Non-randomised trial, 1972
Does hydrochlorothiazide help control premenstrual acne?
No. A double-blind study of 21 patients found that taking this water pill for 10 days before the period did not reduce premenstrual acne flare-ups.
What they did
In a double-blind study, 21 patients took either hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg twice daily) or placebo for 10 days starting a week before their menstrual period.
What they found
Hydrochlorothiazide did not reduce premenstrual acne. There was no relationship between fluid retention and acne flares, and reducing fluid retention didn't help the acne.
What it means for you
The water pill hydrochlorothiazide doesn't work for premenstrual acne, suggesting that swelling or fluid retention isn't the cause of acne flares. However, this study is very old (1972) and quite small, so findings might be different with newer treatments or larger groups.
21
Patients
50mg
Twice daily dose
10
Days of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Hydrochlorothiazide and the control of premenstrual exacerbation of acne
- Authors
- Jelinek JE
- Journal
- Archives of dermatology
- Year
- 1972
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg twice daily for 10 days before menstrual period, compared to placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1001/archderm.1972.01620040051010
Topics
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