Spironolactone for Acne Treatment

Acne is a skin disorder that mainly occurs in women due to hormonal fluctuations. Though acne usually first appears during adolescence, hormonally influenced acne mainly occurs during early to mid twenties and can persist well into adulthood. The cause of hormonal acne is mainly associated with androgens, hormones stimulating the sebaceous or oil glands, and hair follicles in the skin. Due to hormonal fluctuations, the oil production in the skin increases, causing blockage of pores that finally results in acne. Hence, most of the women experience increased facial oiliness and acne flare-ups like pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.

Acne Treatment with Spironolactone

Acne treatment usually involves the use of topical lotions, creams or gels, and sometimes prescribed antibiotics also. But in some cases these treatments don't work so well, and an anti-androgenic treatment with spironolactone for acne is carried out. Due to its androgen inhibiting properties, it is given to women when there is excess of androgen production, the main cause of female acne. It blocks the androgen receptors in the body and forbids the cells from absorbing androgen hormones. Hence, it simply limits the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne breakouts. The medication is given once or twice a day as prescribed by the dermatologist and the severity of the patient's acne. The medication is normally used along with birth control pills, and in some cases the pills are recommended a week or a month before prescribing spironolactone. It is highly effective for women having hormonal disorders that activate acne or other problems like unwanted facial hair. It is also beneficial for some other skin disorders like androgenetic alopecia, hirsutism and suppurativa.

Precaution and Side Effects of Spironolactone

The medicine is not recommended if the patient is on ACE inhibitors and has a family history of breast cancer, uterus or ovarian cancers, or is suffering from kidney problems. In such cases, always inform your doctor before taking the medicine. The medicine intake should be avoided during pregnancy and by women having renal insufficiency or abnormal menstrual bleeding. Both blood pressure and blood potassium levels should be checked regularly if you're having this medication. There are rarely any side effects due to low dose of spironolactone, but with higher doses women may experience the following:

• Irregular menstruation
• Breast tenderness
• Breathing problems
• Swelling in face and neck
• Thirst, dry mouth
• Stomach cramps, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Headache and dizziness
• Increased blood potassium levels

Women between the age group of 20 to 30 suffering from irregular periods, often outburst with acne especially during premenstrual periods. According to some studies, up to 66% of women who took spironolactone for acne have experienced outstanding improvement in their skin, and when taken along with oral contraceptives, the number has increased to 85%. One has to be patient while taking the medicine as it may take a few weeks to show noticeable improvement in the skin. Drink plenty of water while taking spironolactone as it also acts as a diuretic. The medicine is sold under the brand name Aldactone, and if you develop any of the above mentioned side effects, do consult your doctor.