How to Cure Chest Acne: Causes and Treatments

How to Cure Chest Acne: Causes and Treatments

How to cure chest acne with proven skincare tips, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. Clear up breakouts and maintain smooth, healthy skin.

Causes of Chest Acne

Chest acne occurs when sweat, oil, dead skin cells, or other impurities clog the pores of the skin. Clogged pores allow bacteria to thrive, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and other acne.

Hormonal changes are a very common cause of acne on any part of the body because certain hormones affect the sebaceous glands. These hormonal changes cause the glands to produce sebum.

Because the chest is often hidden, it is prone to sweat and sebum buildup, making it an especially acne-prone area.

Hormonal causes of chest acne include:

• Testosterone, especially during puberty
• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Menopause and menopause
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Other causes of chest acne:

• Excessive sebum: Some people are born with more sebum. Others are frustrated to learn that products that dry out the skin can also increase sebum production.
• Skin care products: Emollients, moisturizers, and other heavy moisturizers can trap oil and impurities in the skin and clog pores.
• Tight fitting, non-breathable clothing: Some tight-fitting fabrics and clothing can trap moisture in the chest area. Some fabrics can also irritate and inflame the skin, increasing the risk of bacterial infection.
• Household chemicals: Harsh soaps, detergents, and cleaning products can irritate the skin and contribute to acne.
• Medications: Certain medicines, such as corticosteroids, birth control pills, and testosterone, can affect hormone levels and cause acne.
• Sugary foods: Foods and drinks that contain refined sugars can cause acne, especially on the chest.
• Dehydration: Dehydration dries out the skin and increases the production of sebum. This can increase the risk of clogged pores.

How to cure chest acne

There are several ways to get rid of chest acne. If you have a mild recurrence of symptoms, lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose, breathable clothing, may be all you need. If chest acne persists or is severe, medication may be effective. Simple daily habits to help manage or prevent chest acne include:

• Shower or towel dry the area after exercise or excessive sweating.
• Avoid using makeup or heavy moisturizers on the torso area.
• Opt for breathable, loose-fitting fabrics like cotton to reduce irritation and sweat buildup.
• Use a mild shower gel and laundry detergent.
• Don’t pop pimples or blackheads. This can make them worse.

Chest Acne Treatment

Treatment for chest acne varies from person to person, but your doctor or pharmacist may recommend one or more of the following products to start with:

• Benzoyl peroxide: works to inhibit bacterial growth (Acnecide Gel, Acnecide Wash, Epiduo Gel).
• Retinoids: Retinoids exfoliate the skin to remove dead cells. If these dead cells are not removed, pores can become clogged (Differin Gel).
• Azelaic Acid: This is especially helpful for sensitive skin. This acid kills bacteria that form on the skin and removes unwanted dead cells.
• Salicylic Acid: Like azelaic acid, salicylic acid inhibits the growth of unwanted bacteria and dead cells. It is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter treatments.
• Topical Antibiotics: Antibiotics kill bacteria on the skin and are available as gels or lotions (Duac Gel, Trecli Gel, Zineryt Lotion).

Severe or stubborn chest acne can spread deeper into the skin. This type of acne can appear as painful cysts or nodules and can leave scars. If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications don’t cure the acne, people with chest acne should see a dermatologist.

Prescription treatments for chest acne include:

1. Antibiotics and topical creams

This is often the first-line treatment for severe chest acne. Antibiotics reduce swelling and inflammation, while topical creams fight bacteria and prevent clogged pores.

Genericpharmamall offers a variety of topical antibiotics, including:

• Zinerrit Lotion (contains erythromycin)
• Treklin Gel (contains clindamycin)
• Duac Gel (contains clindamycin)

If the first antibiotic or topical cream used is ineffective, your doctor or dermatologist may try a different type of antibiotic before recommending another treatment.

2. Contraceptives

Some doctors prescribe hormonal contraceptives to women to treat acne. In severe cases, antibiotics or a medication called spironolactone may be prescribed.

Genericpharmamall offers the following birth control pills suitable for acne:

• Cocyprindiol
• Dianet tablets

However, some progesterone-only implants and pills are known to worsen acne, so be careful.

3. Isotretinoin

This highly effective medication works by reducing inflammation, bacteria, sebum production, and clogged pores. Its side effects can be very serious. Therefore, your doctor will help you determine if this medication is right for you and will monitor you closely during treatment.

4. Extraction

If an acne cyst on your chest is particularly large or painful, your dermatologist may suggest in-office removal with drainage or corticosteroid injections.

5. Low-dose prednisone

This is a powerful corticosteroid that doctors may prescribe to treat very severe acne, known as “fulminant acne.”

Summary

While it’s common to have occasional acne on the face, people with more severe acne may develop acne on their chest or back. Don’t leave chest acne untreated or wait for it to go away. Severe or persistent acne can leave scars if left untreated.

Genericpharmamall offers a range of chest acne treatments, including both over the counter and prescription medications. After a quick online consultation, our qualified pharmacists will recommend the right acne treatment for you, delivered to you the next day.