Blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples are triggered by overactive oil glands and the accumulation of bacteria that settle into the nicks and crannies of your pores. While facial acne is common, body acne is caused by similar factors that include, but are not limited to: A reaction to certain articles of clothing Perspiration And your diet Like any skin condition, body acne can actually reveal a lot about your health depending on where your acne likes to reside. From ‘bacne,’ to breakouts on your chest, shoulders, or neck, breakouts on the body are little indicators of your overall health. Here are 7 common locations of body acne and the health problems that they may relate to. 1. If you experience breakouts on the lower half of your body, typically around the buttocks area, this is most likely due to unbreathable underwear or an internal issue with your diet. Breathable underwear is made up of a fabric that allows sufficient air circulation in your lower region to avoid trapping heat and excessive moisture that fuel unwanted breakouts. If the underwear trick doesn’t work, try experimenting with your diet. 2. If you breakout around your jawline or neck, this could reflect overactive adrenal glands that relate to hormones. However, pimples and reddened skin around this area could also be an indicator of a high sugar diet. 3. Pimples that settle along your shoulders is typically a sign that you’re stressed out and in desperate need of a little getaway. 4. When acne takes over your chest, this could be a digestive issues, a poor diet, or the result of drinking too many cold beverages or spicy foods. 5. If you experience acne breakouts on your elbows, this could be an indication of keratosis pilaris, a harmless skin condition caused by the buildup of keratin. Although dry skin tends to worsen this particular condition, breakouts in this area could also be a sign of insufficient vitamin intake. 6. If you notice acne flare ups around your stomach, this could be a reflection of blood sugar levels that need attention. 7. The most common area for body prone breakouts is your back, typically referred to as ‘bacne.’ Usually caused by stress, the nervous system, and issues with your digestive system, persistent ‘bacne’ can relate to a number of health issues that can diagnosed by your dermatologist. 8. Scalp and head pimples are usually caused by accumulation of oil that clogs pores. Try to avoid wearing hats for a long period of time and make a note of changing your shampoo and conditioner. 9. Arm acne is another indication that your dead skin cells could be trapped in your pores due to excessive perspiration and oil build up. 10. Wearing loose fitting pants or shorts will help to reduce excessive moisture that usually produces leg acne. If you have sensitive skin, also consider changing your laundry detergent that could be a factor in triggering your breakouts. Treating body acne can be tricky, depending on the texture and severity of your skin, however applying salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or lactic acid products on your affected areas can help with the healing process, along with making modifications to your diet. To help reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells, try to gently exfoliate your skin with a loofah or a wet cloth to help cleanse your skin of impurities. Source
