It's the scourge of teenagers around the world. It's responsible for millions of missed dates, embarrassing moments and an adolescent teenagers worst nightmare. Body acne is no different than facial acne. It's a genetic disease that, according to the National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, effects as much as 80 percent of the 11 to 30 year old population.
What Causes Body Acne?
There is no direct cause for acne, either of the face or the body, but doctors have fingered a few likely culprits. One such cause is strictly natural. Because there are so many changes going on in the body during teenage years, hormone levels increase. This, in turn, can cause the pores in the skin to plug with oil. This is also seen in pregnant women who go through many of the same hormonal shifts.
External Causes
There are several factors that may contribute to body acne that we can control. Taking birth control pills has an effect on the hormones in the body. Starting and stopping taking the pill is like playing with fire when it comes to hormone level. Pollution, certain types of medication and even constricting backpacks can increase the chance of getting body acne. Then there's the temptation that we all have for trying to pop the zits or scrub them until they disappear. This too can make the problem worse.
Heredity
Hate to say it, but If mom or dad had body acne, the chances are good that junior will have it also. No one really knows why this is the case but heredity plays a role in whether you'll have body acne.
Treating Body Acne
Because body acne and facial acne are no different, the way you treat it is no different as well. Some of the things you can do to combat body acne are; washing with a mild soap in the morning, at night and after periods of exertion; taking medication, both over-the-counter and doctor prescribed; not touching the affected areas. None of these may actually cure you of your body acne. But over time, it will get better.
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