POSTED UNDER Spironolactone For Acne REVIEWS
24 Year Old Female with Hormonal Acne (Mouth and Chin)
ORIGINAL POST
I have been battling acne severely for the past...
I have been battling acne severely for the past two years. I had some little breakouts when I was younger but nothing like this... I was put on the Skyla IUD for about 3 months and found out it just wasn't for me. It made me very angry, moody and slowly started showing signs of cystic acne. I had it removed and little did I know, my skin would erupt into a painful mess of hormonal acne. I was prescribed minocycline, duac, clindamicine, tried a slew of "acne face washes", non comedogenic makeups, you name it... I have been hormone free for over a year now and my skin is significantly better from where it was but I am still battling breakouts near my mouth and chin (prodominently on my right side) ... very deep and painful, typically coming to a head after a few days. I had my IUD removed in February 2015, had a copper IUD placed in August 2015 and was almost completely clear by October 2015 ... I don't know what started to go wrong but starting from November 2015 my skin has been yo-yoing for months now.
I just went to new dermatologist today and she recommended that I try Spironolactone again and commit to it for at least a few months and stay on it for 2 years. She also prescribed two topicals, one day and one night, on of the being Retinol-A. With the Spiro I have to be on BC. I currently have the copper IUD but am having it removed again due to painful intercourse and prolonged pain days after.
If anyone has any recommendations for BC pills, I am open to suggestions! I want something that will help with my acne as well as keep me protected. I am VERY sensitive to many medications so I need something that is low dose and mild. I used to be on Orsythia and that seemed to be ok... However, I have been looking into Ortho Tri Cyclen or Apri (my sister currently uses it and she loves it. She deals with hormonal acne as well.)
I just went to new dermatologist today and she recommended that I try Spironolactone again and commit to it for at least a few months and stay on it for 2 years. She also prescribed two topicals, one day and one night, on of the being Retinol-A. With the Spiro I have to be on BC. I currently have the copper IUD but am having it removed again due to painful intercourse and prolonged pain days after.
If anyone has any recommendations for BC pills, I am open to suggestions! I want something that will help with my acne as well as keep me protected. I am VERY sensitive to many medications so I need something that is low dose and mild. I used to be on Orsythia and that seemed to be ok... However, I have been looking into Ortho Tri Cyclen or Apri (my sister currently uses it and she loves it. She deals with hormonal acne as well.)
Replies (3)
April 17, 2016
I totally know what you mean about the deep and painful cystic acne, it's the worst! My derm. also put me on Spironolactone, I've only been on it for a couple months, but I'm really liking it so far! I don't know if you've already decided on a BC pill, but my obgyn prescribed me sprintec-28day (generic for mononessa). I've tried a pretty decent number of different pills, and this one is by far my favorite.
So I know you said that your derm gave you two topicals, one of which is Retin-a, but what is the other one? And how are they working for you so far? I have pretty sensitive skin, and every time I've tried a topical it's been too irritating for me.
Thanks for sharing, and good luck!
October 12, 2016
It is a myth that you need to be on spiro and birth control. I've been on spiro over a year sans birth control and my period for the most part has been stable. hormones on top of hormones is never a good mix.
Welcome to the community. ☺ I'm so glad that you found us and decided to share your journey. I wish you success and I hope that you find lots of support here.
Be sure to browse around the site and chat with others, check out the videos, forum posts and if you have questions, feel free to ask the doctors here on RealSelf. Good luck, I look forward to your updates!