Spironolactone and acne have always been looked upon as a favorable combination. In other words, Spironolactone is often used by dermatologists to treat acne. Spironolactone belongs to the class of drugs known as antiandrogens. Antiandrogens are hormone inhibitors. They work by inhibiting the biological effects of androgens (sex hormones) by blocking the androgen receptors on specific tissues. Even though this class of drugs is chiefly used to correct hormonal disbalances in the body, it has also found use in treating acne. This is because hormonal disbalance is one of the causes of acne.
Speaking
of disruption in the hormonal balance of the body, let’s
take a closer look at the problem. Acne is caused by
many factors. But one of the most significant reasons is
an increased production of sex hormones in the body. A
disruption in the hormone levels of the body is not
uncommon during our adolescent years. It usually
stabilizes over time, as the person grows older, and
eventually levels off. This is the reason why in most
cases, acne disappears on its own as a person advances
in age.
However,
in some cases, normalcy in the hormone levels may not be
reached naturally. The disbalance can persist, causing
the triggering of the oil glands to pump out excessive
amounts of sebum or oil. Overactive oil glands are
believed to be responsible for acne and inflammation as
they promote bacterial growth. Under such circumstances,
a hormone stabilizing drug like Spironolactone can help
bring the situation under control. It effectively blocks
the androgen receptors of the oil glands and in doing
so, stops the triggering effect caused by abnormal
levels of testosterone. Blocking of androgen receptors
reduces the volume of oil production and consequently,
discourages the growth of various bacteria, including
the P. acne bacterium which causes
acne.
It
must be borne in mind that Spironolactone does not have
a direct effect on the acne causing bacteria. It does
not kill them but prevents their excessive growth by
creating an environment which is detrimental to their
growth and proliferation. This is done by reducing the
amount of sebum secreted by the body, which promotes the
bacterial growth.
Just
like most other conventional drugs, Spironolactone too,
comes with a few words of caution. Spironolactone cannot
be used by everybody. One drawback of using
Spironolactone is that it cannot be administered to male
patients because it can severely affect the secondary
sex characteristics of males. The toleration to this
drug also varies from individual to individual. You are
well advised to consult with your dermatologist before
starting on a course of
Spironolactone.
One
problem with drugs like Spironolactone is that they tend
to look at the problem of acne from one dimension. And
this is why Spironolactone and acne cure is not
always a happy relationship. While hormonal disbalance
is a major cause of acne, it is not the only one. There
are other factors too. Opt for the holistic mode of
treatment for a fuller and more complete approach
towards removing acne from your life. The holistic
approach is more successful because it treats the body
as a whole and fights all the causes of acne, rather
than just the symptoms of the problem. Talk to your
doctor today about the holistic way and get well
naturally, without side-effects and expensive
medication.
