#acne of the adult females: the benefits of oral spironolactone.

Acne Vulgaris is often managed with topical medications and, in the most severe cases, with oral isotretinoin. However, the latter can have serious adverse effects especially the bad consequences on pregnancies, thus requiring frequent blood monitoring.

To test the effects of oral spironolactone, researchers evaluated 14 women who had failed on responding to zinc topic treatment, oral isotretinoin and antibiotics. They used oral spironolactone in doses ranging from 75 to 150mg per day in combination with an adjuvant topical treatment.

Results showed clinical improvement (reduced acne eruptions) in 6 patients with inflammatory lesions. Side effects were observed in 3 patients: asthenia (2 patients) and epigastric pain (one patient).

Another interesting poster presented at an Asian Congress of Dermatology (RCD 2012) showed improvement of adult onset acne in females over 20 with lesions confined to the cheeks and/or the jawline. Lower doses were used in this study, ranging from 25 to 50mg. The noted side effects included menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness (not seen at the lower doses of 25mg).

Considering these scientific results, we can conclude that spironolactone is an interesting treatment of adult onset acne in women. We must remember, however, that blood monitoring is needed for such patients.