Acne Treatment for Women

Treatments for Hormonally Influenced Acne in Women

In some women, acne is caused by an excess of androgen (male) hormones. Clues that this may be the case include hirsutism (excessive growth of hair on the face or body). Premenstrual acne flares, irregular menstrual cycles and elevated blood levels of certain androgens.

The doctor may prescribe one of several drugs to treat women with this type of acne:

• Birth control pills – to help suppress the androgen produced by the ovaries

• Low-dose corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone (Deltasone) or dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) – to help suppress the androgen produced by the adrenal glands

• Antiandrogen drugs such as spironolactone (Aldactone) – to reduce the excessive oil production.

  Side effects of Antiandrogen drugs may include irregular menstruation, tender breasts, headaches and fatigue.

  

  Other Treatments for Acne

  Doctors may use other types of procedures in addition to drug therapy to treat patients with acne. For example, the doctor may remove the patient’s comedones during office visits. Sometimes the doctor will inject corticosteroids directly into lesions to help reduce the size and pain of inflamed cysts and nodules.
  
  Early treatment is the best way to prevent acne scars. Once scarring has occurred, the doctor may suggest a medical or surgical procedure to help reduce the scars. A superficial laser may be used to treat irregular scars. Dermabrasion (or micro-dermabrasion), which is a form of “sanding down” scars, is sometimes used. Another treatment option for deep scars caused by cystic acne is the transfer of fat from another part of the body to the scar. A doctor may also inject a synthetic filling material under the scar to improve its appearance.