Acne Myths
Friday, February 27, 2004

Acne is a condition that affects people of all ages but can be especially prevalent, and unsightly, for teenagers. Today, Dr. Ken Davis takes a look at a few of the myths about acne in the Sixty Second Housecall. 

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 17 million people in the United States, including adults, teens, and preteens, have acne. There are many myths surrounding this condition. Here are a few of them and the facts to support, or reject them.

Myth: Myth: Eating greasy, fried foods or chocolate can cause acne.

Fact: Numerous scientific studies have come to the same conclusion--there's no connection between diet and acne.
Myth: The more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts you'll have.

Fact: Hygiene isn't related to the development of acne, either. Washing the face each day gets rid of dead skin cells, excess oil, and surface dirt, but too much cleansing or washing too vigorously can lead to dryness and irritation - which can actually make acne worse.

Myth: Popping pimples will help them go away faster.

Fact: Though popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily, it may actually cause it to stay around longer. Popping a pimple pushes bacteria further into the skin, making the area around the acne even more reddened and inflamed.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.