"Oh no, I got acne again, it must be from the food I ate last night." Have you ever heard such a complaint? Or maybe you’re one of those who always avoid certain foods because you believe they cause acne?

Indeed, many people often blame foods like nuts, fried foods, or seafood when acne appears on their faces. It’s not uncommon for this condition to be called a peanut allergy or seafood allergy. But is that really the case?

Allergies to food or anything that affects the immune system and causes inflammation can indeed be one of the causes of acne. An allergic reaction occurs because the immune system malfunctions, causing proteins in food to be mistakenly recognized as harmful substances. However, food allergy symptoms are usually not limited to acne, but also include other common symptoms like fever or skin rashes.

People with allergies are more prone to acne due to increased histamine levels in the skin, which trigger swelling and irritation, making the skin susceptible to infection and eventually leading to acne. So, acne cannot be considered a direct symptom of a food allergy.

If food allergies are not the main cause, then what causes acne? Facial acne is generally caused by androgen hormones that become active during adolescence. Skin sensitivity to these hormones, combined with bacteria on the skin and fatty acids in the oil glands, can trigger acne growth.

Acne can also be triggered by various factors, such as hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, neglecting to clean off makeup, or consuming unhealthy foods. Fatty foods and those with a high glycemic index, such as milk and chocolate, are suspected of triggering acne because they can increase insulin hormone levels. The rise in hormones leads to an increase in androgen hormones, which results in excessive oil production, ultimately causing acne to appear on the face.

Symptoms of Allergy-Related Acne

Allergy-related acne usually has symptoms similar to regular acne, but there are some specific characteristics that distinguish it:

1. Red and Swollen Acne: Acne caused by allergies tends to be redder and more swollen due to more intense inflammation.
2. Itchy and Sensitive Skin: Allergy-related acne is often accompanied by itching and more sensitive skin.
3. Acne That Is Hard to Eliminate with Regular Treatment: Acne caused by allergies may be difficult to treat with regular skincare products. If acne persists despite using the right products, it is likely caused by an allergy.

Author: Dr. Fatimah Bebi – Medical Service Doctor, Pramita Medical Laboratory and Clinic, Diponegoro Branch, Medan