For anxious teens, Fairfax is a trusted and safe space

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share with you an article that was written about me in the Warren Times-Gazette back in June. I am so grateful for this article and the patients who have shared their positive experience at my practice. The article is transcribed below for your viewing:

In the challenging landscape of adolescence, where social media often paints an unattainable picture of perfection, acne can inflict a profound emotional and psychological toll, particularly for teenagers. At Fairfax Acne and Dermatology, Diana Fairfax understands this intricate connection and has cultivated a patient-centered approach designed to alleviate both the physical and emotional burdens of acne.

Fairfax emphasizes the critical importance of ample time during consultations. New patient acne sessions are a generous half-hour, a rarity in today's healthcare system. This extended time allows for a thorough understanding of the acne's severity and, crucially, its impact on the teen's life.

"You're trying to get to know enough about them where you can design the treatment plan that they're most apt to be compliant with and have success with, "Fairfax explains.

A cornerstone of Fairfax's method is her unique "scale of zero to 10" questionnaire. She asks teens to rank how much their acne prevents them from engaging in social events, school activities, or even daily life. A "zero" means acne has no impact, while a "10" signifies missing school, avoiding social gatherings, or hiding away. This candid self-assessment, answered by the teen first, then the parent, often unearths the true emotional weight of their acne.

"It gets to the heart of how the acne is affecting them," Fairfax states, noting that a patient with physically mild acne might still rate themselves a "10" due to anxiety. Beyond the initial assessment, Fairfax manages expectations upfront, explaining that clear skin is a journey, not an instant fix. "It's going to take me four months to get you where I want you to be," she tells patients, emphasizing honesty to prevent increased anxiety if results aren't immediate.

She also directly tackles concerns about "purging" - a temporary worsening of acne during treatment - a common fear amplified by misinformation online. She provides a "toolbox" of strategies to minimize purging.

Crucially, Fairfax fosters an environment of accessibility and reassurance. She encourages anxious teens to utilize the patient portal for direct communication, promising telemedicine visits or phone calls if concerns arise.

"The worst thing is, anxious teens at home, they're purging, they call the office, and they don't get a call back. They'll never come back," she explains.

Fairfax also meticulously explains her chosen treatment plan, demonstrating how it's customized to each individual, taking into account skin type and previous treatments. She reassures patients about scarring, differentiating temporary discoloration from permanent marks, a common source of anxiety for many.

Ultimately, Fairfax instills confidence with her abilities and commitment. "I can really help you," she tells them, emphasizing her 30 years of experience and passion for acne care. She stays abreast of cutting-edge treatments, sharing this knowledge to establish herself as an expert.

Regular photo monitoring provides objective proof of progress, offering hope and validating the journey. This transparent and unwavering dedication, coupled with the promise of "never running out of ideas," provides anxious teenagers with the reassurance and glimmer of hope they need on their path to clearer skin and renewed confidence.