Sunday, July 21, 2013

Food Allergies and Acne - Is Your Diet Causing Your Blemishes?


It is widely understood that acne is mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations and oily skin, and most acne treatments are designed with this in mind. However, there is a significant amount of recent research pointing to the fact that food allergies may be at least partly responsible for breakouts. Read on to find out more about food allergies and acne, and learn how to determine whether something you are eating is responsible for your pimples.

What is a food allergy?

An allergy is an intolerance to certain elements in the environment. If you are allergic to a particular item, your body treats it as if it were an invader, causing an inappropriate immune system response. You may experience rashes, redness, respiratory reactions, and inflammation as your body attacks the offending food.

How do food allergies cause acne?

When you eat something that you are allergic to, your body produces antibodies, which are chemicals that are meant to attack invading substances such as viruses and bacteria. These chemicals provoke a toxic response in your system, which can lead to hives and acne lesions on your skin.

How can I determine which foods are causing my acne?

Some of the most common food items known to cause allergic reactions include dairy products, nuts, shellfish, and gluten. You may be able to determine whether any of these are causing an allergic reaction by eliminating them from your diet one at a time. If your acne begins to clear up after a few days, chances are that you are allergic to that food and you should discontinue eating it.

Another way to find out if you are allergic to any foods is with an ELISA food allergy panel - contact your doctor to schedule testing.

How can I find out more about acne causes and treating blemishes?

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