Acne in Adolescents -Prevention and Diet Instructions

      Acne in  Adolescents Lean PCOS-Prevention and Diet Instructions

There is little that can be more devastating to a young healthy woman than the stigma of acne which is there for everyone to see.

Reasons- There are be multiple etiologies but in a young adolescent female PCOS should be ruled out first

Triggering factor- Can be some stress, diet changes, hormonal disturbances.

Acne vulgaris is a very common condition particularly in adolescents. It is basically caused by increased activity in sebaceous glands which is dependent on androgens. Acne in women may thus be considered as a manifestation of cutaneous androgenization. It often appears in the teenage years, induced by the burst of

pubertal androgenic activity, but if persistent, particularly severe or of late onset, acne is commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Role of Diet-

Acne causing food items-

Studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods — such as bread, bagels and chips — may trigger acne. Chocolate has long been suspected of making acne worse.

Acne clearing diet items-

1.    Oily fish like salmon or tuna.

2.    Chia seeds.

3.    Sweet potatoes

4.    Almonds.

5.    Sunflower seeds.

6.    Complex carbs.

7.    Orange juice.

But first rule out causative factor before following any of diet chart after consultation with your Doctor and preferably dietician

What we need to get rid of acne-

First we need patience- by doctor and patient both

Proper work up then as per etiology proceed

Good compliance as it make take long

Treatment may need to be maintained even once its cleared

Risks of relapses should be informed

Treatment modalities- Ideally Skin specialist and Gynecologist should work on same page to give patient best results

Treatment varies as per etiology- can be simple local measures or may need systematic approach with anti male hormone drugs and anti infection drugs

So follow advise as per situation

The presence of acne in women with PCOS is androgen dependent.

• Anti-androgens are the mainstay of treatment (e.g. combined oral contraceptive pill, CPA and

spironolactone).