Dear Dr. Garner,

My daughter has very bad acne. She is also a chocolate lover. I constantly tell her not to eat so much chocolate, yet she never listens.

Could you please tell us more about acne, and what particular foods should be avoided?

My daughter is very beautiful, but her acne is very bad and is leaving scars on her face. She is only 19, and it is beginning to affect her to the point that she doesn’t want to go out to socialize because the acne is so bad.

Acne Mother in Astoria

 

Dear Acne Mother,

Your daughter is in good company with other 19-year-olds. And the good news is that there are things that can be done to reduce flare-ups and scarring.

First, there are a number of myths regarding acne. One of these deals with chocolate. Many people believe that eating chocolate gives you acne. There has never been a scientific study to back up this association. So the bottom line is that chocolate does not cause or worsen acne.

Acne Myths and Facts

• Stress causes acne.

This may be true. Some studies have found that college students have flare-ups when studying for finals. This is not universal, and some students do not get flare-ups. The final word is not in as there have been too few studies. It is possible that acne may get worse under times of stress. Exercise and meditation are good ways to reduce stress.

• You can’t wear makeup if you have acne.

Myth. The thicker, liquid foundations can clog pores and are possibly harmful. Lighter, looser powdered foundation isn’t nearly as aggravating to your skin. It is best to use thinner coverage, even though the thicker coverage will cover up more.

• You just have to wait and let acne take its time to get better.

Myth. There are many treatments available for acne, and dermatologists can prescribe them for you.

• You can clean up a pimple by scrubbing it.

Myth. Scrubbing your skin is the fastest way to get a scar. If you have a huge pimple and a big night planned, you can get a single injection from your doctor that will reduce it.

• If acne is severe, avoid the cosmetic counter and see a dermatologist.

True. The cosmetic counter person often has information that is not accurate and has products that may exacerbate the situation.

• Acne is not just a cosmetic problem.

True. It can have lasting consequences in how you feel about yourself, and left untreated or improperly managed, it can leave many scars.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It most commonly appears on the face, neck, back and chest. It can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications, but if it becomes severe and leaves scars, it is important to see a doctor.

Some triggers, aside from heredity, include hormones, which is one of the reasons it may worsen during puberty; medications containing cortisone, lithium and male hormones known as androgens; certain dietary factors including dairy products, carbohydrates, bread, bagels and chips; family history since it seems to be inherited; and friction from cell phones, tight shirt collars or backpacks.

Dermatologists have many options for treating acne and improving scarring. Over-the-counter products, such as benzoyl peroxide, work very well for mild to moderate acne.

For more severe cases, Vitamin A-type products, such as Retin A, may be necessary. Antibiotics may help if the follicles have become infected.

Laser therapy may help in controlling acne as well as dealing with scars. Chemical peels help to remove sun damage and acne scars. Soft-tissue fillers, such as collagen, may be injected into scars to reduce their appearance. Skin surgery may be helpful for deep scars.

The best advice is to lead a healthy lifestyle and get plenty of rest and exercise. I hope this clarifies some of the issues associated with acne.[hr] Dr. Steven Garner is a Fidelis Care provider who is affiliated with New York Methodist Hospital, Park Slope. He also hosts “Ask the Doctor” on NET, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Ch. 97 Time Warner and Ch. 30 Cablevision.