Acne located on the trunk, whey protein supplementation: Is there any association?

Fatma Pelin Cengiz,Anil Gulsel Bahali,Nazan Emiroglu,Nahide Onsun,Bengu Cevirgen Cemil

doi:10.15171/hpp.2017.19

Abstract

Whey protein is a source of protein that was isolated from milk. Whey proteins are composed of higher levels of essential amino acids. The role of diet in acne etiology has been investigated for several years. It was established that milk and milk products can trigger acneiform lesions, and recent evidence supports the role of whey protein supplements in acne. Herein, we report 6 healthy male adolescent patients developing acne located only to the trunk after the consumption of whey protein supplements for faster bodybuilding. This is the first observation which specified the location of acneiform lesions among bodybuilders. In our opinion, a trendy and common health problem is beginning among adolescents in the gyms.

Highlights

Acne vulgaris is the chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit with multifactorial pathogenesis involving genetic factors, hormone imbalance, increased sebum production, abnormal keratinization, and bacterial proliferation
We had associated the improvement of acneiform lesions with discontinuation of whey protein more than treatment regimens for acne, since two of our patients preferred to not discontinue their whey protein supplementation firstly, and they had less improvement than others
It has been established that high glycemic load (HGL) diets, high intakes of carbonhydrates, milk consumption may trigger acne outbreaks

Summary

Introduction

Acne vulgaris is the chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit with multifactorial pathogenesis involving genetic factors, hormone imbalance, increased sebum production, abnormal keratinization, and bacterial proliferation. We report 6 cases of acne lesions located only to the trunk in patients who use protein supplements for bodybuilding. Case Report Retrospective analysis of 6 consecutive patients with acne located on trunk associated with protein supplement intake, seen between February 2016 and June 2016. Patients included in the study were all men, with a mean age of 18 years (range 16-18) They used protein supplement to improve their performance and gain muscle mass. Anti-HCV antibodies, but the results were negative On examination, they had papulonodular acne on their chest and back without involvement of face (Figures 1 and 2). The patients experienced mild-moderate improvement of their acne after discontinuation of protein supplement and administration of tetracyline and clindamycin- benzoyl peroxide gel. We had associated the improvement of acneiform lesions with discontinuation of whey protein more than treatment regimens for acne, since two of our patients preferred to not discontinue their whey protein supplementation firstly, and they had less improvement than others

Discussion

Findings

Conclusion