Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: Is acne hereditary?
A: Severe acne can run in families so genetics play some role. However, acne is very common in teens.
Q: Is it true that some people will always have acne?
A: It is unusual for people to have acne after the mid 20’s. Acne usually starts in the teen years because of the changes in the levels of hormones (chemicals that the body makes) that cause puberty. It usually gets better in the late teens and early twenties.
Q: Is acne cream effective?
A: There are lots of different treatments for acne and which one is best depends upon your type of skins and what kind of acne you have. There are many creams and gels and washes, both over the counter and by prescription from your health care provider that you can apply to your skin that work very well to control acne. Sometimes antibiotic pills are required to stop acne outbreaks.
Q: When do you know a pimple is ready to be popped?
A: A pimple should NEVER be popped. Popping a pimple can cause scarring.
Q: Is soda the leading cause of acne in teens?
A: Soda does not cause acne. The normal hormonal changes of puberty contribute to teens getting acne. Testosterone is one of the main hormones that causes acne and it is also the one that makes puberty happen in boys.
Q: Do I need to lift weights to build muscle?
A: No. You do not need to lift heavy weights to build muscle. Simple resistance exercises, like sit ups, can build the abdominal muscles and help your back muscles. Push ups work great for your arms, shoulders and back. Light 5-10 pound free weights can build biceps and triceps, if you do curls with them. Even walking builds muscles in your legs and calves. Lifting weights that are too heavy can injure your muscles or back, so be careful if you use them. Be sure to check with your medical provider, physical therapist or personal trainer before starting any weight lifting plan.
Q: Why do boys get more muscular than girls?
A: Boys get bigger muscles than girls because boys have higher levels of the hormone testosterone, which makes the muscles grow more. Girls do have some testosterone, but not as much as boys. Exercising and lifting weights can help to strengthen muscles as well as bones. Testosterone levels rise during puberty, so as you get older, your muscles grow and get stronger, even after your growth slows down.
Q: Does eating a lot of sweets cause diabetes?
A: Eating sweets does not directly cause diabetes. But, people who eat too many sweets may become overweight. And people who weigh more than they should are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Q: If I have a cold, should I take cold medicine like Sudafed or Dayquil?
A: Research has shown that cold medicine does not cure colds or shorten the time that you have a cold. For some people, cold medicines can make the symptoms of the cold better. Medicines like ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can make your fever lower and can make your aches and pains better until the medicine wears off. While cold medicines may make you feel better, they may have some side effects too. You and your family should decide what is best for you. If you are not sure if you should take medicine, which medicine to take or how much medicine to take, ask your health care provider.
Q: Why do doctors hesitate to prescribe antibiotics?
A: Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria (a kind of germ in the body). Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Viruses are a type of germ that cause colds and other types of infections, like mono. Sometimes people want an antibiotic for an illness that is caused by a virus, but antibiotics would not help this illness. If someone takes antibiotics, they may become allergic to that drug or have side effects such as diarrhea or rash. Also the more antibiotics are used when they are not needed, the more likely germs will become resistant to them (which means the medicine doesn’t work anymore). This is why doctors do not want to give antibiotics unless they are absolutely needed.
Q: Does the flu shot have side effects?
A: It is possible for the flu shot to have mild side effects. Some possible side effects include: soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. These effects tend to last only a day or two. Sometimes people report aches, cough, and mild symptoms of being sick. But remember: It’s impossible to get the flu from the flu shot! In extremely rare cases, a person can have an allergic reaction to the shot. (People with egg allergies can’t get the shot.) It is important to remember that the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. It is extremely safe for people of all ages.
Q: Can a male catch a female STD?
A: STD’s are mostly caused by bacteria and viruses. Men and women get the same STD’s. The only difference is that men can have STD’s spread to their testicles, and women can have STD’s spread to their pelvic area.
Q: Will wearing two condoms decrease the risk of my girlfriend getting pregnant?
A: No. It may seem safer to use extra protection, but condoms are designed to be used one at a time. Two condoms can rub against each other during sex, creating friction that can cause the condom(s) to break or slip off. So, there is actually no advantage to the “double bagging” approach! It is better to use one condom, in exactly the right way, than it is to use two.
Talk with your girlfriend about whether she is using another form of birth control in addition to the condom. Other methods she might use are birth control pills, the Depo shot, vaginal ring or IUD. Condoms plus another method is better that condoms alone in preventing pregnancy. Not having sex (abstinence) is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Q: Is it okay to smoke cigarettes if it is a controlled amount?
A: Research clearly shows that nicotine, a substance in cigarettes, is addictive. There are many other harmful substances in cigarettes. Even smoking a controlled amount of cigarettes can be bad for your health. The best thing is to never start smoking, but if you are already smoking, it would be good for your health to quit. It is never too late to quit. You can try this website: trytostop.org.
Q: Is it true that I can still be healthy if I drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes?
A: Both alcohol and cigarettes are associated with serious health risks. Alcohol and cigarettes can both be addictive. Smoking has been linked to many serious health problems like heart or lung disease and cancer, which may not show up until later in life. Alcohol can affect your mood and judgment which can lead to school problems, fighting, car accidents and other injuries. This is a good time to establish a healthy lifestyle and to learn to make healthy choices.
Q: What makes nicotine in cigarettes so addictive?
A: Nicotine is a chemical found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is what makes cigarettes addictive. Nicotine causes an increase in other chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. This affects the "reward circuit" in the brain. People experience “good feelings” and want to use nicotine more and more. Because of this, nicotine addiction is one of the hardest addictions to overcome.
Updated: 4/28/2010
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