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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April 29, 2010

Pros:

decreased facial hair, clear skin!

Cons:

constipation, irregular periods

I did not see effects from this drug while on 25-100mg/day. I still got multiple huge painful cysts on my chin and mouth area...but after 4 months my doctor boosted me to 200mg/day (100mg twice a day) and about a month after that, I seriously have not had ANY cysts for a full month now! This is after having 1-6 at a time on my face constantly for the past 7 months...I am very happy with my skin, but also along with the 200mg dose I have had issues with constipation and have had irregular periods for the the first time in my life :( This is frustrating, but at this point I am willing to put up with that for the clear skin!
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April 23, 2010

Pros:

clear skin at about 4 months

Cons:

At 6 months, breaking out terribly.. whats going on??

At about 4 months as I previously posted, my skin was completely clear. But now at 6 months, I've had a breakout of 6-7 pimples.. I dont know whats going on. I dont know if this is normal to have another breakout before I'll be consistently clear or what. I have been taking 100mg twice a day consistently and don't feel as if I've changed anything. I feel hideous. I just hope that this is the last breakout like this I ever have. Just wanted to warn others in case they have the same outcome through the spiro process. Hopefully it is just temporary.. but is discouraging :(
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April 20, 2010

Pros:

This has been a miracle for me ! 100% clear for several months now. Lost weight (about 9 lbs in about 5 months--which is a lot of weight for my frame).

Cons:

Need to drink a lot of water, so end up going to the bathroom more often. But it's not a huge deal, and drinking more water makes you feel better in general anyway.

I am so so so happy with this medication! It is the only thing that has ever worked for me, and I have had acne for about 12 years (I am in my late 20s now). I had struggled with deeper, small-sized cysts on my chin and jawline for many years--not a ton, but always at least one-two big ones pretty much all the time. If you suspect your acne is hormonal--run to your doctor and ask for this! Seriously. It took me a few months to get to 100% clear, although it started approving within a month. My dose went from 100mg to currently 150mg , and that change led to completely clear, beautiful skin for the first time pretty much EVER for me. I would give it 10 stars if I could!
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April 18, 2010

Pros:

I just started getting acne when I turned 30. I had never had acne ever before. I did not know what was going on. I tried several things-birth control, face washes, acne medication, and I took tetracycline for years. I am now 33 and I had finally had it. I was starting to get nodular acne and I just could not take it anymore. My Dr. suggested taking spironolactone. I was unsure about this but thought I would give it a try. It has been 2 months now and it has completely transformed my life.

Cons:

The price is only $5

My skin is completely clear. I have never felt so good about myself. My confidence level has increased 2 fold. This is something that needs to be well known to everyone who is suffering from hormonal acne. I hope that the word spreads quickly.
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April 17, 2010

Pros:

clear skin. facial hair is starting to thin out (doctor said it will be completely gone within 1 year)

Cons:

big pill, twice a day. you have to get in the habit of remembering to take it.

it's been 4 weeks. i began noticing improvement within 2. my face and body is almost completely clear except for a few pimples. i haven't even doubled my dosage yet, that's next week. i can't wait to see how quickly i'll finish clearing up! Now to work on fading away the blemishes.
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April 14, 2010

Pros:

clears your skin!! stops those big painful pimples from growing

Cons:

none so far

A little background, i'm a female in my early 20s who have suffered from acne for maybe 8 years now. I have tried different topical medication, minocin, birth control, low dosage accutane for oil control, and nothing has really worked. Finally, i did my own research and asked (demanded? lol) my doctor prescribe me this. He was somewhat reluctant as its not a traditional acne medication and suggested I should try full dosage accutane first, but knowing the harmful side effects of accutane, I really wanted to try this first. Plus, based on my research, jawline acne is caused by hormones, so I wanted to try something that'll target the hormone issue. I've been taking 100mg once a day for 12 days now, and I have already seen a dramatic difference. Since the day I started taking spiro, I have had ZERO new nodular acne growth. Still small white heads here and there, but prior to spiro, I've had consistent breakouts on my jawline that were bumpy, painful, and lasted forever. I'm still working on keeping my skin hydrated and waiting for the hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts to fade, but seriously, if you have suffered from long term acne, try this before you give up!
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April 12, 2010

Pros:

Touch wood. Cant believe I have not has one spot in last one week now. Amazing

Cons:

cramps, headaches, fatigue, tremors occasionally

My last review was about on my way to getting 99% clear. Today I feel like the chains of acne has broken. I am hoping it stays this way. I take 50mg/day of spironolactone and use differing every night and apply it on my whole face. I have waited 3 months patiently to see the results. I have also changed my diet, I feel it is important to notice a pattern with your acne. If any type of food is causing it, just stop it. I feel just to please my taste buds for few seconds, I get punished with a big spot. I am caffeine,milk and chocolate free. I have realized that these three do make me break out. Guys try hard and I feel you will see the results. Nobody should be a victim of P. Vulgaris. I have not had even one break out in last one whole week, which is not usual. The spots are fading away as well. Eat Healthy, drink water and get good sleep along with everything else and hopefully you will see the result I did.
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April 7, 2010

Pros:

Got rid of the two lone hairs on my chin immediately!
Kept acne at bay.
May have regrown hair around my temples.
Larger breasts (this can be a con).

Cons:

Can't tolerate more than 25 mgs. a day.

Terrified of getting high potassium

Palpitations
Leg cramps
Messed up my period.
Bone pain

It is definitely worth a shot! A good med, just not for me. The palpitations scared the hell outta me. That is what made me stop. I was only on 25 mgs a day. I tried going up to 50 but both times I had to stop due to scary side effects (palpitations, low BP). I think since it takes magnesium and calcium out of your body that that is what was causing my leg cramping and occasional bone pain. I wasn't on a high dose, but I had two little hairs on my chin and they went away in a month, which was surprising. I think my hair started to grow back where I had lost it on my head. I was TERRIFIED of my potassium getting high, and as a result, I refused to eat my diet which is high in potassium -- veggies, fruits, meats, kefir, avocado, salads. This was very depressing for me because I LOVE these foods. I cannot wait to be able to eat them again in huge amounts! So excited, lol. It works for acne. Definitely try it. I am moving on to a different anti androgen that doesn't mess with potassium, BP, calcium, magnesium, and periods. I hope it works safely for me. I had mild acne. I also paid more for the brand name because Dr. Redmond (famous dr. for hormonal treatment) said it works better than generic. If you don't have insurance, get it at walmart and have tour dr. give you a rx for 25 mg pills so it is only 4$. The 50/100 mg pills are not $4. The brand name is also NOT 4$. Good luck!! :-)
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March 26, 2010

Pros:

Clear skin!!!! scalp oil greatly reduced (only need to wash my hair every other day compared to everyday) facial oil somewhat reduced (still kind of oily but not as much as before...) confidence!!

Cons:

For the first month I was tired very often, my heart beat was rapid and out of control, VERY thirsty which resulted in terrible headaches if I did not consume enough, irregular menstruation

I've been on Spironolactone for nearly four months now, and the results have been phenomenal. For the first few months, I was on 200mg/day, and I saw my skin clearing after about a month. For the rest of the time due to a heart condition, I've been on 100mg/day. My skin is perfectly clear!!! I'm also using Clindamycin Phosphate Lotion in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide every morning and night. Wow, I have no pimples on my face right now, and it is that time of the month where I was usually full of those little monsters. Let me tell you how great it is to wake up every morning with a clear face. It's so strange, because when I do awake, I am full of anxiety. I run to the mirror and expect a few pimples to have emerged while I was in dreamland, but there isn't anything... I am thrilled, and I encourage everyone to try Spironolactone who hasn't already. It has made such a big amazing difference in my life.
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March 23, 2010

Pros:

Smaller breakouts so far, breakouts seem to heal quicker, lighter period

Cons:

Not as clear as I was hoping for

I am currently in my early 20s, and I had to come off of birth control a little over a year ago. Since I discontinued my BC, I have had some of the worst acne my friends of I have seen. I have been taking 100mg of this medication for approximately a month. At first, my skin dramatically became clearer, but then it broke out horribly around week 2. It has since gotten better and is slowly improving, but I still have a few cysts and LOTS of whiteheads. However, this month when I got my period, I didn't break out horribly like I usually do. I see several others said their skin cleared up after the 1 month period, so I'm hoping that mine continues to clear, as I am getting married 7 months. :-/
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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:

  • 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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