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Concerns about Acne

Acne is a very common problem that affects most of us at one point or another. Very few skin conditions are as widely misunderstood as acne, despite its prevalence. While most misunderstandings are harmless, some are not. Here are the frank and honest answers to many of the questions that are asked by teens.

Can my dermatologist really make my acne disappear?

Dermatologists are doctors, and not magicians, so they likely won't be able to make your acne disappear immediately. Having an unrealistic expectation will only set you up for disappointment. However, dermatologists are experts about skin conditions, and acne is the most common reason that people visit their dermatologist, so they can offer a lot of advice and expertise. Some people have the impression that their acne can't be cured. This is incorrect. Almost all instances of acne, even severe acne can be controlled with some patience and a solid treatment plan. Visit a dermatologist, discuss a treatment plan, and stick to it.

Are pimples contagious?

Although pimples often contain bacteria that are the cause of inflammation, the pimple itself is not contagious. You can't get or give zits to others as if it were the chicken pox. As good acne management practice and general hygiene, however, you should wash your hands on a regular basis, cleanse once or twice a day, and try to keep foreign objects from touching the skin that is affected by acne.

My grandmother says that acne can't be treated in teenagers. Is this true?

Your grandmother surely means well, but what she says is no longer true. While acne is most common during the teen years, they can be managed and controlled. Acne treatments have made vast improvements in recent decades, and many cases, in particular severe acne, which were a challenge to treat in the past, can now be treated effectively and effortlessly. This long-standing myth can be harmful as it discourages patients from seeing a dermatologist who can help them with their acne.

Is popping zits really that bad? It hurts, but it is effective in getting rid of them.

Popping zits are very tempting because in one sense, it is effective as you say, speeding up the recovery process. This practice is discouraged by dermatologists for good reason however. Popping zits has a high risk of pushing the infection deeper into the skin, aggravating the zit further, and causing acne scars. This risk is increased when trying to pop inflamed zits that are still hard. You should never try to pop these zits. Although popping one zit is unlikely to do too much damage unless you're unlucky, the practice can be habit forming. If you consistently pop zits, you will be far more likely to have extensive acne scarring.

Isn't acne just bad skin? How serious can it be?

Acne isn't bad skin. Although it is a very common condition, it is a legitimate skin disease, and needs to be treated as such. Acne can be painful socially and psychologically, as well as physically, and this should not be underestimated. There are many studies proving the link between acne and depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal, which should never be ignored. The effects of acne are far-reaching, and should not be treated as "merely" a cosmetic problem. Acne is also notorious for causing permanent scarring, if left untreated. As acne treatments are abundant and effective, we advise you to visit a dermatologist if you are concerned about your acne; it will definitely be worth your time.

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