Why so many people suffer from body acne?

Many people are familiar with tackling facial acne in general. Whether applying pH balance toners , facial mapping , or even learning the art of careful acne popping , making a battle plan can greatly reduce the stress of a breakout. What is less discussed, however, is body acne. This can set up store almost anywhere on the back, chest, buttocks, and wherever the skin is located.

If you have seen an increase in body breakouts in the last year, there is no need to worry. It's perfectly normal, and if it's any consolation, you're certainly not alone. "With the pandemic and the various economic and social problems we are experiencing, this is a stressful time. It comes in many forms and acne on the body is huge," says Dr. Ife Rodney, a board-certified dermatologist in Maryland. Eternal Dermatology .

So how do you treat it, especially if it occurs in hard-to-reach places? We used a specialist dermatologist to get some insight.

What is body acne?

When it comes to back and chest acne (also called folliculitis), most people develop either large pustules (acne) or cysts, says Renee Rouleau, a celebrity esthetician and skin care expert. "Pustules are no different than everyday acne, but cysts are deeper in the skin, don't come to a head, and can be painful. It is important not to pick at cystic scars because the body usually reabsorbs the infection from within.

Body breakouts often occur in the same areas, such as the middle of the chest, buttocks, and upper back. "These areas have a lot of sebaceous glands, so you're more likely to see acne there," Dr. Rodney explains. Different variations of body acne may also occur, such as prurigo fungoides, a yeast infection that usually occurs after excessive sweating.

What causes body acne - and why is there so much of it now?

Let's not let the most obvious one get in the way: stress. Needless to say, all of us face an unprecedented amount of stress these days, so it's no surprise that it takes a toll on our skin. "When we're stressed, we produce more androgens, which increases inflammation and oily skin," says Dr. Rodney. "Excess oil clogs our pores and creates acne. Therefore, stress itself does not cause acne, but it does make a bad situation worse.

However, other factors may also be involved, especially if the acne on your body persists. Where Is It Acne Mapping "Body acne often suggests a significant hormonal component," says Dr. Rodney. "Hormonal acne tends to appear on the chest and back, much like where your hair grows."

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On the other hand, acne mechanica (friction acne) usually appears on the shoulders, neck and buttocks. Sarah Perkins, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, explains, "As you spend more time in a sitting chair, friction and blockages may increase in certain areas." Himes & a member of her Medical Advisory Board.

In addition to a physically inactive lifestyle, being too active can trigger the same thing. "Many people now continue to exercise as they try to get their bodies back to normal after quarantine," she states. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "This is a major cause of body acne, especially if you don't shower right after a sweaty session."

How do you treat body acne?

As with all acne, you need to be strategic when tackling a body breakout. "Remember, it takes time to clear things up. Next, you'll want to address both the internal and external factors that cause body acne," says Dr. Rodney.

First things first: Start by changing your soap to an acne-fighting body wash that contains ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, says Dr. Perkins. "The benzoyl peroxide wash is my top choice for body acne, but it needs to be left in place for three to five minutes before rinsing for best results. Other options include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. These are both chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogging of pores.

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What to avoid? Oil-based shower gels or moisturizers. They may promote excessive oil production. You should also be aware of hair care products that may cause comedones. "If you're prone to acne, look for panthenol," Rouleau warns. "I found out my conditioner uses a lot of this, and the residue it left on my back was a huge trigger for me."

You may be tempted to use anti-acne facial products on your body, but be careful: "The skin on your face is usually more sensitive than that of your body, so acne-fighting products may not be as effective on your body," says Dr. Rodney. "You should probably use a product specific to your body that contains a more potent active ingredient." If you don't have one, try an OTC antibacterial or anti-yeast formula. Head and shoulders , as a body wash.

Good hygiene is also a priority. "When someone is suffering from acne on the face, I usually tell them to work very diligently on replacing the pillowcase so that oil, dirt and bacteria are not reintroduced to the skin. The same concept applies to acne on the body," says Rouleau. It's important to shower immediately after exercise (or general perspiration) and wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking fabrics.

While you're treating yourself topically, pay attention to your body as well. It could mean anything from reducing stress to making dietary changes (according to Dr. Perkins, dairy products are a big one).

If the acne on your body is cystic and hormonal (or if it simply won't go away), you may need to consult a dermatologist to create a customized treatment plan. They may recommend prescription alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) , birth control, or diuretics like spironolactone to suppress hormone levels.