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Acne, the bane of many teens and adults alike, can be a stubborn and confusing condition and from over-the-counter creams to prescription medications, individuals often try a plethora of treatments in the hopes of achieving clear, blemish-free skin. However, what if the solution to this skin dilemma lies not in topical treatments but in a simple blood test?
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ajay Shah, Managing Director, Neuberg Ajay Shah Laboratory, shared, “Traditionally, acne has been attributed to hormonal fluctuations, excessive oil production, and bacterial overgrowth on the skin. While these factors certainly play a role, recent advancements in medical science have shown that what is happening inside our bodies can greatly impact our skin health, including the development of acne. This is where a simple blood test can come in handy, helping to uncover the underlying causes of those stubborn breakouts.”
Highlighting that one such blood test is becoming popular, the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Dr Ajay Shah explained, “This test evaluates various markers in the blood, including glucose levels, electrolytes, and kidney function. While not related to acne at first glance, abnormalities in these markers can provide valuable information about the root cause of skin problems. Another thing a blood test can reveal is whether there is inflammation in your body. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection, but when it gets out of control, it can worsen acne symptoms. By measuring markers of inflammation in your blood, your doctor can assess the severity of your acne and determine the best course of treatment.”
She elaborated, “In addition, blood tests can detect any deficiencies in vitamins or minerals important for healthy skin. For example, low levels of vitamin D have been linked to more severe acne. If your blood test shows that your body is lacking certain nutrients, your doctor may recommend supplements to improve your skin. While it may seem surprising that a blood test could be related to your acne, the truth is that what’s going on inside your body can have a significant impact on your skin health. By analyzing your blood, your doctor can discover clues about the root causes of your acne and make treatment recommendations to address them. So if you’ve been struggling with acne and haven’t found relief yet, ask your doctor about the possibility of a blood test — it could be the key to clear, healthy skin.”
Dr. Smriti Nasava Singh, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetic Dermatologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, explains how a blood test can help determine the cause of your acne –
1. Acne: Common acne during adolescence and early puberty, usually occurring between the ages of 9-30. It does not require a blood test as it is part of puberty changes.
2. Hormonal acne (stubborn acne in any age group) and adult acne or acne tarda (where acne starts after the age of 30). Tests are required to find out the cause. Typical tests include hormones like female hormones, male hormones, androgens, insulin resistance and thyroid. These tests help the dermatologist to find out the root cause of the hormonal imbalance and guide further management.
3. Vitamin D deficiency independently linked to acne
The decision of when and which tests to order is entirely at the discretion and judgement of the treating dermatologist; a one size fits all approach is not appropriate.
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