Spironolactone Acne Treatment - Benefits And Side Effects

In today's world irrespective of age or sex, we all want to achieve those perfect model-like looks. Our dream turns into a nightmare when we are plagued by acne. The good news is that acne is curable. There are medicines available, prescribed as well as over-the-counter that can help to combat outbreak of rashes. One much publicized is Spironolactone acne treatment. This is a helpful in treating almost all types of acne.

Why Spironolactone Is Used In Treatment Of Acne

In teenage years the sudden rise of testosterone is responsible for pimples and rashes. As the years pass the level of hormone reaches normality and acne subsides. But in some individuals, it does not. As a result the sebaceous glands secrete more oil leading to clogging of the pores. These pores trap dirt and cause blackheads and whiteheads to appear. These then become red and swollen resulting in formation of pustules.

Spironolactone is a drug that is antiandrogen in nature. It checks the rise of androgen hormone that is mainly responsible for breakout of zits in women. It clears the skin by curbing too much oil secretion thus stopping the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It does not kill the bacteria responsible for the infection but by reducing oil secretion, it ends the feed of these bacteria.

Alternatively it helps treat male patterned baldness. This medicine is also used a water pill which helps get rid of fluid retention. It is sometimes given to patients with high blood pressure.

Precautions to take when using Spironolactone

• The pill should not be taken on empty stomach. Always have it with your meals.
• Increase your intake of water since the medicine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration.
• The medicine can raise the level of potassium in the body. Increase of potassium in the body can even cause death.
• If you show an increase in rashes, swelling or experience dizziness, shortness of breath, discontinue the medicine immediately and consult your doctor.
• Men should not use this drug because of its anti-androgen nature that can inhibit the growth of male sexual organs or cause a reversal.
• Pregnant women should not take Spironolactone since it can adversely affect the male fetus.
• Spironolactone acne treatment is effective when acne is a result of hormonal imbalance. Studies have proven that more than 50% of women have been benefited by tremendous improvement in their condition. When the drug was taken in combination with oral contraceptive pills, the results were further remarkable.
• Be regular with the medicine if it does not show any side affects. Patience is a prime virtue, when treating acne!