Spironolactone on the NHS?

[LaRevolution]

I have an appt with an NHS dermatologist soon and am desperate to try this after 30 years of persistent mild to moderate acne. The only thing that's ever made much of a difference for me is being pregnant - I had lovely skin both times - although Dianette was also pretty effective for a few years. How willing are NHS derms to prescribe at the moment, does anyone know? I have no other health issues or particular risks factors (43yrs old and healthy, no risk of pregnancy).

I asked for it (I asked an NHS Derm) and was prescribed it with no problem.

Have you tried an Omnilux/led mask? They are also effective.

It's hard to get an appointment with a dermatologist even for skin cancer. I went privately for Spironolactone. It's not too expensive after the initial few appointments. Once you are on the right dose you only need an appointment and blood test once every six months. I'd go privately as it takes a while to work out what dose works for you and you won't get regular appointments through the NHS.

This is both. @LeaveALittleNote were you pretty sure you had hormonal acne? No I haven't tried an LED mask, not really looked into them - would you recommend?

@pandapopadance, I have an appt soon ( after 8 mths waiting) so I'm hoping to get prescribed but if they refuse for what doesn't seem like a good reason then I'll go private. Who knows, there may be a sensible reason I'm not suitable but I really want to try it - it's making me really miserable at the moment.

@LaRevolution Yes, my acne is confirmed as hormonal and I have a pcos diagnosis. I do recommend LED masks. My NHS dermatologist recommended red light therapy; I’d never heard of it before. I did some research, bought an Omnilux, and find it really effective (when I remember to use it!).

Thank you! How frequently do you find you need to use it to get the effect?

My skin goes through phases, so when it’s bad (jawline deep cysts) I commit to ten minutes a day and it brings down most of the swelling. At the moment my skin is ok so I haven’t used it for at least a week.