Acne For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) (Paperback)

by Herbert P. Goodheart M.D. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, affecting more than 60 million adults and teenagers each year. Acne For Dummies addresses the causes of acne, and, most importantly, what can safely be done to cover it up, treat it, and minimize scarring. The book covers everything from daily skin care, over-the-counter acne preparations, and when to see a dermatologist to the hazards and benefits of prescription acne medications and the range of dermatological procedures available to erase aftereffects. Also covered are specific issues common to acne as seen in various ethnic groups and other skin problems, such as rosacea, a condition that people often mistake for acne.  

From the Back Cover
Clear up acne misconceptions and get effective treatment!

Pimples. Blemishes. Zits. Spots. Whatever you call them, they aren't pretty. But these days, there are lots of treatments. In this friendly guide, a dermatologist explains how you can clear up your complexion, whether you're a teenager or an adult, complete with color photos to help you identify your skin condition. From purchasing over-the-counter products to visiting a dermatologist, find the answers you need for optimal skin care.

Discover how to

• Understand your type of acne
• Assess your treatment options
• Safely use prescription medications, including Accutane®
• Get treatment for scarring
• Clear up rosacea, razor bumps, and other acne impostors

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Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (January 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471746983
• ISBN-13: 978-0471746980
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,419 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only acne book you need., March 1, 2006

By	Joe Eastern (North Caldwell, NJ) - See all my reviews

I was privileged to read an advance copy of this book. As a dermatologist, I have always discouraged my patients from buying acne "self-help" books because all of them are either insultingly oversimplified or numbingly complex. And in the end, the answer to your acne problem, amazingly enough, always turns out to be the author's own miracle regimen, which he or she will be only too happy to sell you for an unconscionable amount of money.

And frankly, I never thought a book in the "Dummies" series would be the one to break that mold. However, I can honestly say this is no less than the finest and most objective layperson's acne book ever written.

Dr. Goodheart has succeeded admirably where many others have failed -- he has taken a very confusing subject and made it crystal clear. He explains what acne is, in terms anyone can understand. He outlines the various types of acne, along with various treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription, for each, and even addresses disease "lookalikes" that are often confused with acne, even by some physicians.

And most importantly, he cuts through all the lies, legends, and myths of acne treatment. You will learn which treatments really work, and which are a waste of money. You will learn what you can do for acne on your own, and what you should leave to the professionals. And most importantly, you will learn all of this from someone without a financial interest in which treatment you choose.

Finally, an honest physician, who is not trying to sell you any miracle potions or magical snake oils, has set on paper a completely objective evaluation of all the legitimate treatment options available, including Accutane.

Everyone who suffers with potentially disfiguring acne -- and their parents -- should read this book. It will be an invaluable resource for them, and for me as well. I will have several copies in my waiting room.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for teens!, April 23, 2006

By	Laura "Laura" (New York) - See all my reviews

My mom gave me Acne For Dummies to read because I'm very frustrated about my acne and for the first time I read something that I could UNDERSTAND and was also very helpful. I also enjoyed some of the unusual sidebars!! I recommend this book for all teens who have been confronted with the confounding problems of acne-- this book is clear, concise and very useful. I will refer back to it from time to time to remind myself of the options available to me. I think all pediatricians should be recommending it as well as school nurses and stuff. Thanks Dr. Goodheart for writing this book!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like having the doctor talking directly to me, April 24, 2006

By	Susan S. Bronstein (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was interested in this book before even buying it because I have seen Dr. Goodheart's name several times in the NY Times Science Section. And the book more than met my expectations. NOt only is it clear and informative, but I feel as though Dr. GOODHEART is talking directly to me, anticipating all my questions before I can even think OF them. And he takes into consideration not only the skin but how we all feel when we're struggling with how we look and helps give us ways to deal with that. This is a terrific book: easy to use and hugely informative. This is the book to buy about your acne troubles or even other related skin issues.