Body acne

Body acne is common in adults and teens, showing up mostly on the chest, back and buttocks Like facial acne, stress and hormones can cause blemishes. However, other factors can induce acne lesions on the body.

Perspiration and tight-fitting clothing are two of the most common culprits, which explains why many physically active women are plagued by body acne. Tight-fitting clothing such as lycra leggings trap perspiration against the skin, and it then mixes with surface oils. The result is a film that clogs pores and causes blemishes ranging from whiteheads to inflamed papules and pustules.

Treatments for body acne are similar to those for facial acne, but body acne tends to be more resistant to treatment because it is difficult to reach. Body skin is also thicker than facial skin, and the blemishes are constantly exposed to friction from clothing. To keep acne under control, wash daily with a salicylic-acid-based cleanser, and be sure to shower as soon as possible after perspiring. Wipe the area with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid pad and follow with an alpha hydroxy acid-based body moisturizer (this will help exfoliate skin while preventing it from drying out). Use a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment on individual pimples at night.

Stubborn acne is usually treated with a topical retinoid such as Retin-A or a course of oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or minocycline. It will usually take anywhere from a week to a couple of months to see results. As a last resort, Accutane is used, though in higher dosages than for facial acne.

Why Do I Get Body Acne?

The pores of the skin on the body are different from the face. They are far bigger and active. The fact that most of the time they stay covered up does not help in the matter. Sweat, oil and synthetic fabrics irritate the pores and this can easily lead infectious bacteria to clog the surface, causing an acne nodule to form. Many reasons, such as hormone imbalances or over-activity also play a part in this. But the best way to prevent this acne from forming is to the keep the skin in a condition that does not make it easy for acne-forming bacteria to invade.

What's the difference between face and body acne?

There's absolutely no difference between face and body acne. Pimples can occur anywhere on the body, except on the palm of the hand and sole of the foot, as these are the only places on the body where the skin pores have no hair canals. However, they generally appear on the face, chest, back, neck, arms, and buttocks. Consequently, you can use the same anti-acne cream on your body that you do on your face.

FACT:
90% of these sufferers get Acne on their chests, shoulders, and back (both male and female)

FACT:
Only 5% use products to treat their body Acne condition

FACT:
95% of these polled say they feel ashamed to expose their skin in public