AAD 2018: Helping Patients Sort Fact From Internet Fiction on Diet and Skin Health
Posted: Monday, August 20, 2018
Many patients often “know” a certain supplement or dietary change will do wonders for their skin condition, be it anything from psoriasis to rosacea. Why? Because they follow a certain enthusiastic blogger or a prolific clear-complexioned video poster on the Internet, noted Rajani Katta, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston.
In her course for colleagues (U015) at the 2018 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting in Chicago, Dr. Katta explained that patients must hear the truth: “A lot of the information that’s out there on the Web is not based on sound scientific research.” In addition, continued Dr. Katta in an AAD news release, patients should not be making changes to their diet based on anecdotes. However, she said, it is important for physicians to encourage patients to consume nutrient-rich whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, which are “good” for the whole body as well as the skin.
When evidence-based results of epidemiologic or randomized controlled trials indicate a certain food may cause or aggravate a skin condition (most studies have focused on acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea), afflicted patients should be informed, recommended Dr. Katta. She noted that it is a misconception that food allergies, especially gluten sensitivity, play a major role in dermatologic problems.
As for supplements, Dr. Katta is cautious: “It needs to be the right supplement taken at the right dose for the right person.”
