Acne is often thought of as a facial skin problem, but it can affect any part of the body but the hands and the feet, which lack sebaceous glands, according to Acne.org. When your chest is affected by pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and other blemishes, it can be an embarrassing condition. Through proper skin care practices, education and prevention methods, you can clear the skin on your chest so you feel confident in swimsuits and low-cut shirts.
Significance
Much like acne on the face, blemishes on the chest can be embarrassing. The difference may be that it's easier to cover acne on your chest than it is on your face. Unfortunately, just covering the blemishes on your chest won't help heal them. In fact, tight-fitting shirts, synthetic materials and sweat can exacerbate the problem. Real solutions include cleansing, ointments and prevention methods.
Causes
Chest acne can be caused by a variety of conditions. Acne is ultimately a genetic condition, says MayoClinic.com. If one of your parents suffered from acne and blemishes, especially on the chest, you're likely to as well. Other causes include over-productive sebaceous glands that make too much oil, poor hygiene practices, a buildup of dead skin and even irritation from clothing and skin-care products.
Symptoms
When you have blemishes on your chest, they can manifest in a variety of ways. Red pustules are common and are usually referred to as pimples and can spread around the chest. White-topped blemishes are whiteheads, and little black spots are clogged pores known as blackheads. You might notice white, black or red spots, along with irritation and often a discharge when some blemishes erupt, says Medline Plus.
Prevention
One of the best ways to treat chest acne is to prevent it before it manifests. You can prevent chest acne by making sure to bathe and wash your chest on a daily basis. Choose a body wash containing at least 2 percent salicylic acid, suggests Marie Claire magazine. Salicylic acid can help dissolve the dead skin and excess oil clogging pores on your chest. Choose natural fabrics like cotton, and avoid tight shirts, body sprays and lotions that irritate your skin.
Treatment
When prevention methods don't work and you still see chest blemishes, apply a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment to dry out the blemishes and get rid of them. Never pick or pop the blemishes with your fingers, which can spread bacteria, make your blemishes worse and cause infection. If home treatment doesn't help, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, who can prescribe ointments and oral medications to help get rid of chest blemishes altogether.
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