ACNE

Almost everyone has experienced an occasional bout of acne at some time in their life. About 85% teenagers experience acne problems to some extent.

 Causes-

• Hormones
• In rare instances, food sensitivity may cause acne. Eg: sensitivity to kelp, iodine
• Hereditary factors
• Medications like hormonal agents, anticonvulsants, iodine preparations and lithium.

How food can help-

Eat plenty of-

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Sea food, lean meat, poultry, whole grains, yogurt

Limit the intake of-

• Kelp supplements
• Iodized salt
• High doses of multivitamins

Avoid-

• Smoking
• Excessive exposure to sun

Eat vitamin A and vitamin C rich food- these vitamins help build and maintain a healthy skin. There is some evidence that beta carotene may reduce the sebum production. Best dietary sources of beta carotene are brightly colored fruits and dark green vegetables. Citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, melons, broccoli, cabbage are rich in vitamin C.

Include vitamin B6 in the diet- it helps regulate the hormones that develop acne lesions. Dietary sources of vitamin B6 are fish, lean meat, poultry, whole grains, beans, bananas, green leafy vegetables and nuts.

Zinc- it helps promote healthy levels of hormone and promotes healing of acne. Oysters, red meat, milk, yogurt, whole grains are rich in zinc.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SELF TREAT ACNE BY MULTI VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION.

High doses of vitamin B can aggravate acne, while high doses of vitamin A can cause dry flaky skin and hair loss. Excessive vitamin A intake increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Drugs used for acne treatment-

• 2.5-10% benzoyl peroxide gel/lotion/ointment may be useful in treating acne.
• Dermatologists may prescribe a topical preparation of tretinoin.
• Oral preparation of isotretinoin is used in severe cystic acne.