Acne Issue

Hello Everyone:

I am a 29-year old female and have suffered from a severe case of acne on my face since April of last year.  I have never had any trouble before and have always had very clear skin.  Coincidentally, it is around the same time that I came off of the birth control medication that I was on since the age of 14.

I am unable to go back onto the birth control medication as I have had past issues with blood clots and I also want to start a family in the near future.

I went to see a reputable dermatologist today and I was told to modify my diet and refrain from eating any and all dairy products.  He told me that an enzyme in the milk causes the oil glands to "turn on".  I hate to question the doctor, but at the same time I really want to seek a second opinion before I ultimately change my lifestyle and avoid all forms of dairy.

Could you please offer some advice on where to turn or let me know if you think there is any correlation between acne and dairy?

Thank you so much for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There was a recent study published suggested a possible link between acne and dairy, but it was a minor link, and even that is far from established.  Your dermatologist's opinion sounds out of the mainstream to me.  If I were you, I'd get another opinion.  There are plenty of excellent ways to treat your post-adolescent acne.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff