How Does an Allergist Help With Acne?
Other People Are Reading
-
Acne
-
Acne occurs when skin pores get clogged and bacteria forms underneath. This condition is known to appear on the face, neck and back in a variety of forms. Some of the more common types are blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and cysts. Although acne is known to affect teenagers, it can often continue on into adulthood. If severe, it is not only embarrassing, but can cause permanent scarring. There are different reasons why you may get acne; one of them is a reaction from a food allergy. Because allergies tend to cause inflammation, there is a relationship between certain food allergies and acne.
Allergy Testing
-
In order to determine whether or not your acne is related to a food allergy, it's important to visit an allergist. An allergist may perform a skin-prick test, which can give you an immediate indication of what foods you may be allergic too as well as the severity of the allergy. This type of testing does not cover all types of foods, so alternate testing may be administered. The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test is a blood test that can check for over 90 potential foods. Unfortunately, you must have consumed the foods that you are being tested for a couple of weeks prior to getting tested for accurate results.
-
Treatment
-
Some of the most common food allergies that are related to acne are dairy, lectin and gluten. Depending on your allergy, avoidance is the best method of treatment in order to clear up your skin. Some of the more common foods to avoid with a dairy allergy are milk, cheese and butter. If you are allergic to lectin, than starches, tomatoes, legumes and peppers should be avoided. Gluten is found in many cereals, breads and processed foods, and can be difficult to avoid, as most packaging does not clearly label whether or not gluten is present. It is therefore always best to purchase items that are labeled gluten-free. Be sure to speak to your allergist about a proper diet and choosing the foods that are right for you.
-
