DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 years old and I have an acne problem. It's not that I look like a total monster, but it bothers me just the same. In fact, it bothers me very much. I'm not exactly a beautiful girl. I wear glasses and have braces on my teeth. Because of the way I look I have a low self-esteem. Sometimes I even think about killing myself although I never would because of my religion.

I'm tired of hiding my poor complexion behind makeup and I'm tired of looking in the mirror and seeing ugly pimples on my face. I've tried all, and I mean all, of the over-the-counter complexion remedies with no success whatsoever. Someone told me to get a facial regularly and my face will clear up, but after four facials and a fair amount of money, I saw no progress. I desperately need your advice. I'd like to see a dermatologist, but my dad says that it would be a waste of money because my face will clear up when I get older. Please give me the best advice you can. — Nameless, McAllen, Tex.

NAMELESS: You must convince your parents to make an appointment for you to consult with a dermatologist. The cost should be reasonable and the results should be remarkable. A good complexion is just as important as straight teeth.

Please show my answer to your parents. It's their responsibility to get you the medical help that you need. Don't believe for one moment that you are not a beautiful young lady, because you are!

A VISIT TO A DOCTOR IS NECESSARY

DR. WALLACE: I'm 18 and sexually active with my boyfriend. He wants me to get on the pill and I want to, but not if I have to see a doctor. Is it possible to get the pill at a drug store without a prescription? Are there serious side effects? — Nameless, Birmingham, Ala.

NAMELESS: The pill is available only with a doctor's prescription. The pill has been around for many years and today's pill has fewer side effects than its predecessor. However, the pill can cause complications, thus a visit to a doctor is necessary.

WHY DID YOUR DEBATE LAST SO LONG?

DR. WALLACE: Please answer my question. It has been debated for a long time with no solution. Is it permissible to reuse a stamp that is on a delivered letter if the stamp hasn't been canceled? I say No to the question, but my parents and my brother say the stamp can be used legally. — Susan, Sidney, Ohio.

SUSAN: I don't see why the debate lasted so long. A telephone call to the local post office or a chat with your local letter carrier would have provided you with the answer.

No, it is not permissible to use a stamp if it was removed from an envelope after the letter has traveled through the mail system. How do I know? I called my local post office!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.