Nutrition and common skin conditions
The following skin conditions may be affected by a range of factors.
Alongside appropriate medical treatment, some people may find that diet and lifestyle can help manage their symptoms.
Acne
Acne is an extremely common skin condition, characterised by blackheads, whiteheads and sore, red spots. Acne occurs when the oil-producing glands in the skin become particularly sensitive to testosterone, which overworks them. This results in excess oil, which can become trapped in pores, along with bacteria.
Often occurring during puberty, acne can also develop when a person reaches early adulthood and can leave those affected struggling with low self-esteem.
While there isn’t a cure for acne, there are a number of treatments available, including:
- topical antibiotics (or antibiotic tablets)
- topical retinoids
- azelaic acid
- the combined contraceptive pill.
Diet isn't considered a main cause of acne, although some dietary factors may affect symptoms in some people. Following a varied, balanced diet can support your overall health, while a nutrition professional can help you explore whether particular dietary patterns may be relevant to you.
Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed. It often develops in early childhood, although it can affect people of any age.
The most common symptom of eczema is itchy skin. This itchiness can disrupt sleep and lead to irritability and low self-esteem. It's often worse with exposure to dust or hot temperatures, during an infection, with dry skin, and sometimes with stress.
The current treatments available include:
- steroid creams, lotions or gels
- moisturising creams, lotions, ointments and gels.
Food allergies can trigger or worsen eczema in some people, particularly children. However, it's important not to cut foods from your or your child's diet without professional advice. If you think a food may be affecting eczema symptoms, speak to your GP or an appropriately qualified nutrition professional.
Psoriasis
A common skin condition, psoriasis causes inflamed, crusty patches of skin – commonly on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back – that are covered in scales.
Psoriasis occurs when skin cells are replaced at a faster-than-average rate: while the usual rate at which the skin develops and sheds is three to four weeks, in psoriasis this is dramatically reduced to as little as three to four days.
People with psoriasis often find the main problem to be its scaly appearance. The skin can harden, itch and split, becoming very painful.
Treatments available include:
- moisturisers
- steroids
- vitamin D creams or gels.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. While diet isn't a treatment for psoriasis, eating a balanced diet can support your overall health.
If you develop itchy skin, always explore potential underlying issues, and make sure your diet includes various skin-nourishing foods.
Rosacea
Rosacea is believed to be linked to a tendency to flush. The blood vessels in the skin dilate too easily, resulting in persistent facial redness, followed by small red sores and spots.
Symptoms of rosacea include skin sensitivity, a stinging or burning sensation and flushing. This change in complexion can result in anxiety, embarrassment or depression.
Certain lifestyles can aggravate symptoms of rosacea, most commonly from excessive exercise, changes in temperature, spicy foods, stress and too much alcohol.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for rosacea, but lifestyle management could be the key to calming symptoms. Many GPs suggest protecting the skin daily with sunscreen and using non-soap cleansers, or suggest treatments including:
- prescription creams or gels
- oral antibiotics.
Certain foods and drinks can trigger symptoms in some people. Identifying your individual triggers may help you understand what contributes to your flare-ups.
It's helpful to consider what may be making your rosacea worse by keeping a mood, food, and drink diary to identify any triggering foods or situations. You can then work with your GP/dermatologist and a nutrition professional to make dietary changes if needed.
How can a nutritionist help?
A nutrition professional can assess your current diet, nutritional needs and lifestyle, and help you make balanced changes that support your overall health. If you think certain foods may be affecting your skin, a nutrition professional can help you explore this safely alongside any advice or treatment from your GP or dermatologist.
Ready to explore how nutrition could support you? Find a nutrition professional who can help you understand your individual needs and make changes that work for you.
