Acne is the most common skin disease as most teens know

"Oh no, Sissy,” my brother said to me minutes before my prom date arrived. “That zit on your nose is huge! You can’t go out looking like that. Don’t tell Mom, but you’ve gotta pop it!”

Our mother was adamant about not popping pimples, and I confess I didn’t heed her advice. But, today, I’m here to tell you that she was right. Pimples shouldn’t be popped. I’ll explain in a bit.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. “Acne usually begins in puberty and affects many adolescents and young adults’ however, it can occur at any stage of life and may continue into one’s 30s and 40s. Approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne.”

People of all races can get acne. For teens, it’s more common in males. When it continues into adulthood, it’s more common in women. Basically, it happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Most of the time the outbreak occurs on the face, but it can also appear on the back, chest and shoulders.

Mayo Clinic explains that “acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition. They include whiteheads (closed plugged pores), blackheads (open plugged pores), small red, tender bumps (papules); pimples (pustules which are papules with pus at their tips), large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules), and painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions).”

They also say that if homecare remedies don’t clear up your acne, you should see your primary care provider. He or she can prescribe stronger medications. If there’s a sudden onset of severe acne in older adults, it may be a signal of an underlying disease requiring immediate medical care. Also note that although rare, the Food and Drug Administration warns that some over-the-counter skin products can cause a serious reaction.

We all probably know that the hormonal changes that puberty and pregnancy bring can be a high risk for acne, but did you know about the genetic component? Mayo says that if both of your parents had acne, you’re likely to develop it as well.

Before I tell you what to do, I’ll tell you what not to do. Our mother always claimed that you could die from popping pimples. So, I looked it up. Cleveland Clinic says, ‘the section of your face from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth is sometimes known as the ‘danger triangle of the face,’ or even the ‘triangle of death.’ And it’s one place where you should never pop a pimple, as it can lead to an infection in your brain.”

Experts advise us to make a hot (not scalding) compress and apply it gently to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help draw the pus to the surface and can speed the healing process and help prevent scarring.

Also, on the “don’t” list are touching your face throughout the day, and sunbathing. AADA says, “Along with increasing your risk for skin cancer, tanning damages your skin and can worsen acne. Some acne medications can also make your skin very sensitive to damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds."

What you should do is keep your skin clean. “Gently wash your face up to twice daily and after sweating. Choose a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Apply it with your fingertips, as scrubbing with washcloths, sponges, and other tools can irritate your skin,” AADA says.

“Skin products should say, ‘alcohol free’ on the label. Astringents, toners and exfoliants can dry your skin and make acne appear worse. Look for and apply sunscreen that says ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘won’t clog pores.’”

AADA also recommends shampooing regularly to avoid getting acne on your forehead. If your hair is naturally oily, shampoo more often and keep your hair away from your face.

My recommendation is before you start experimenting with nonprescription medications, talk to your primary care provider. In the long run, it’ll save you time, money and provide better outcomes.

P.S. It’s very rare for someone to die from pimple popping. Even so, don’t do it.

Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected].