In this episode of Dermbusters, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, and guest Dr Gabriela Maloney, DO, tackle common dermatologic myths often heard from their patients. Dr Maloey provides practical advice for clinicians to effectively counsel patients on 2 key topics: the link between diet and acne and the belief that sunscreen applications leads to vitamin D deficiency. 

Myth 1: Fried foods and chocolate increase the risk of acne 

Dr Maloney addresses the long-standing belief that diet, particularly fried foods and chocolate, plays a significant role in acne development. Historically, a 1969 study concluded that there was no direct link between acne and diet, which shifted the focus away from dietary factors. However, recent studies have revisited this topic, with some suggesting that foods high in glycemic index and fat content might exacerbate acne. Specifically, interventional studies have indicated that reducing glycemic load can potentially decrease inflammation and acne severity. 

Tips for counseling patients: 

• Focus on glycemic index: Advise patients to pay attention to their diet’s glycemic index, which may be more relevant to acne management than specific foods like chocolate or fried items. 
• Encourage a healthy diet: Recommend a balanced diet while still allowing flexibility for individual preferences, such as gluten-free or keto diets. 
• Follow treatment plans: Emphasize the importance of adhering to prescribed acne treatments, as dietary changes alone are unlikely to resolve acne completely. 

Myth 2: Wearing sunscreen leads to vitamin D deficiency 

A common concern is that sunscreen use can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Dr Maloney explains that this fear should not prevent patients from using sunscreen and highlights that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining adequate vitamin D levels. 

Tips for counseling patients: 

• Emphasize the role of diet: Explain that vitamin D can be adequately obtained through a balanced diet, eliminating the need to forego sunscreen. 
• Highlight the risks of sun exposure: Stress that the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure outweighs the risk of vitamin D deficiency from using sunscreen. 

Tune in to the episode to hear Dr Maloney and Dr Brownstone provide valuable insights for dermatologists to guide patients more effectively and counter common misconceptions.