Can spironolactone cause cystic acne?

[Anonymous]

I was prescribed spiro for PCOS symptoms like hirsutism and male pattern hair loss. I was spared ever having acne due to the PCOS and never dealt with more than mild blackheads/whiteheads and the occasional pimple and my skin is very dry.

Today I woke up with two small sore goose eggs on my forehead which is weird since I didn’t remember bumping my head, then I touched one and pus came out. Obviously it could be coincidence but the only thing that’s changed is the spironolactone. Is it possible that it will actually affect my hormones in a way that will give me acne?

I will obviously ask my doctor but I am a little worried. Being fat and hairy and balding is bad enough but at least I always had good skin.

[Anonymous]

I was prescribed it to combat cystic acne, so I’d be surprised if it causes it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was prescribed it to combat cystic acne, so I’d be surprised if it causes it.

Yes forgot to say that I understand this is why it is usually prescribed, so curious if the hormonal changes could actually cause it in someone without acne.

[Anonymous]

Nope. Check all your cosmetics at cosdna and avoid anything with a comedogenic rating higher than 2.

[Anonymous]

I’m in it to combat cystic acne so I think the answer is probably no but you can also check with your doctor. By the way though, cystic acne usually doesn’t have pus (in my own experience and from what I understand), so you may be dealing with something else entirely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nope. Check all your cosmetics at cosdna and avoid anything with a comedogenic rating higher than 2.

I don’t wear makeup ever. The face wash (Cerave hydrating) and moisturizer (Cerave in the tub) have never given me issues for years.

Good, hopefully just a coincidence or pillowcases need a wash or something. Thanks for the reassurance!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m in it to combat cystic acne so I think the answer is probably no but you can also check with your doctor. By the way though, cystic acne usually doesn’t have pus (in my own experience and from what I understand), so you may be dealing with something else entirely.

Cystic acne definitely has pus. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cystic-acne

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in it to combat cystic acne so I think the answer is probably no but you can also check with your doctor. By the way though, cystic acne usually doesn’t have pus (in my own experience and from what I understand), so you may be dealing with something else entirely.

Cystic acne definitely has pus. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cystic-acne

Yes but it’s like… deep. You’d have to really be pressing down for it to come out, not like a regular pimple. Just my experience.

[Anonymous]

I use spironolactone to combat hormonal acne

[Anonymous]

It made my acne worse before it got better, so maybe it will go away after you've been taking it for awhile.

[Anonymous]

This is strange. I use it for acne and it’s pretty effective.