Spironolactone Acne

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Spironolactone Acne

via AcneHubs.com by Admin on 10/17/11

acne solutions and treatments Spironolactone acne treatment is generally prescribed for patients affected by hormonal acne, however, it isn't amongst the common treatment approaches for other types of acne. In fact, this acne medication is used for a wide range of health conditions different from this skin disorder, from high blood pressure to fluid retention.
Its efficiency against hormonal acne is explained by the ability this drug has in limiting hormonal fluctuations in women. Part of the group of drugs called anti-androgens, Spironolactone acne medicines act by blocking cell absorption of androgens, thus limiting the production of male hormones.

What are androgens and how are they linked to acne?

Androgen hormones are typically present in males, but they are also produced in females in minute amounts. In certain conditions – menstruation, pregnancy, stressful situations, ovarian diseases or endocrine imbalances – the amount of androgens produced by the female body can increase, favoring the occurrence of acne symptoms.
These hormones are known to stimulate the sebaceous glands, which enlarge and start secreting more sebum. As a result, the risk of developing acne increases, as the extra sebum can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria present on the skin, leading to blockage of the pores and resulting in small pustules, which if left untreated, progress in development and become painful.

Usage and Potential Side Effects of Spironolactone Acne Treatments

This drug is only available by prescription and is effective in preventing hormonal acne outbreaks. Statistics show over 60% of women following treatments with anti-androgen medicines experience improvements of their skin's appearance in only a few weeks of daily usage. The regular dosage for this medicine is 50 to 100 mg per day, depending on the woman's overall health and the severity of acne symptoms.
Women who only experience pimples and pustules before their menstrual cycle or during stressful periods may be prescribed Spironolactone for limited intervals of time. Coming as pills, this medicine can be used together with topical acne treatments or with oral contraceptives and it is proven to clear blackheads and whiteheads and to prevent sebum overproduction and bacterial overgrowth.
Reserved for use in females only, Spironolactone acne treatment can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and breast tenderness, stomach cramps, digestive problems, headaches, thirst, dizziness, low blood pressure and hyperkalemia. Besides these potential side effects, the drug has some contraindications, as follows: women with kidney problems, breast cancer, ovarian or uterine cancer or with family history of these ailments.

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