Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarwar M, Hafeez S, Kefi S.
Achne: History, Reality and Legend.
Baqai J Health Sci Jan ;10(2):25-30.

Acne is a common problem in adolescents and young adults. Acne and its associated problems with self-esteem and social inhibition represent a figurative “rite of passage” for as many as 80 percent of adolescents and young adults. Because having acne can have a major impact on a teenager’s quality of life, importune the patients how they feel about their acne and what expectations they have from treatment at baseline provides a foundation for assessing improvement during the course of therapy. Understanding this relationship can help clinicians develop strategies to improve treatment compliance. Patient education is essential. Edification about acne, its pathogenesis and probable effect, over and above prerequisites for ongoing management, is necessary. Generally, held viewpoints surrounding acne need to be logically conversed with both the patient and their family. The patient is well served by physicians who dispel the myths surrounding acne and provide accurate information about how acne develops. Drinking soda or eating chocolate does not cause acne, nor is acne the result of being unclean, and it canot be whashed or scrubbed away. Patients need to be counsel that acne may appear to worsen in the early weeks of therapy, but tolerance strategies will lessen the potential irritation. Instructions about the application of medications and general skin care (e.g., using only the hands for facial washing; using a mild synthetic cleanser) should be provided to all patients starting acne treatment.

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