A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed the potential for a cost-effective blood pressure medication, spironolactone, to effectively treat severe acne in women. This medication not only controls blood pressure but also has a significant impact on hormone levels that are known to trigger acne. While dermatologists have been prescribing it for skin problems, this trial marks the first of its kind to show its powerful ability to reduce acne in just six months.
Acne is a prevalent skin issue that affects more than one in ten adults. Experts are hopeful that this medication will revolutionize the way women’s acne is treated, providing a safer and more effective alternative to current treatments linked to mental health problems. However, it is important to note that spironolactone is not suitable for men as it has been found to stimulate abnormal breast tissue growth in male patients.
Professor Miriam Santer, a GP from the University of Southampton and leader of the trial, expressed optimism about the results, stating, “We hope these findings will encourage more doctors to confidently prescribe spironolactone as a viable acne treatment.” The drug is already recommended for persistent acne in the US and Europe, and this trial could potentially lead to a change in UK treatment guidelines.
Spironolactone is commonly used as a diuretic to increase the excretion of salt and water, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. However, it also has a secondary effect on testosterone and progesterone levels, which are known to influence acne development. The trial enrolled over 400 women aged 18 and above who had struggled with acne for more than six months. Half of the participants were treated with spironolactone, while the other half received a placebo. Throughout the trial, the women completed questionnaires to evaluate their acne severity and quality of life related to the condition.
The results of the trial showed significant improvements in acne among the group receiving spironolactone compared to those on the placebo. Minor side effects were uncommon, indicating the drug’s safety and tolerability.
While most cases of acne can be managed with over-the-counter treatments, severe cases often require antibiotics or other medications. The prescribed medication of last resort is typically isotretinoin (sold as Roaccutane), a potent drug that can only be prescribed by specialists. However, concerns have arisen about its potential mental and sexual health side effects, with reports linking it to cases of suicide in young people. The recent changes in UK prescribing guidelines now strictly limit isotretinoin prescriptions to under-18s only after all other treatment options have failed and with the approval of two medical professionals.
Professor Santer emphasized the benefits of spironolactone as an alternative to isotretinoin, stating, “Spironolactone provides another option to consider before resorting to isotretinoin. Additionally, spironolactone can be taken long-term without significant risks, unlike isotretinoin.”
One participant in the trial, Kelly Cornick, has been acne-free since starting spironolactone three years ago. Previously, she had tried various creams and contraceptive pills with no success. After being offered isotretinoin, she ultimately declined due to concerns about potential side effects. However, when offered a place in the spironolactone trial, her acne disappeared within three months. Kelly hopes that more people will have access to this medication, as it has drastically improved her confidence and quality of life.
Overall, this groundbreaking trial highlights the potential for spironolactone to revolutionize acne treatment, offering a safer and more affordable solution for women struggling with severe acne. Further research and changes in treatment guidelines may lead to its widespread use as a first-line treatment option.
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