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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May 27, 2009

Pros:

cuts down on oiliness, gives skin a clear appearance, cuts down on breakouts

Cons:

feel tired and dizzy if I don't drink enough water. Dries out skin and hair.

I'm a 49 year old who used to have cystic acne long ago which was cleared up with Accutane. I'm taking spiro to try and get rid of excess facial/body hair since it is an anti-androgen. Was hoping it would also enlarge my breasts as I have heard others report. No sign of that yet. I have been taking 50 mg a day for about a month. I was on Yaz for about 2 and a half months and it cleared up my skin, got rid of body hair, and enlarged my breasts, but I couldn't take the side effects - tingling in arms, migraines - scary. So far, spiro has helped the appearance of the skin on my face, but it has dried out the skin elsewhere. I don't yet see any improvement in facial/body hair; in fact, it may have increased it slightly, while the hair on my head seems to be falling out rapidly. I'm trying to hang in there because my doc tells me it takes a few months. I will report back again.
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May 27, 2009

Pros:

It worked for me along with solodyn.

Cons:

I did feel dizzy alot with headaches. But I would take that over cystic acne.

It worked for me. My face is clearing up and no new breakouts. Now if I could only get rid of these deep scars I would be happy with my skin. Oh and it bugs me when people write a review after 2 days. I waited a few months before I wrote a review. You can't tell how it is in 2 days.
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May 25, 2009

Pros:

fast acting, easy to use

Cons:

weird after taste if i let it sit in my mouth too long before swollowing them

I have had severe cyctic acne and it would be so painful to even touch my face at times. i was actually told by my co-worker that i really needed to see a dermatologist about it a few months ago, which is quite embarrasing knowing that it was being noticed. Since i have been precribed this, and using it regularly, i have never been happier with my skin. i go out without make now, and love to touch my skin! this is truly unbelievable.
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May 25, 2009

Pros:

It works!! It took a while for it to work (~3mo). Infact I think it got worse at first and every time I increased my dose until I got 100mg daily. Now my skin is almost completely clear. Yay!

Cons:

My periods have gotten a little off schedule, but I think they're going back to normal now.

It actually works! I've had pretty severe acne since I was 13. I've been on Accutane twice, every antibiotic under the sun, tried Retin-A, and the list goes on. I've had a little success with birth control, but my moods get whacky when I'm on the pill. So, I was thrilled to find out that there is a medication that actually decreases oil production instead of trying to take care of the excess oil after its already on my skin and causing break-outs.
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May 20, 2009

Pros:

Easy to take, no upset stomach, no side effects, works great!

Cons:

None

I am 30 years old and have fought the acne battle since I was 12. I have used everything from Retin-A to antibiotics and while some things worked for awhile, they were all battling what was there, not keeping the blemishes from ever appearing. I knew I had hormonal breakouts b/c I was previously on Ortho Tri-Cylen and that was the only time my skin was clear. I don't want take the pill, however, so my derm. recommended Sprionolactone and it has worked since day one, with no side effects.
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May 16, 2009

Pros:

This cleared up my severe cystic acne in a very short time! I have run out before - and if I skip more than a week I start to breeak out exactly like I did before.

Cons:

I really don't have many side effects. I always drink a lot of water so I really didn't notice a change in drinking or urinating.

LOVE this stuff. I have been on this medication for well over three years. I go and have my blood work done every 6 months to monitor for pottasium levels, I take 100 mg/ day and it is the only thing that has cleared up my face. I had adult cystic acne for about 15 years before I found this wonder pill. Although, they do taste minty - I don't know what's up with that!
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May 11, 2009

Pros:

It works and, for me, it worked pretty fast

Cons:

You have to pee a lot while taking it, and you can get dehydrated pretty easily - but not really that big of a deal if you drink plenty of water.

If you have acne, along with unwanted facial hair growth, this definitely helps clear up your face. It's almost unbelievable. I still get some pimples around my face and in certain areas, but compared to how my face usually would breakout, it doesn't even phase me. This is so effective if your acne is hormonally-charged. I'm really thankful for it!
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May 11, 2009

Pros:

Very soft skin and hair. Acne improving. Less facial hair.

Cons:

Scalp hair loss. If it doesn't subside I will stop taking spiro. Some light dizzyness and overall dryness at first.

I started 25 mg per day over a month ago. Almost immediately my skin and hair become really soft. My acne (jaw/chin/back) is improving. However, last week I upped my dosage to 50 mg per day and experienced significant shedding of my hair. Another reason I started taking spiro was because I do have some facial hair - which has improved. But I didn't expect my scalp hair to thin out.
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May 9, 2009

Pros:

This is BY FAR the BEST BEST BEST!!! I'm soooo happy with this medicine

Cons:

Well, in the beginning, you break out twice as bad, BUT stick with it. What helped me, was reading these message boards. You can get dizzy. Like when you 1st wake up or when I'm working out, if I'm really pushing it, I'll feel it

I'm 37, had adult acne that started about age 19. I had cyst soooo bad that they hurt, constant break outs, black heads, pimples, always bumpy skin. Started with 25mg 2x a day, then and now 50mg 2x a day (been on meds for almost a year) and I have so much more confidence! I love when I wash my face, (which I use the wash from this site and most.), I don't feel all the bumps on my face. People are always complementing me now. It truely is a miracle drug. It takes about 2 to 3 months though to start seeing the change so just hang in there and know you're not alone!
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May 9, 2009

Pros:

Give it some time but it does work. I've had no cystic acne since using it.

Cons:

Make spike potassium levels
Can interfere with effectiveness of antidepressants
Be sure to drink plenty of liquids

I'm almost 40 and have dealt with acne since the age of 10. The last 5 years have the been the worst because I developed cystic acne. After trying different cremes, antibiotics, and cortisone shots; nothing would prevent cysts from developing. I was told to try this as my acne is "systemic." I was skeptical to try it because of the potential side effects but I am glad that I did. I still get small pimples but they are easy to deal with. I have not had a cyst since using this medicine and the side effects are not bad.
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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