What are the myths about acne...
There is much cruelty in the world and, particularly among children and young adults, unkind words can seriously damage self-esteem. Acne is a rite of passage, a period of unhappiness most have to endure as part of the price of becoming an adult. It is not a disease but that does not prevent people from being seriously injured. This has produced a medical challenge. What can people do to reduce this public display of difference? There are a number of myths offering worthless advice: Washing often clears the skin In fact, the reverse is true. If you use any kind of abrasive cloth or product in the hope this will solve the problem, you are more likely to damage you skin and make the acne worse. |
The sun will clear skin blemishes
Again this is dangerous. So-called sun burn is damage to the surface of the skin which can cause irritation and make the acne worse.
Reduce stress to keep acne away
Ironically, some drugs used to combat anxiety cause acne as a side effect. There is no provable link between stress and acne except that cruel people cause stress to those with acne
Avoid sex to avoid acne
This is the abstinence brigade producing another reason to encourage teenagers to avoid sex including masturbation. While there may be a link between androgen levels and the libido of young men, there is no scientific evidence that the absence of sexual activity has any effect on acne.
Acne is caused by what we eat
Again, there is no scientific evidence of any link between particular foods and acne.
What is the iPLEDGE program?
Because of the risk to all girls and women capable of conceiving a child, the iPLEDGE system requires those who want access to accutane to pledge they will take practical contraceptive measures to prevent pregnancy. The doctor, usually a specialist dermatologist, will ask the girl or woman to pick two different methods of contraception and to use them for at least thirty days. Assuming that one of the methods is an oral contraceptive, the woman will then be tested to ensure that she is actually incapable of contraception. If this proves the case, the accutane will be prescribed. The use of contraceptive measures must be continued during the period of treatment, and for at least thirty days after the course of treatment is completed. There must be no chance of a pregnancy.
Because some women have a religious objection to all forms of contraception, they buy their accutane through online pharmacies without the need for a prescription. This is, of course, perfectly safe, so long as no pregnancy occurs during the period of treatment.