Spironolactone • Remote or in person
Spironolactone blocks the hormones behind jawline and chin flares and can be taken long term. It can be prescribed and followed up remotely.
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Spironolactone is a treatment option for women with acne, particularly if the acne is concentrated around the jawline and chin or is thought to be influenced by hormones. It works by blocking the effects of male hormones (androgens) on the skin, reducing sebum production and making pores less likely to become blocked.
Spironolactone was originally developed as a diuretic (water tablet) and was subsequently found to have beneficial effects on the skin and hair. It is used "off-licence" for these indications. It is generally safe and well tolerated and can be taken for years if needed, often with minimal side effects.
Spironolactone can be prescribed and followed up remotely. A remote consultation costs £220, or £250 in person. For full details of side effects and blood tests, see my spironolactone information page.
Dr Magnus Lynch, a consultant dermatologist, prescribes spironolactone for hormonal acne in women and can do so entirely remotely: a remote consultation costs £220, with follow-up after 3 months and then every 6 months.
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The term hormonal acne is usually reserved for acne affecting women due to fluctuations in the female sex hormones.
Acne concentrated around the jawline and chin, which often fluctuates according to the menstrual cycle.
Acne can be precipitated by a change in hormonal contraception, for example switching from a combined pill to a progesterone-only pill or coil.
For suitable patients it can be an effective long-term treatment that reduces the need for repeated courses of antibiotics.
It is essential not to become pregnant whilst taking spironolactone. Effective contraception should be used throughout treatment.
What treatments are effective for hormonal acne? • How I treat acne
Remotely by video with clear photographs of your skin, or in person in Central London.
Full blood count, kidney function and liver function (FBC, U&E, LFT).
Spironolactone is taken once a day, on its own or alongside topical treatments.
After 2 weeks of treatment, then after a further 3 months. Once established on treatment, every 6 months.
Initially after 3 months, then every 6 months - and these can be remote.
Your treatment
Spironolactone is generally safe and well tolerated.
A potentially serious side effect of spironolactone is high potassium levels. Do not have low-sodium salt or salt substitutes, like Lo-Salt, because they contain a lot of potassium. Limit other food and drink that contain a lot of potassium, including bananas, avocados, pulses, nuts and salmon.
Consultation fees are charged by me. The medication is charged by the pharmacy and blood tests are paid for separately.
By video, with photographs
Central London
After 3 months, then every 6 months
Privately, or ask your GP
Prices are indicative and not binding. You will be given a quote after your consultation.
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Verified patient, May 2025“The procedure was well explained by Dr Lynch and the various treatments were explained clearly throughout the day.”
Verified patient, Apr 2025
MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP
I am a Consultant Dermatologist in Central London. I trained at Cambridge and Oxford and at St John's Institute of Dermatology. I treat the full range of acne, including hormonal acne in women, and see patients remotely as well as in person. As an Honorary Reader at King's College London, I lead a research team working on new treatments for skin disease. I see adults aged 18 and over.
Book a consultationYes. Spironolactone can be prescribed and followed up remotely, by video consultation with clear photographs of your skin. You can also see me in person in Central London.
Improvement is usually gradual, with most women noticing a benefit after 2-3 months of treatment.
Spironolactone is generally safe and well tolerated and can be taken for years if needed, often with minimal side effects.
Common side effects include breast tenderness or enlargement, irregular menstrual periods and a drop in blood pressure (which can cause dizziness). Uncommon side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, headache, loss of libido, confusion, rashes, abnormal blood count and high potassium levels. See the spironolactone information page.
Do not have low-sodium salt or salt substitutes, like Lo-Salt, because they contain a lot of potassium. Limit other food and drink that contain a lot of potassium, including bananas, avocados, pulses, nuts and salmon.
It is essential that you do not become pregnant whilst taking spironolactone. Effective contraception should be used throughout treatment, and the medication should be stopped if you become pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
Blood tests (FBC, U&E, LFT) are performed prior to starting treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment then after a further 3 months. If these blood tests cannot be performed then it is not safe to continue the treatment. Once established on treatment blood tests can be performed every 6 months.
You can ask your GP if they would be willing to perform the blood tests for you. Many GPs are willing to do this when asked, however they are not obliged to do so for patients receiving private treatment. Private blood tests can cost £100-£200 or more.
A remote consultation costs £220, or £250 in person, and each follow-up £220 - initially after 3 months then every 6 months. The medication is charged to you directly by the pharmacy, and blood tests are additional.
If you have medical insurance they may cover some of these costs, however you should confirm this with them in advance. Medical insurance will not cover the costs of prescription medicines. Some policies limit cover for blood tests and follow up appointments.
The combined oral contraceptive pill can be an effective treatment for women; forms such as Yasmin that also block male hormones are particularly effective. These are prescribed by your general practitioner rather than a dermatologist. See treatments for hormonal acne.
It can be used on its own or alongside topical treatments, and is often an alternative to long courses of oral antibiotics.
More on hormonal acne: Spironolactone information • Hormonal acne treatments • Acne
If jawline and chin flares keep coming back, I can assess whether spironolactone is right for you and prescribe and monitor it remotely. Request a callback within one working day, or book online instantly.
I am available for consultations at several sites in Central London. Some conditions such as acne and rosacea are also suitable for a remote consultation with photos. Either enter your details and my practice management team will contact you within 1 working day or use instant online booking. Alternatively you can call or email directly. Please note that not all open clinic slots are visible on the instant booking link.
I see adults aged 18 and over. I do not offer patch testing for allergies, or tablet and injection treatments for eczema or psoriasis.
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