DEAR ABBY: I have struggled with severe acne since high school, and my hometown dermatologist was not much help. After moving to graduate school, I found a new doctor and have seen more improvement in two months under her direction than I ever did with my previous doctor. She had blood work done, which revealed that I had a hormone imbalance that was causing the acne.
There's another young woman I see often on the bus going to work. She has a bad case of acne, too, and I'd like to sing the praises of my dermatologist because I know how painful and frustrating it can be to battle it alone with an unsympathetic doctor. But I don't want to come off as a Nosy Nancy or make her feel like I'm intruding.
Should I say something and, if so, how can I broach the subject gently? -- PIMPLE PATROL IN OREGON
DEAR P.P.: Your impulse is kind, but don't do it all in one conversation. It would be more effective to do it in stages.
The next time you see her, give her a smile and see how she reacts and if she'll return it. When you see her, say hello and get to know her a little. After that, during the course of one of your conversations, share that you had an acne problem a while ago and found a wonderful dermatologist who helped you. Then ask if she'd like your doctor's name and phone number.
If you do it in stages, I don't think it would be offensive and she might be grateful to know that there is help for her problem.