How Your Diet Can Affect Acne

Is your face erupting with acne like an active volcano? Chances are you'll be told it's because of your diet. But before you start starving, read this. Experts say food is the least of your problems.

Although some foods may aggravate acne, doctors said they are not directly responsible for this distressing skin condition which is caused by hormonal changes which accompany adolescence.

If certain foods make your problem worse, avoid it for a while and reintroduce it later, then you'll know if you are sensitive to some foods.

"Foods don't cause acne, but some foods may make it worse. Keep a record of the foods you eat. To discover food sensitivity, eliminate all of the following foods from your diet; chocolate, ice cream, nuts, peanut butter, cheese, iodized salt, seafood (especially lobster. shrimp, clams and oysters), pork and bacon, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, spicy foods, cold cuts, potato chips, popcorn and pickles. Then reintroduce them one at a time. If acne flares up two or three days after a food is eaten, leave it out of your diet. If not, you may eat it," said Dr. H. Winter Griffith, a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, in "The Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness & Surgery."

Acne cannot be prevented at present and the condition tends to recur even with treatment. But there are many ways to control it. Here are some tips taken from "The Best Medicine" by Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the University of Hawaii:

Keep your face clean with two or three gentle washings a day using mild soap and warm water. Vigorous scrubbing can aggravate acne by injuring and plugging the drainage canals of the sebaceous (oil) glands. Soaking the face with a hot clean washcloth or steaming it with a pot of boiling water before washing may help.

Don't squeeze comedos. This can injure the skin and cause blemishes and scars. Sometimes mechanical comedo extractors are effective, but many brands are not. An experienced physician or nurse can advise on their selection and use, but in most cases they are not necessary. Pimples that have come to a head can be gently pressed after a hot compress.

Keep oily hair away from acne-prone skin. Cutting or restyling may be necessary. Greasy hair itself does not cause or aggravate acne, but the oil can be transferred to the face.

Avoid touching the affected areas. Habitual touching, rubbing, or resting the face on the hands can aggravate acne.

Avoid oily cosmetics, lotions, creams, and hair products. They can promote plugging of the openings. It has been estimated that half of all cosmetics are capable of provoking acne. Avoid harsh shampoos and keep all hair products away from the face.

Many drugs can cause and aggravate acne including the cortisone group, oral contraceptives (especially those with progesterone), Dilantin, and amphetamines. Use them sparingly.