A dermatologist spoke about modern methods of treating acne

Scientists have refuted the myth that acne occurs due to eating chocolate

Acne is the most common disease found on our planet. It is generally accepted that this is a problem for teenagers. But in fact, acne affects up to 54% of young girls and women over 18 years of age and is inflammatory in nature. “We used to be taught, and we taught our students, that acne occurs in those who eat a lot of chocolate. But it turned out that this is not so – according to the latest data, eating sweets does not cause acne, but eating dairy products does.” , – said the head of the scientific clinical department of dermatology of the Ural Research Institute of Dermatovenerology and Immunopathology, Muza Kokhan, during the III conference “Integrative dermatovenereology and cosmetology. New standards of interaction.”

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, one of the main manifestations of which is pimples. This disease not only reduces the quality of life, but also affects the psycho-emotional state of patients. There can be many reasons for acne in adults. This includes genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, excessive production of sebaceous glands, and improper use of cosmetics and decorative cosmetics. Most women consider “problem” skin to be one of the most unpleasant defects in appearance that interfere with life and communication.

There are fundamental differences between acne in adulthood and adolescence. In adulthood, acne has a predominantly chronic course, inflammatory in nature, as well as a special localization of foci of inflammation – in women they are located mainly in the lower third of the face, along the chin line and on the neck. Acne can persist for several years or even decades – in some cases up to 40 and 45 years.

Treating the disease is long and difficult, but the emergence of new treatments gives patients hope. Unfortunately, there are no radical treatment methods, so long-term treatment and proper skin care are required.

Muse Kokhan emphasizes that acne is a chronic, relapsing disease, but stable remission can be achieved. In recent years, approaches to acne treatment have changed. “Unfortunately, patients are often treated over the Internet – it is unknown with what and how. Although the world’s dermatovenerologists have compiled detailed clinical recommendations for the treatment of acne. Today it has been established that antibiotics cannot be used as monotherapy for this disease, because they contribute to unsuccessful treatment. And 20% of failures are associated with antibiotic resistance to microbial pathogens. Today, acne that occurs in severe and moderate forms is treated with drugs from the group of systemic retinoids. Unfortunately, Russian doctors treat them with great caution and try to use them only in the most severe cases. But if you follow everything precautions, this treatment will be the most effective for the patient,” says Muza Kokhan.

Professor, Head of the Department of Skin Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, First Moscow State Medical University named after. THEM. Sechenova Olga Olisova says that such drugs should absolutely not be prescribed to pregnant women – the risk of congenital deformities, including those incompatible with life, is extremely high. However, if a woman uses contraception during therapy, then a month after its completion you can plan a pregnancy: there will be no effect on the fetus. For men, these drugs act differently: for unknown reasons, the quantity and quality of sperm in men increases. Scientists are already thinking about exploring such methods of therapy for men with low fertility.

The remaining side effects that were used to scare people earlier (increased risk of inflammatory bowel diseases, liver and kidney diseases, increased cholesterol levels) were ultimately not confirmed. Unfortunately, even after such therapy, the disease can return: the risk of relapse is especially high in patients under stress, in smokers, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as in those to whom acne has been inherited.

As for diets, the well-established opinion “if you eat chocolates, you will get acne” has not been scientifically confirmed. Moreover: publications have appeared that have proven that diets have virtually no effect on the course of acne. “But dairy products, which were previously recommended to such patients, turned out to worsen the course of acne – even if consumed in small quantities. Especially skim milk. Products with a high glycemic index can also harm such patients,” says Muza Kokhan.

Experts note that recently there has been an increase in patients with high body mass index with acne. And their number, given the obesity epidemic, will grow.