Why do I have chest acne?

Why do I have acne?

Your skin produces sebum, its natural oil. When oil and dead skin cells block a pore, blackheads, whiteheads or pimples can form. In inflammatory acne, the clogged pore's wall breaks and its contents enter the surrounding skin, triggering redness, swelling and tenderness. The chest is a common acne site, alongside the face, back and shoulders.14

Several factors can contribute to chest breakouts:

• Sweat mixing with bacteria and oils can clog pores, especially in skin already prone to acne.
• Greasy skin and hair products can plug hair follicles.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can trigger adult acne. Stress can worsen existing skin problems through hormonal changes.
• Starting testosterone treatment or stopping birth control can contribute. Corticosteroids, lithium and some seizure medicines can also cause acne. Discuss new breakouts and medication changes with your doctor.

Could the bumps be something else?

Folliculitis produces pimples that tend to itch and feel tender. Tight workout clothing and poorly maintained hot tubs are relevant exposures. Heat rash is different again: blocked sweat glands trap sweat under the skin, causing tiny, itchy bumps and sometimes a prickly sensation. These clues cannot diagnose the bumps. A dermatologist can check whether stubborn breakouts are actually acne, particularly if the rash lingers or worsens.2

What can I change now?

1. 1During exercise, blot sweat with a clean towel rather than rubbing it off. Rubbing can irritate skin and trigger breakouts.
2. 2After exercise, change out of tight workout clothes and shower. This also helps reduce the risk of folliculitis.
3. 3Wash sweaty clothes and towels before using them again, because yesterday's workout clothes are not a skincare routine.
4. 4Choose products for your chest labelled noncomedogenic, meaning they are designed not to clog pores, which is a more useful shopping filter than a bottle's enthusiasm.
5. 5Wear light, loose clothing in hot, humid weather.

For adult acne, a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid is one starting option. The strongest treatment on the shelf can be too drying for older skin. Benzoyl peroxide and other topical treatments are also options for inflammatory acne. Do not pick or squeeze blemishes: that can worsen inflammation and cause infection or scars. Clearing inflammatory acne often takes several months. Seek help if good skin care and treatments without a prescription are not improving it.13

Why do I have cystic acne on my chest?

Cysts are large, soft, fluid filled bumps beneath the skin; nodules are deep, hard bumps. Both are forms of inflammatory acne. Very large or painful lumps, draining pus, or bumps that connect beneath the skin need medical assessment. A rare severe form called acne conglobata can cause connected cysts and nodules on the chest and leave substantial scars. Do not wait for those symptoms to clear on their own.15

For women with stubborn chest acne, a dermatologist can assess whether hormonal therapy is suitable. Options include certain birth control pills and spironolactone. Improvement with the pill typically takes 2 to 3 months; spironolactone can reduce breakouts and oiliness within a few weeks. These are prescription decisions requiring a health review. Spironolactone requires birth control if you can become pregnant because it can cause serious birth defects.6