Q. Do you have any suggestions for the treatment of acne? -Karen

Q. Do you have any suggestions for the treatment of acne? I’ve been researching accutane but am looking for a safer solution. Thank you, Karen

Hi Karen,

Acne is a common problem for many which occurs when oil and sebaceous glands that produce sebum to lubricate the skin get clogged by skin cells. The obstructed gland swells with excess sebum and becomes inflamed and sometimes infected. This results in a variety of appearances from whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules, to cysts that are large inflamed pus filled lesions that leave scars. 

The cause of this increase in sebum production is not really known but it’s thought that hormones play a role. For women, the week before menses is a common time of occurrence. High testosterone levels, especially in people who abuse exogenous testosterone, is known to correlate with acne. The use of hair and face products such as make-up that contains vegetable or animal oils will certainly contribute to blocking the oil glands. Medications linked to an increased occurrence of acne include: corticosteroids, androgens, birth control pills, lithium, halogens, isoniazid, phenytoin, and phenobarbitol.

Treatment options begin with the basics, which you have likely already addressed such as keeping the skin free of oils, washing with soap to reduce bacterial counts, and over the counter use of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin to kill bacteria in an attempt to reduce inflammation. If you choose this approach I would recommend the topical varieties so that you avoid a systemic exposure. Antibiotics will kill bacteria in your bowel that are important for immune system to work effectively. Other options like retinoids (Retin-A) are medications derived from vitamin A and work by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation but can cause significant side effects such as peeling, redness and photosensitivity (sun burn).

Accutane is another well known acne treatment but we are not sure exactly how it works. Has great potential to cause birth defects in women.

Food and acne is always a popular discussion but from a scientific aspect there is no evidence that food effects acne, not even chocolate. The one possible exception would be that if you have a food allergy then this can upset your delicate immune balance and play some role. Many people have IgG food sensitivities and are completely unaware. If you have any symptoms such as joint pain, headache, rash, gas, bloating, congestion, cough after eating a particular food then you may have an allergy to that food and should get further evaluation which can be done through a simple blood test. Look at Alletess or Immuno Lab online for more information.

Natural therapies that offer hope:
Zinc has been shown in studies to reduce the effects of acne. Be careful not to take too much as zinc excess can lead to anemia and immune suppression. I recommend 30 to 40 mg per day, as this dose actually supports your immune system.

Niacinamide has been used in one study as a 4% topical gel twice a day and showed significant reduction in acne.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternafolia) in a 5% gel applied to the skin can reduce bacterial counts and reduce inflammation.

I believe that many suffer from acne as a result of toxic build up in their body. We eat foods that contain chemicals and additives that must be cleared from our body. Sweat is a great detoxifier of the body and you might be amazed to learn what comes out of our pores when we sweat. Things such as mercury, lead, plastic residues and much more is cleared from the body by a healthy exercise that induces sweat.

Other healthy living guidelines that should be included are the consumption of “clean” water to help flush toxins. We need a minimum of half of our body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, a 180 pound person needs to consume 90 ounces of water. 

An acidic internal environment may also contribute to acne. So check you pH and keep it above 6.8. Animal foods in great abundance, not balanced by plant foods will often lead to this acidic environment. A high carb or high sugar diet will also contribute to acidity. And of course, the crowd favorites of colas, coffee, and alcohol all lead to an acidic body.

I hope this discussion gives you some ideas and a place to start as you address your acne issue. I know this to be a common problem that plagues all of us at one time or another. Medications and sophisticated remedies have a place but start with the basics and make sure that you are clearing the toxins and providing your body the simple elements it needs to be successful, before relying on chemical alternative.

Good luck,
Dr. Gary Huber

Comments

1. Roberta Weinheimer says:

   January 10, 2011 at 7:37 am

   I have tried prescription and non-prescription options for a number of years both oral and topical. I finally found a product that seems to work – dermae. They have a problem skin cleanser and moisturizer that keep my skin in check as well as moisturized. I found it at Whole Foods and Jungle Jim’s. It’s advertised as vegan, made with a lot of natural ingredients. I noticed a definite change after about four weeks and my skin looks better than it has in a long time.

   Reply