Many people are well-versed in tackling a common face pimple.

We spoke with dermatologists and skin experts to get their insight into causes and treatments for body acne.

What Is Body Acne?

It’s important not to pick at cystic blemishes since the body usually reabsorbs the infection from within."

You may also experience different variations of body acne, includingfungal acne, which usually occurs after excessive sweating.

Here are a few of the most common kinds.

Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is the most common pop in of acne.

You may notice acne vulgaris after exercise, for example.

Sweat is a major offender that can irritate the skin and clog the pores.

It tends to affect athletes, as well as people who wear tight clothing and who use sports equipment.

Acne Cosmetica

Some beauty products (e.g., hair goods and makeup) can irritate the skin.

Acne cosmetica can come on from different cosmetics or skincare products that clog pores.

It tends to be temporary since it’s directly related to product use.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is a rare form of acne that typically impacts adolescent males.

It presents as sudden and severe inflammation, and it is accompanied by fever and joint pain.

Corticosteroids, for example,can lead to increased oil production and inflammation, resulting in acne.

Certain hormonal therapies, including some contraceptives and testosterone replacement therapy, can lead to acne, as well.

It looks like red bumpsoften on the chest, back, and shouldersand it can be very itchy.

Unlike bacterial acne, this punch in of acne requires antifungal treatment.

Chloracne

Chloracne is a rare punch in of acne that’s due to chemicals like chlorinated hydrocarbons.

It presents as cysts and pustules on the upper body and face.

Chloracne can be very persistent and difficult to treat.

If it’s not so obvious where your acne is coming from, consider these other potential causes.

Stress

Let’s get the most obvious culprit out of the way: stress.

“Excess oil clogs our pores, creating acne.

So while the stress itself does not create acne, it makes a bad situation worse.”

Menstrual Cycle

During menstruation, hormonal acne is common.

Acne tends to happen over the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycles.

“Body acne often suggests a significant hormonal component,” explains Rodney.

“Hormonal acne tends to show on the chest and back, similar to where hair would grow.”

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause body acne, as well.

“Remember that it will take some time to clear things up.

Try these tips for treating body acne.

Avoid Irritants

It’s best to stop using products that irritate or affect your skin.

“Look out for panthenol if you’re acne-prone,” warns Rouleau.

“You should probably use products specific to your body that will contain more potent active ingredients.”

Practice Good Hygiene

Good hygiene also takes priority when treating any bang out of acne.

The same concept applies to body acne,” says Rouleau.

Products with the following ingredients are popular remedies:benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, and salicylic acid.

For more severe breakouts or persistent body acne, prescription treatments may work better.

A dermatologist or healthcare provider can prescribe appropriate products based on your skin and other conditions.

Common prescription treatments may include antibiotics, retinoids, and prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide.

Consider making these changes in your diet and lifestyle to help your skin be clearer.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(2023, July 27).What Is Acne?

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne

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