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My 22 Yr Old Son Has Acne And Some Scarring What Specific Optimal Diet Suggestions For Acne Do You Have?
Question: My 22 yr old son has acne and some scarring. He has tried different remedies from the dermatologist with little benefit.
1. Please advise how long he must use a regimen before giving up on that treatment.
2. I have read of long-term serious side effects of Accutane, which he has not used. What are effective, safe alternatives?
3. We have heard that dairy is a major contributor to acne - but he is unlikely to give up ice cream and cheese; what is your opinion on dairy and acne?
4. What specific optimal diet suggestions for acne do you have?
5. Is exercise shown to be beneficial for skin problems?
1. Please advise how long he must use a regimen before giving up on that treatment.
2. I have read of long-term serious side effects of Accutane, which he has not used. What are effective, safe alternatives?
3. We have heard that dairy is a major contributor to acne - but he is unlikely to give up ice cream and cheese; what is your opinion on dairy and acne?
4. What specific optimal diet suggestions for acne do you have?
5. Is exercise shown to be beneficial for skin problems?
Brief Answer:
Regarding acne
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Acne is a chronic skin condition, specially moderately severe to severe grade of acne. Control of acne activity takes weeks and it should then be followed by a maintenance regimen to prevent a flare.
Usually 6-12 weeks of oral and topical antiacne treatment constitutes a fair trial of antiacne medication which traditionally constitutes topicals like clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide gel etc and oral antibiotics like tetracyclines, macrolides etc. Accutane is Isotretinoin and it is US FDA approved for treatment resistant and acne prone to scaring. It is safe and effective.
Diet definitely has a role to play in acne. The role of diary products is not well established but there is some supporting literature. In my view consumption of high calorie foods like packaged and processed food, sugary drinks, junk food, sweets have more of a role in causation of acne. So the focus should be on healthy food items like fresh fruits, green vegetables, grains, pulses etc. Exercise does help specially if overweight along with consumption of a health diet.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if you need any more assistance
Thanks.
Regarding acne
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Acne is a chronic skin condition, specially moderately severe to severe grade of acne. Control of acne activity takes weeks and it should then be followed by a maintenance regimen to prevent a flare.
Usually 6-12 weeks of oral and topical antiacne treatment constitutes a fair trial of antiacne medication which traditionally constitutes topicals like clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide gel etc and oral antibiotics like tetracyclines, macrolides etc. Accutane is Isotretinoin and it is US FDA approved for treatment resistant and acne prone to scaring. It is safe and effective.
Diet definitely has a role to play in acne. The role of diary products is not well established but there is some supporting literature. In my view consumption of high calorie foods like packaged and processed food, sugary drinks, junk food, sweets have more of a role in causation of acne. So the focus should be on healthy food items like fresh fruits, green vegetables, grains, pulses etc. Exercise does help specially if overweight along with consumption of a health diet.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if you need any more assistance
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Dr. Kakkar S.,
Thank you for your reply. Are there any over-the-counter or direct sales company skin care products that you recommend? Or nutritional supplements? Most skin care regimens include cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Is all of that necessary? I think simple is best for compliance!
He is definitely underweight - 6'2" and ~115 lbs. Would love for him to build muscle. I would say his acne is moderate.
What are pulses? Is that a nutritional shake?
Thanks.
Thank you for your reply. Are there any over-the-counter or direct sales company skin care products that you recommend? Or nutritional supplements? Most skin care regimens include cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Is all of that necessary? I think simple is best for compliance!
He is definitely underweight - 6'2" and ~115 lbs. Would love for him to build muscle. I would say his acne is moderate.
What are pulses? Is that a nutritional shake?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Regarding acne
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
You may try Proactiv range of products. Acne prone skin is sensitive therefore I usually suggest my patients to use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil gentle cleansing lotion. A toner may be helpful specially for central oily T zone. Moisturizer should be light, non comedogenic and should be used only if required e.g for dryness caused by medicines because acne prone skin is usually oily. Pulses are a regular of diet in my country (India). They are healthy and nutritious. It's not a shake. They can be cooked at home and usually form part of one meal in a day.
Regards
Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Regarding acne
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
You may try Proactiv range of products. Acne prone skin is sensitive therefore I usually suggest my patients to use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil gentle cleansing lotion. A toner may be helpful specially for central oily T zone. Moisturizer should be light, non comedogenic and should be used only if required e.g for dryness caused by medicines because acne prone skin is usually oily. Pulses are a regular of diet in my country (India). They are healthy and nutritious. It's not a shake. They can be cooked at home and usually form part of one meal in a day.
Regards
Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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