Question:

Updated on
August 18, 2012

Teenage acne?

My teenage daughter suffers from acne. It has affected her self-esteem. I have avoided the long-term antibiotic treatment (for years) that I was prescribed as a teenager and have been taking her for facials for the past 2 years. It has helped only marginally.

Have read the posted information on acne.

I am somewhat confused. I thought that diet was extremely important, i.e. avoid dairy, sugar, white flour, refined foods, etc., yet, it is not given much validation on this site. However, food allergies are mentioned.

Can you clarify? For example, are there other foods that cause allergic reactions that affect acne besides the ones just mentioned?

Thank you. (Obviously, you will need to edit this.)

Answer:

The foods you mentioned are known triggers for teenage acne, but these reactions are not necessarily caused by a food allergy. Pasteurized dairy, sugar and other refined carbohydrates initiate inflammatory molecules and insulin to be released. This promotes acne development.
Food allergies may also be a source of inflammation but this is best determined using an IgG/IgA/IgE blood test, or by an elimination diet. Many of my patients appreciate the blood testing as a large amount of foods can be tested all at once.
You may also want to consider adding some key anti-acne supplements. Zinc, EPA/DHA (omega 3's), and probiotics have been shown to be helpful.

Dr. John Dempster, ND
www.thedempsterclinic.com

Response by John Dempster ND, FAAFM

Disclaimer:

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