No, pimples (acne) are not contagious and you cannot catch them from kissing someone.
Acne is a skin condition caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Excess oil (sebum) production: The sebaceous glands produce too much oil.
- Clogged hair follicles: Dead skin cells and oil can block hair follicles.
- Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria can thrive in clogged follicles.
- Inflammation: The body's immune response to bacteria and clogged follicles causes inflammation.
These factors are internal and not transmitted from person to person. You cannot "catch" acne through skin contact, sharing towels, or kissing. While some bacteria are involved, it's the individual's skin environment and immune response that determines whether acne develops, not exposure to someone else's pimples.
Even sharing items like towels or makeup with someone who has acne will not cause you to develop pimples, although it is generally unhygienic to share personal items. The underlying factors that cause acne are not transferable.
