Use of Spironolactone in Dermatology: Acne, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Female Pattern Hair Loss, and Hirsutism

    June 2020 in “ Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas ”
    Pablo Vargas‐Mora, Daniel Morgado‐Carrasco
    Image of study
    TLDR Spironolactone is effective for acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, female hair loss, and hirsutism but is underused in dermatology.
    The document from October 2020 reviews the use of spironolactone in dermatology for conditions such as acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, female pattern hair loss (FAGA), and hirsutism. It presents evidence that spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic with antiandrogenic effects, is effective in treating these conditions. For acne, it can reduce the need for antibiotics and isotretinoin, with one trial showing a 75% reduction in inflammatory lesions compared to 20% with placebo among 29 patients. Observational studies, including one with 38,298 women, suggest similar effectiveness to tetracyclines. For FAGA, studies indicate spironolactone can lead to hair regrowth or prevent progression, with Sinclair et al. reporting 44% of women showing regrowth and another 44% having no progression after 12 months. In hirsutism, it is as effective as flutamide and finasteride and more effective than placebo. The document concludes that spironolactone is underused in dermatology and should be more commonly used in clinical practice, despite the need for more controlled clinical trials to establish its effectiveness.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    28 / 28 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 358 results

      community Longterm ru58841 users + my experience

      in Treatment  7 upvotes 3 months ago
      RU58841 users report mixed results, with some experiencing no benefits and others noting regrowth but potential side effects. Many prefer finasteride and minoxidil due to better-studied safety profiles.

      community Is this hierarchy of topical anti androgens accurate?

      in Ketoconazole  7 upvotes 2 years ago
      User on fin, minox, and ketoconazole seeks to add another topical anti-androgen. Hierarchy of effectiveness: 1. RU55841, 2. Fluridil - Eucapil, 3. CB-03-01 - Breezula, 4. Ketoconazole; alfatradiol suggested as addition.

      community DHT blockers for women, and your experiences with them?

      in Female  6 upvotes 4 years ago
      A user shared their experience with Spironolactone for hair loss, noting it stopped hair loss and cleared acne but had side effects like frequent urination and potential kidney damage. They also mentioned Bicalutamide as a potentially more potent DHT blocker with fewer side effects and asked for others' experiences with DHT blockers for women.

      community Topical spironolactone question

      in Product  2 upvotes 1 year ago
      User started using topical spironolactone on scalp and face, experienced fever feeling and sluggishness. Asks if side effects are normal or systemic.

      community Spironolactone or bicalutamide prescription

      in Treatment  4 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about someone seeking a doctor in the EU who prescribes spironolactone or bicalutamide for female pattern hair loss, as they are having difficulty finding treatment options beyond Minoxidil in Austria. They are asking for recommendations and are open to direct messages for assistance.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results