Question: Can I Catch Acne from a Friend?
Is acne contagious? Can I catch acne from a friend?
Answer:
Acne vulgaris can't be passed from person to person like the common cold. You can touch, hug, and kiss someone with acne without fear of catching the skin disorder.
If acne isn't contagious, how do people get acne in the first place? Three major factors contribute to acne -- a plug of skin cells within the pore, a surplus of oil, and the acne-inducing bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).
P. acnes are bacteria that are routinely present on the skin. It isn't passed from person to person, so you don't have to worry about "catching" this bacterium and developing acne. P. acnes are generally harmless. But when a plug of dead skin cells and oil blocks the pore opening, it creates an anaerobic environment where the P. acnes thrive. The bacteria irritate the pore lining, creating redness and inflammation.
So, if you have a friend with acne, you don't have to worry about catching it from them. If you're the one with acne, although there is no cure, it can be treated. If you're acne is mild, try an over-the-counter treatment first. If your acne is more serious, or if you can't control your acne with OTC products, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Your doctor can help develop a successful acne treatment plan.
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