Why blood pressure drug spironolactone is being used for acne

According to a study in JAMA Dermatology, the prescribing rates of spironolactone for acne in women rose about 300% from 2017 to 2020.

Acne didn’t take hold of JJ Boparai’s skin until she was in her late 20s. 

“I’d never had acne like this, my face was just covered,” said the 31-year-old from Metuchen, New Jersey, adding that experiencing acne as an adult was “horrible psychologically.” 

Boparai’s breakouts — which she described as “very cystic, like a lot of under the skin, big, painful, ones, a lot on my chin and cheeks” — were stubborn. After about a year of trying various washes, chemical peels and creams, she went to a dermatologist, who started her on oral antibiotics and a topical medication.

Her acne persisted.

It wasn’t until the doctor prescribed spironolactone — a blood pressure drug approved in 1960 — that Boparai saw a difference in her skin.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/spironolactone-acne-drug-what-know-rcna141025

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