I was not allowed to continue taking it. So disappointed.

This could work for you! However before you begin, don't get too attached to the idea. I was so hopeful and excited. The doc prescribed me 100mg/day and ordered i take a blood test the day before my first day, one week later, two weeks later, and four weeks later. I shot up to 5.2, then 4.5, then 5.5, at which point my doc said "no more, not an option for you." For those of you whose potassium stays under 4.7ish while on the med, this is safe and I wish you success!!
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June 12, 2010

Pros:

less oily skin and hair
pimples that would have been cysts become moderate pimples
weight loss
mood regulation

Cons:

has not prevented acne only decreased severity
dizziness
increases heartrate
nauscia
fatigue

i like spiro...it has definately helped regulate my breakouts, made them more managable.i used to have large painful cysts all over my cheeks and jawlines...i still get those breakouts but the pimples that would have been painful cysts become pimples that i can eventually pop and go away quicker. i was expecting a miracle and i did not get one...i still, have acne and i still have to deal with unexpected breakouts, painful zits and low self-confidence. its helped but not enough...i start accutane in 10 days!
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June 11, 2010

Pros:

Prevented cystic acne, reduced facial/body oil by about 50%, improved overall acne and hormonal breakouts, cheap!

Cons:

Needed to use with birth control to get results, irregular periods, minor irregular heart beat

I have extremely oily skin and hormonal acne on my chin area, and I originally went to my derm to see if I could get on Accutane (mostly to try to control all the excess oil), but she said that it would be too harsh for my already sensitive skin and recommended Spironolactone, and I'm so glad she did! I started on 50mg a day and saw a pretty good decrease in hormonal cystic acne, but little decrease in oil. We bumped it up to 100mg a day after two months and I started taking it with birth control pills (Ortho-tri cyclen Lo) and I saw a huge difference! My cystic acne is completely gone, I only have a few small pimples that easily heal within a week, and the combination of Spiro and birth control pills has decreased my oil production by probably about 50%! I still have a lot of excess oil, but all of you with crazy oily skin will agree that any decrease is well worth the effort! My skin is looking the best it has since before puberty, and a big part of that is the Spiro. If it helps, I now use this combination of products to help with the acne, oil, and redness: Finacea gel OC 8 (non-prescription oil control gel) Spironolactone 100mg Ortho-tri cyclen Lo Try Spiro, it is soooooo worth it!
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June 10, 2010

Pros:

less oily
smooth skin
loose some weight
1 pill a day = 100mg

Cons:

initial breakout
takes about 3 months to see results

This is the best thing I ever took...l was getting severe large painful cystic acne around my chin. which is mainly hormonal. I've tried everything on the market and nothing seemed to work. I don't use any benzol peroxide or any salycic acid on my face...Just use a mild cleanser now with an oil free moisterizer day and night..It did take 3 months to see a significant improvement but it was worth it. I too was discouraged by the results at first but the postings on this site kept me going..Please do not give up...I have been on 100mg a day now for 4 1/2 months and rarely have any breakout even during that time of the month...
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June 8, 2010

Pros:

Less oily face

Cons:

shifted my acne to other areas on my face.

I suffer from persistant acne around my chin. My dermatologist said its due to increase in adrogen. I've been taking 50mg of sprio twice a day for a little over a month, and although my chin breaks out less, i'm getting zits of all shapes and sizes everywhere else on my face! in places I NEVER used to break out. I'm unsure to continue using this product since there is a reduction of oil on my face, however i've developed acne in other spots. Any advice?? What am I not doing right??
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June 7, 2010

Pros:

skin less oily, hair less oily. better overall tone to skin. spots less severe.weight loss

Cons:

slight cramping
fatigue

ive been on this for about 2 weeks and already i like it. ive been on accutane, antibiotics, and every topical soap, gel, cream you can think of and i still get pretty annoying breakouts. after going through a horrible reaction to an antibiotic that made me think i was dying, i knew i had to try something else. being afraid of the severe breakout that accutane causes, my doc recommended spiro. my skin is so much better, and if i do get a spot it is very small, surface and goes quickly. ive even lost about 5 pounds so far! i will say that i had some odd cramping for about 2 days that has gone away and some light spotting. im assuming my body is just adjusting to the difference in hormones. at the moment im better. my second week i was extremely fatigued. however, as someone who has dealt with acne for almost 10 years......im willing to deal with a lot for normal looking skin. im looking forward to the next month.
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June 6, 2010

Pros:

gets rid of hormonal acne which is probably the most frustrating to have.

Cons:

A lot of side effects, none of them really bothered me except for the fact that I am constantly thirsty but I find it to be a good thing since I used to be really bad about getting enough liquids.

I still havent seen the full effects of the medication yet. I am on 50mg a day and have been on it for about 7 weeks. I had a horrible breakout less than a week into the treatment, really painful cysts. It was probably one of the worst breakout I've ever experienced. I didnt want to leave the house, slowly it cleared up but then about 5 weeks into the treatment I had another big breakout, not quite as bad, but enough to discourage me. That breakout finally cleared up but I am left with two little breakouts that are fairly new. They arent cysts which I am very thankful for. My doctor told me id notice dramatic results by the third month, but I think I may need a higher dose. However my skin has improved quite a bit since those big breakouts. I'm not giving up yet, and I am confident that eventually this will work. This medication is different for everyone, just stick with it, nothing happens fast when it comes to acne.
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May 28, 2010

Pros:

I started three days ago and my face is no longer oily.

Cons:

Frequent visits to the bathroom.

I have had horrible acne since the tender age of eleven. I have very sensitive skin so finding the right treatment has been a challenge. I am 19 now and my derm recomended Accutane, but I declined. Now i am on 50mg 2x a day as well as monocyline 2x a day, YAZ, and I must use Acanya at night. So far so good my face is no longer oily, my complextion is no longer fire engine red. I just began these treatments, so it is too early to tell if they will work or not. I pray they do beacuse I don't want to go the Accutane route. I will update latter, for those like me who have to deal with this. You have my deepest sympathy, and if this pill as well as the other things work I will say something so that others can be helped.
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May 28, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my skin w/in a month
Cheap ($8/month)
Few negative side affects
Some positive side affects

Cons:

Slight diuretic
Doctors want to take you off after a year
Only women can use

I have tried over the counter face washes and spot treatments, proactive, birth control pills, doxycycline, minocycline, retin-a, and accutane. Though I would see slight improvements nothing cleared my skin. After college and about a year after finishing with Accutane I was depressed by the state of my skin. I couldn't figure out why all these treatments didn't work. A friend I met had gorgeous skin and when I commented on it said it was all b/c her Spiro. I rushed to see her derm who put me on Yaz and Spiro. At first it was awful, I would have severe mood swings. My PMS was so bad I felt like I was going crazy. I rightly attributed this to the Yaz and after 4 months the derm took me off it. Smooth sailing after that. Within a month my skin was completely clear on the Spiro. I take the minimum dose of 50 mg/day (25 mg 2x day), which is only $8 a month at Wal-Mart. It took some time for the scars to fade. About a year in I visited my parents and they couldn't stop talking about it. My dad said it was like they were looking at me through a soft filter, my skin was so perfect. Occasionally right before my period I still get one or two pimples, but they don't last weeks like they used to. Within a week they're gone. The downside is that doctors never like to leave you on medication, which meant that after a year he began urging me to try going off the Spiro. I knew this was a bad idea (my hormones haven't changed so why would my acne disappear?). Within 3 months I started breaking out like crazy. The majority are red nodules on the lower half of my face that can take weeks to reach a white heads or just fade away. Back on the Spiro and my skin is clear again. Side affects: periods are lighter, need to drink more water, urinate more, less aggression/sex drive, hair grows slower after shaving and plucking (don't see a diff for hair on my head) Conclusion: Less side affects than Retin-A or Accutane, but works so much better. Worth it!
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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.

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  • 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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