Spironolactone is a medication that has been around since the 1950s. It functions as a diuretic medication (promotes water loss) and is licensed in the UK for the treatment of blood pressure and heart failure.

So what does this have to do with acne?

As with many medications, they often come onto the market for a specific medical problem and then we realise the drug itself has a number of other actions. In otherwise fit, young healthy women, without a background of kidney or heart problems, it is also an extremely effective drug for adult acne.

Acne can be distressing if you suffer from PCOS

How does Spironolactone work for acne?

Acne is caused by an interplay between hormones and genetics. Hormones known as androgens drive oil production in the skin which is part of the process in acne development. Spironolactone is an ‘anti-androgen’ drug and reduces the level of androgen hormones in the skin. The knock-on effect is reduced activity of the oil glands. Scientific studies have shown that it is able to reduce oil production at starting doses of 50-100mg daily.

Who is Spironolactone useful for?

Spironolactone is often a good treatment for women with PCOS

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we often use Spironolactone in the following circumstances:

1. Post-teenage women with acne
2. Acne that flares up with menstruation
3. Women with acne that aren’t suitable for Roaccutane or do not wish to take it
4. Women with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Who should not take Spironolactone?

It is not a suitable treatment for male patients with acne, as it is not a good idea to reduce androgen hormones in men. It is also not suitable for those with underlying heart or kidney problems. It should also not be taken if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What happens next?

If you would like to discuss this or any other treatment for acne, we provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your dermatology consultation.

How do I book an appointment?

You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to fill in a contact form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.

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Acne can vary in severity from a few spots on the face to quite a significant problem on the face, chest, shoulders and back.

It is not just the acne that can have a significant impact on self-confidence, the scarring and altered skin pigmentation that is left behind when the spots clear up can also cause a lot of distress.

Acne, you don’t have to live with it!

Unfortunately, many doctors can trivialise the effects acne can have on a person’s confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. Having spent over 30 years working within medical dermatology, Sue Ibrahim is passionate about treating acne early and effectively as she fully understands the consequences of living this spots on a daily basis. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, we take the time to listen to your concerns and devise a management plan to get your skin looking great again!

What causes acne?

The oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are particularly sensitive to certain hormones present in both males and females. These hormones stimulate the production of excess oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores clog up the follicles. As a result, there is a build up of oil, producing blackheads and whiteheads. Acne bacteria lives on everyone’s skin and in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which the bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red, pus-filled spots that can be quite uncomfortable.

Some acne can be caused by medication given for other medical conditions or by certain contraceptive pills or injections. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that can trigger acne and other problems.

How will your acne be diagnosed?

There are several varieties of acne that Sue Ibrahim will be able to diagnose at your dermatology consultation. We have extensive experience in dealing with all types of acne. We will discuss the treatment options available to you that can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.

How can acne be treated?

Acne treatments fall into the following categories:

• Treatment with topical creams (prescription and/or non-prescription)
• Treatment with oral antibiotics alongside topical creams
• Treatment with oral hormones that counteract the hormones that can trigger acne
• Isotretinoin tablets (Often referred to by the trade name Roaccutane (R))

There are also a number of cosmetic dermatology treatments that can help, although these treatments are not usually offered on the NHS:

• Intralesional steroid injections
• Acne Phototherapy
• Certain chemical peels
• Surgical cyst removal

And there are treatments that can help with scarring:

• Fractional Skin Resurfacing
• Medical Micro-needling
• Plasma soft surgery

Many thousands of people have been treated by Sue Ibrahim for their acne at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex. It is our philosophy to work alongside your own GP, or a Consultant Dermatologist to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.

If you are fed up with suffering from acne or any other skin condition, why not book your dermatology consultation now!

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Woman talks to skin experts at central London’s Elan Medical Skin Clinic about PCOS

If you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) you have our sympathy, says skin expert, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how our ovaries work. As well as causing problems when trying to get pregnant, the condition also leads to a number of other symptoms. Not all women with PCOS will have all of the symptoms, and each can vary from mild to severe.

Common symptoms of PCOS

• irregular periods or no periods at all
• difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)
• excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or bum
• weight gain
• thinning hair and hair loss from the head
• oily skin or acne
• skin pigmentation disorders (such as melasma a common skin condition that causes the appearance of brown to gray-brown patches of skin)

It is high levels of “male hormones” in our body that cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair, oily skin and acne. Some women can also experience depression and mood swings because the symptoms of PCOS can affect their confidence and self-esteem.

How can Elan Medical Skin Clinic help?

Polycystic ovary syndrome can’t be cured but the symptoms can be managed – and this is where our central London and Essex skin experts can help.

Acne

Fantastic advances in modern skin treatments mean that no-one has to feel self conscious about acne or the resulting scars. We have a wide variety of treatment options to help control acne and prevent scarring. Evidence suggests that a combination of treatments can produce a better outcome and help keep acne under control.

We recommend:

• Prescription medications to reduce the outbreak of spots
• Elan Medical DermaActive Acne Programme
• LED Phototherapy to reduce facial redness
• Elan Medical skin peels for superficial blemishes and scars
• Fractional skin resurfacing for deep acne scars

Hair removal

We have invested in one of the very best laser hair removal machines available to ensure that people of all skin types, skin colours and hair types can achieve hair-free skin. The Soprano ICE can treat every part of the body, including the most intimate areas, painlessly, quickly and effectively.

Hormone imbalance

We offer blood tests that can check for hormone imbalance and medication to correct any hormone imbalances.

Skin pigmentation

At Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Essex and central London, our award-winning nurse consultant in dermatology uses a highly effective treatment programme to reduce the signs of photodamage and ageing that result in fine lines, age spots, skin laxity, an uneven, dull complexion and hyperpigmentation.

Find out more

Contact Sue for a dermatology or cosmetic consultation to find out how we can help you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem.

The post Do you suffer from PCOS? Visit our London skin clinic for advice and treatments appeared first on Elan Medical Skin Clinic LTD.