We need to look into common factors. Hormones are the likely link, and the only hormone source that makes sense as a stimulus at this point is the influence of the complex growth stimulating system known as milk (and all the products that are made with it). Could I ask you to consider the fact that the folliculosebaceous unit is actually the folliculopilosebaceous unit, composed of three distinctly different physiological units, all of which are impacted by the androgens and their fellow-travellers (and whey and casein-derived facilitators) present in dairy products. Melnik has written extensively on this (See PMID 23883112 and 22891897 Free PMC Articles) and we are finding it to be a very significant influence in acne vulgaris and acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa).
The 'system' facilitates anything that depends upon activation of the androgen receptors. Think acne, alopecia, weight gain, fat babies, etc etc etc.
Article Reply to 'What is the effect of obesity on the folliculoseba...
Dear dandy, The trend of increased weight among children and earlier puberty may be reflected in early clinical acne (R). A personal study of 100 acne patients found no link between acne severity, caloric intake, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, amino acids or vitamins.
(R) Lucky AW, Biro FM, Huster GA et al. Acne vulgaris in premenstrual girls.
Arch Dermatol 1994; 130: 308–14.
Dear Dr. Bashir Have you records that would allow a breakdown of the diets studied to isolate dairy foods and high-glycemic load foods from the others? Some carbohydrates are not a problem, some fats are not a problem, some proteins are not a problem, and some amino acids are not a problem.
But simple sugars raise insulin, butter and fatty cheeses contain androgens and their precursors, milk proteins contain whey and casein that increase insulin and IGF-1, and branched-chain amino acids are also bioactive. The net result of these dairy and carbohydrate-related influences is the most likely stimulus to both increased weight and the acnes.
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