How to Get Rid of Body Acne | Banner Health

It’s safe to say, no one likes acne, but it’s kind of a rite of passage. As we go through our teenage and young adult years (and even late into adulthood), a zit (or three or four) is to be expected dotting their way across our faces. But for some people, they also have to deal with acne breakouts below their chin—on their back and chest.

“While we tend to focus on the face, acne can present challenges on your back and chest as well,” said Trevor Thompson, MD, a dermatologist with Banner Health Center in Peoria, AZ. “More often, we encounter truncal, or body acne, in our younger years and it is slightly more common in males than females.”

While it can be extremely bothersome and embarrassing, the good news is that much like face acne, there are ways to get your body acne under control. We spoke with Dr. Thompson to better understand the causes for body acne and ways to combat it.

What causes acne on your chest and back?

Body acne develops the same way as face acne, but there are some factors that lead to the development of acne on your chest and back.

“Genetics, hormones and diet are likely some of the bigger triggers for acne,” Dr. Thompson said. “Other contributors to truncal acne can include use of androgens, such as testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), among male or transgender patients or androgenic anabolic steroids in body builders.”

Is it acne or could it be something else?

There are various other conditions that can cause red bumps on your chest and back, but one common one that is often confused by many is a skin condition called folliculitis. Although it may look and feel the same as acne, folliculitis is not the same.

“Folliculitis usually has inflammation around hair follicles, but it can have a more infectious cause with a pus-filled pimple instead of the blocked sebum of acne,” Dr. Thompson said. “Folliculitis can occur around any site with hair follicles, and acne is more common on the face, back and chest.”

If you’re unsure whether your red bumps are body acne or folliculitis, it can be helpful to see a dermatologist to make sure. They can give you tips to help clear it.

How do you treat back and chest acne?

If you’re experiencing severe body acne with deep, painful cysts, it’s best to partner with a dermatologist so you can develop a unique plan for ongoing care. That being said, for mild to moderate body acne, some of the basic treatments used to treat acne on the face can be used for the back and chest. Here’s how to get rid of body acne for good:

1. Use an acne cleanser

While any gentle soap or body wash can help remove dirt and excess oils, there are specific products geared toward fighting body breakouts. Dr. Thompson suggests starting with skin care products that include benzoyl peroxide.

“Normally, I favor milder (<5%) benzoyl peroxide washes as stronger (10%) washes can cause more dryness and skin irritation for the face. Fortunately, the trunk tends to be less sensitive with treatment,” Dr. Thompson said.

2. Try a topical retinoid

Whether a prescription agent or over-the-counter adapalene gel, this is another great option for treating body acne. Products like Differin (adapalene 0.1%) gel and Retin-A play a crucial role in the treatment of acne by regulating skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation deep in the skin to not only clear but prevent future pimples.

3. Remember sun protection

People may report different experiences regarding the impact of sun on their acne. While sun exposure can increase vitamin D and be associated with exercise and fun, moderation is key. While certain light spectrums including blue light may help acne, too much ultraviolet sun exposure can increase skin aging and further darken acne spots. To combat the damage with ultraviolet light, it is important to understand the benefits of hats, shade, awareness of the time of day and duration of sun exposure. For sunscreens, try to use a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), oil-free, mineral sunscreen.

4. Develop good workout habits

It’s great to put in the time for workouts, but don’t hang out too long in your sweaty clothes. Make sure you shower and change clothes right after working out—or doing anything that gets you sweaty.

5. Resist the urge to pop, pick or scrub acne

A zit may be harder to reach on your back but resist the urge to pick and pop your body acne. As well, avoid course or rough body scrubs that are traumatic to the skin. These will only make it worse.

6. Modify your diet

When it comes to acne, your diet could also be to blame. Findings from some studies found that following a low-glycemic diet may help reduce acne. Instead of reaching for a burger, fries and Coca-Cola, focus on eating a diet rich in fresh produce and whole foods. Steer clear of dairy products and sugary high carbohydrate foods that raise your blood sugar quickly. For more tips, check out this article from the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

7. Other prescription treatments

For more challenging cases, your doctor may prescribe topical and oral antibiotics. Isotretinoin is another prescription agent that can be used. These medications work by killing excess skin bacteria and reduce redness and inflammation.

Takeaway

If your body acne treatments aren’t doing the trick and you find yourself wearing a turtleneck in June, don’t sweat it—literally. Let your dermatologist know. It can take several tries to zap those zits, but with the right treatment, every type of acne can be treated. To find a Banner Health physician near you, visit bannerhealth.com.

Got other skin questions?

• Are Those Whiteheads Actually Milia?
• Contact Dermatitis: Triggers and Treatments
• Are Collagen Supplements a Fountain of Youth?

Dermatology

Here’s Why Back and Chest Acne is So Common & How to Treat It

As if dealing with facial acne isn’t bad enough, other areas of your body can also be prone to acne breakouts. Body acne is when the skin on the upper-half of your body develops pimples.

What is acne on the back and chest?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that nearly everyone deals with at some point in their life. For most people, pimples and acne breakouts develop on the face, chest, and back, where your glands can easily become blocked.

Acne breakouts are the result of your skin pores becoming clogged by dead skin cells and oil. When your pores become clogged, bacteria begins to form and inflamed pimples will show on your skin. Chest and back acne commonly appears as blackheads, whiteheads, and papules.

What causes back and chest acne and who does it affect?

We’re going to dive into some of the causes and solutions. But, before you change up your routine too much, we always recommend consulting with a professional. Your best bet to getting clearer skin is scheduling an appointment with our dermatologist, Dr. Jaclyn Wetli.

In the meantime, you might be wondering why you have pimples on your chest, shoulders, and back. If you notice sudden or random breakouts, this could be a result of a recent change made in your diet or skincare products or perhaps related to taking to a new medication. If you continuously have acne in these areas, this could be a result of an ongoing issue like hormonal fluctuations or dehydration.

Although acne on your chest and back can form as a result of many things, here are some of the most common sources:

• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations often happen in our teenage years, but adult women also experience changes in their hormones during and around the time of their period. These hormonal fluctuations can cause inflammation and acne breakouts on your chest.

• Diet: Studies have shown that dietary factors may contribute to the development of acne. Patients who drink skim milk and/or have whey protein supplements may find this to be an exacerbating factor for acne. Additionally, high glycemic-load foods (high fat or high sugar foods) can cause acne flares. If you think your diet is causing problems with acne, try cutting back on skim milk, protein shakes, soft drinks, juices, and desserts.

• Supplements/ medications: An excessive amount of vitamin B12, B2, and B6 can also cause acne flares. Certain medications may also contribute to acne flares especially on the chest and back. It is best to discuss with Dr. Wetli if you think that this may be contributing to your acne.

• Exercise: Although exercise is a great way to stay healthy, excessive sweating in tight or restrictive clothing can cause acne breakouts on your chest or back. When working out, wear loose-fitting tops that won’t cause friction from rubbing on your skin. Showering shortly after a workout will also help wash off any sweat and prevent it from building up and clogging your pores.

• Laundry detergent, makeup and perfumes: Some laundry detergents and perfumes have dyes and other harsh chemicals that can be harmful and irritate your skin. Makeup can also cause irritations to skin and clog pores. Avoid applying makeup and perfume to your chest area, avoid using dryer sheets, fabric softener, and try using dye and perfume-free detergents.

• Oily moisturizers: Certain skin care products can trap moisture and cause your skin to break out in pimples. People with dry skin often use oil-based lotion, but these types of moisturizers block pores and trap dirt and bacteria. If you experience dry skin, you should talk to a dermatologist to get recommendations on moisturizers that are safe to use.

What is the best way to treat back and chest acne?

Identifying and understanding the causes of your chest and back acne is the first step toward treating it and preventing future breakouts. Meet with our dermatologist, Dr. Wetli. She will evaluate your skin and come up with a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs. Some steps you can take prior to meeting with Dr. Wetli include:

Bathe regularly using gentle cleansers to keep the area clean and prevent breakouts. Apply antibacterial body soap to the area around the breakout to clean it after sweating or getting dirty.
Change your thick, oil-based moisturizer for non-comedogenic lotions to keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores. Avoid touching, picking, or popping the pimples on your chest and back. Your hands often have oil and dirt that can spread and lead to bacteria on other parts of your skin. Picking and popping your pimples will irritate the skin and make your breakout worse – and since the skin on your chest is extremely thin, it can scar easily.

If your chest acne won’t go away after trying on your own, remember that treatment plans are not a one-size fits all. This is why over the counter products don’t always work, and why it’s best to seek the professional opinion of a dermatologist.

Schedule an appointment for acne treatment

Our dermatologist, Dr. Wetli, is a specialist in acne, acne treatments, and acne scar treatments. When you’re ready to learn more about your treatment options or create an acne skincare routine, use our simple online scheduling form to set up an appointment! We look forward to helping you improve the health of your skin so you can look and feel your best.

Focus Area: back and décolleté acne

Cleavage dresses and backless tops can be a big problem when unattractive breakouts often appear on the chest and back. We asked Natalya Grigorieva, a specialist in anti-age medicine, general director of the Premium Aesthetics clinic, to tell us what is the cause of such aesthetic problems and how to get rid of them.

Let’s start with the most important thing: the causes of pimples (acne) on the face and body are the same. How to explain that with clean skin of the face, rashes are localized precisely on the body?

Most likely, there are some predisposing factors for this: for example, clothes that increase perspiration and sebum secretion, as well as improper care (or its complete absence) of the skin in the décolleté and back areas.

There is an opinion that the localization of inflammation in certain areas of the body indicates the internal problems of the body. This statement came to us from oriental medicine, where skin diagnostics are extremely popular. For this, the so-called map of the human body is used, in the areas of which it is indicated what the skin changes (including the appearance of acne) are associated with in certain areas.

But even the Chinese doctors themselves say that it is impossible to make a 100% diagnosis based on such maps. Hypothetically, it is possible to assume the presence of trouble in a certain area, but nothing more. From a professional and scientifically backed point of view, acne is a chronic disease that worsens depending on external and internal factors. So, let’s try to understand the main and most common causes of inflammation ─ both on the face and on the body.

Any disease. If you have an acne problem, do not rule out the presence of a serious internal factor. Conditionally physiological norm is the appearance of acne in adolescence from 12 to 19 years. If acne continues to bother even after 25 years, then there is a clear hormonal imbalance (do not forget that acne is a hormone-dependent disease). The cause of chronic inflammation can also be problems of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as changes in the intestinal microflora (dysbiosis).

“Special” microbe R. Acnes. It provokes the most common type of acne ─ Acne Vulgaris. On the skin of some people, the microorganism takes root perfectly, but not on the skin of others. This is due to the composition of sebum (by the way, it changes precisely because of hormonal disorders – in particular, an increase in the level of the hormone testosterone). It is it that serves as an excellent environment for the nutrition and reproduction of the causative agent of the disease.

Active sebum production. Sometimes acne is explained by a genetic predisposition: the activity of the sebaceous glands depends on heredity, and if parents encountered this disease in their youth, then upon reaching puberty, it can also manifest itself in children.

Influence of external factors. This type of acne is called contact or cosmetic. It can be provoked by improper care, dietary habits and even climate change.

Simple tricks

Changing your diet

Overeating fatty or sweet? Do not be surprised that inflammation may appear on the body. This often happens in cases where a woman usually limits herself to such food, but at one moment she arranges a “belly feast”. In this case, the body cannot independently remove the breakdown products of fats through the gastrointestinal tract.

The skin, as an excretory organ, takes on some of these functions. As a result, the secretion of the sebaceous glands increases, and inflammation begins in their ducts. The same thing happens in the case of the abuse of simple carbohydrates against the background of a violation of the microbiota of the small intestine.

What to do: adjust the balance of fats in your diet. Reduce simple sugars to a minimum – you can afford about 150 g of simple sugars per day (this norm includes, among other things, fruits). Refined sugar and products with its content from the diet should be completely excluded. If the appearance of acne is associated with nutrition, the recovery will be accelerated by taking enterosorbents twice a day – in the morning and in the evening.

Improper care

Acne is often experienced by women who have a reduced rate of cell division. In this case, horny scales exfoliate worse from the surface of the skin and clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands, thereby provoking inflammation. And if in most cases we treat the skin of the face with great reverence, then we often completely forget about the skin of the body. If the skin is prone to pimples in the decollete and on the back, to care for these areas, you need to use products that are similar in composition to facial cosmetics.

What to do:

• First, choose your skin care products in tandem with a beautician. It is not uncommon for women to equate oily skin with acne-prone skin. But in fact, this is not true! Believe me, rashes can also appear on dry skin. And since the advertised “acne” cosmetics are usually aimed at caring for oily skin, owners of dry skin, taking it into service, will only exacerbate their problems ( read also : “Theory and practice: care for oily and dry skin with acne”).

• Secondly, read product labels carefully. If you are prone to excessive sebum secretion, discard heavy cosmetics with comedogenic components: petroleum jelly, lanolin, silicones, some oils (cocoa butter, coconut, wheat germ). Give preference to light fluids and lotions. Avoid using titanium or zinc oxide SPFs as these compounds can also clog pores. For acne-prone skin, products with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as those based on herbs ─ chamomile or sage, are well suited.

• Third, clean your skin properly. For daily care, choose gel-based products. Once every two weeks, use peels with light acids or enzymes. What should not be done in any case is to use scrubs and brushes to cleanse the skin, as well as squeeze out acne. As in the case of inflammation on the face, these manipulations cause seeding of the skin, and as a result, instead of one element, a whole brood of acne appears on the skin.

Useful:

Climate change

Humidity and heat can aggravate acne. This, by the way, should be taken into account by everyone who is going to warmer climes in the summer, and stock up on the necessary funds for proper care.

What to do: don’t tan too much – too much sun can reduce local skin immunity, increase sebum secretion, dry out the upper stratum corneum and, as a result, exacerbate acne. By the way, a similar mechanism is typical not only for tanning on the beach, but also in the solarium. But moderate exposure to UV will benefit the skin – it will slightly dry and disinfect it. One thing is important – do not forget to use funds with SPF.

SPF 50+ Gel Cream La Roche-Posay, Anthelios Anti-Imperfections

Why (and should you) go to the doctor

Consistency is key in dealing with breakouts. And if pimples on the chest, with full compliance with all of the above safety measures, continue to multiply, it’s time to go to a beautician (a competent specialist, by the way, should work closely with other doctors ─ an endocrinologist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist). To begin with, the doctor identifies the root cause of acne. This may require a very extensive diagnosis. For example, skin cultures are often taken to determine the strain of bacteria that inhabit the epidermis and select appropriate antibiotics for treatment. Be sure to conduct hormonal studies, for which blood tests are taken for the so-called reproductive status. An ultrasound of the thyroid and/or pelvic organs may be required. In severe forms of acne, an immunogram, and sometimes a skin biopsy, is not excluded.

How it is treated

In the treatment of acne, it is important to eliminate the disease that provokes and constantly exacerbates inflammation. To do this, the doctor may prescribe drug therapy (includes taking retinoids, hormonal drugs, antibiotics) or dispense with topical drugs (for mild rashes). In the clinic, the most popular and effective method of acne treatment is light treatment – ​​phototherapy. Depending on the severity of the problem, 5 to 10 sessions may be needed (once every 7-10 days).

The procedure can be prescribed both at the beginning of acne treatment and in its final phase. Laser procedures are useful: a fractional laser increases the local immunity of the skin, reduces the production of sebum and tightens pores. For a pronounced effect, at least three procedures are required. With its help, you can remove the scars that remain at the site of inflammation (the so-called post-acne). In the USA, I use radio wave lifting (Thermage) to solve the problem of acne. As a result of this procedure, part of the sebaceous glands is destroyed and the production of sebum decreases.

Expert:

Specialist in anti-age medicine, nutritionist, CEO of the Premium Aesthetics clinic.

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Photo: Getty Images, archives of press services

Evgenia Karpovskaya

Pimples on the chest: causes, prevention, treatment

We asked the doctor why inflammation occurs on the chest and how to get rid of them

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NADEZHDA RUBANETS

Cosmetologist-esthetician

Acne on the chest and back is a problem that occurs quite often in people. We are used to the fact that the face area is mostly prone to rashes, but few people know that acne also occurs on other areas of the skin: neck, back, décolleté. In such cases, tops and dresses with a deep neckline or open back cause anxiety and anxiety due to the appearance of unattractive rashes. What is the reason for such aesthetic problems and what are the ways to get rid of them – we talked with cosmetologist-esthetician Nadezhda Rubanets.

Pimples on the chest: causes

If you notice that pimples have appeared on your chest, you should find out the cause of such a defect. There may be several of them:

1. Dysbacteriosis

Intestinal disorders can lead to such a problem as acne on the chest in men and women. In general, a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy body, and often the cause of many diseases is a malfunction in the digestive tract. It is a healthy intestinal microflora that provides up to 70% of human immunity. According to studies, more than 50% of people suffering from acne got these inflammations due to diseases such as gastritis, ulcers and dysbacteriosis, or some pathological problems with the intestines.

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2. Active production of sebum

Purulent acne on the chest? Now we will tell you what could be the reason. Increased secretion of sebum leads to a decrease in bactericidal properties, changes its consistency. The secretions become denser and block the ducts. It is this reason that often becomes the main one in adolescents during the period of “puberty”, and in women in the last week of the cycle.

3. Genetic disorder

Why are there pimples on the chest, if both the production of sebum and the gastrointestinal tract are all right? Another reason is the predisposition to these kinds of problems. Perhaps you have genetic disorders, often hereditary, that lead to the appearance of acne.

4. Changing the diet

The human body can react to even the slightest change in diet as a stressful situation. Thus, immunity is weakened and, as a result, red pimples appear on the chest. A change in diet has a bad effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which, as we said, can cause acne.

5. External factors

External factors that affect the appearance of acne on the chest include excess ultraviolet radiation, climatic features of the area, toxic substances in the environment, certain medications, friction of the skin on clothing. In addition, low-quality material from everyday wardrobe can be added here, which does not allow the skin to breathe and stimulates the appearance of rashes.

6. Improper maintenance

Even the most perfect skin needs to be properly cared for. Acne on the face and chest can be provoked by comedogenic cosmetics, as well as the abuse of various hygiene procedures, the composition of shampoos, gels and other care products that are not suitable for you. In no case do not resort to squeezing pimples, otherwise you will not only not get rid of acne, but also spoil the skin.

Pimples on the chest: what to do

Redness, itching, aesthetic unattractiveness… how to get rid of pimples on the chest?

• Firstly, when faced with such an aesthetic problem as acne on the chest in women, choose the right care products in tandem with a beautician. Even if it seems to you that the skin is very unpretentious and you have never had acne, it is still worth visiting a specialist at least once and learning a little more about your skin, then this will be the highest quality prevention of the possible occurrence of inflammation. Carefully study the labels of products, since we absolutely do not need silicones. If you have allergic reactions to any components, then, accordingly, put the products with them away. The slightest discomfort from a new shampoo or washing gel indicates that it does not suit you, disassemble its composition.
• Secondly, pimples between the breasts may be the result of a changed climate. High temperature and humidity exacerbate the situation with acne in the décolleté area. Keep this in mind when going on vacation to warm lands. Do not get carried away with tanning, as an excess of sunlight can dry out the upper stratum corneum, reduce skin immunity and increase sebum secretion. Don’t forget to use products with SPF protection.
• Thirdly, cleanse your skin properly so that white spots do not appear on the chest. Apply fluids and once every 2 weeks light acid peels in combination with plasma therapy. In no case do not use scrub and exfoliating products.
• Fourthly, acne under the breast is directly related to what we eat, so watch your diet. Proper diet and water balance is the key to a healthy body. No matter how much you go to the beautician, if you do not deny yourself fast food every day, then you will not get rid of acne. Try to adjust the balance of fats in your diet and reduce your intake of simple sugars. Taking enterosorbents twice a day will speed up recovery if acne in the décolleté is associated with nutrition.
• Fifth, pay more attention to the materials that surround you. The influence of external factors can provoke a contact or cosmetic appearance of acne. Often, we cannot do something about the toxicity of the environment: few people have the opportunity and desire to leave the metropolis for a village, but we can organize such a space at least around us. Acne on the neck and chest will stop bothering you if you pay attention to natural fabrics that allow the skin to breathe. This rule applies to both clothes and bed linen. I advise you to reduce the amount of chemicals that we encounter in everyday life.

How to remove acne on the chest with the help of a specialist?

Consistency and patience are the main conditions for achieving results in the fight against acne. In the event that small pimples on the chest, subject to all the above measures, continue to multiply, it’s time to contact a beautician.