FASCE: The Benefit of Spironolactone for Treating Acne in Adult Females - Study Protocol for a Randomized Double-Blind Trial

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of spironolactone as an alternative treatment for acne in adult females, compared to the commonly used antibiotic doxycycline. Spironolactone was considered a promising option due to its ability to block 5-alpha-reductase receptors and inhibit LH production without causing bacterial resistance or teratogenic risks associated with isotretinoin. The trial involved 200 female participants with acne vulgaris, who were randomized to receive either spironolactone or doxycycline for three months, followed by a placebo. The study was designed to be double-blind for the first six months and open for the last six months. The research was significant in the context of rising antibiotic resistance, offering a potential alternative treatment for adult female acne.