title: Oral spironolactone: an effective treatment for acne vulgaris in women.
abstract: The effect of oral spironolactone (200 mg daily) on acne vulgaris has been studied in 21 women in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study using 3 month treatment periods. Compared with placebo, spironolactone produced significant improvement as assessed by subjective benefit (P less than 0. 001), number of inflamed lesions (P less than 0 . 001) and by an independently evaluated photographic method (P less than 0 .02). There was a fall in sex hormone binding globulin but no significant changes in plasma testosterone and derived free testosterone. Initial plasma androgen levels were no higher in responders than in non-responders, nor did oral contraceptive use appear to affect clinical response. Spironolactone is a useful alternative therapy for women with acne vulgaris.
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011897:Random Allocation; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013148:Spironolactone; D013739:Testosterone