TIPS AND TREATMENT FOR BODY ACNE

Body acne can be an embarrassing and frustrating condition, affecting not just your face but also your chest, back, shoulders, and other body areas. Fortunately, you can make many effective treatments and lifestyle changes to manage body acne and improve the health of your skin.

The two main causes of body acne:

• Acne vulgaris (Bacteria): Often begins in adolescence and can persist into early adulthood. Bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) contribute to the development of this type of acne. Symptoms include blackheads, pimples, and cysts, which can result in scarring. Cystic acne can cause significant scarring that can be difficult to treat.
• Pityrosporum folliculitis (Malassezia yeast): It can cause body acne alone or be present together with acne vulgaris.

Two other causes of body acne:

• Sweat and friction: The combination of sweat and friction causes pustules on the buttocks.
• Keratosis Pilaris: Pimple-like pustules on the arm and thigh skin.
• Staphylococcus aureus: Infectious folliculitis that should be evaluated and treated by a doctor, as it usually requires oral antibiotics only available on a medical practitioner's prescription.

Body acne is caused by the same factors that contribute to facial acne, namely, excess oil production, clogged pores, and the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Sweat and friction can also exacerbate body acne, especially if you wear tight clothing or engage in activities that cause you to sweat heavily. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, and hormonal changes, can also play a role in the development of body acne.

Pityrosporum folliculitis (Malassezia yeast) is one of the main causes of body acne.

• This type of acne can start in the early teens and last well into adulthood. It can even persist into the middle age years.
• It is caused by a yeast called Pityrosporum. Another name for this yeast is Malassezia. Some people call this 'fungal' acne even though the germ is technically yeast.
• The C. acnes bacteria seem to work together with the yeast to cause this type of acne.
• This type of acne causes bright red pustules that both itch and hurt. They heal by leaving brown or white skin discoloration that persists long after the pimples disappear.
• Pustules often extend down the back to the waist. The scalp and neck can be involved too.
• Many clogged pores leave tiny flesh-colored bumps on the skin that heal with white scars.

• Reduce C. acnes bacteria and prevent its overgrowth.
• Reduce Pityrosporum (Malassezia) yeast germ and prevent its overgrowth.
• Reduce inflammation by fighting the inflammatory response.
• Unclog and prevent clogged pores.
• Exfoliate dead skin cells.

The best-medicated ingredients to achieve these treatment objectives: 

• Zinc Pyrithione: 2%
• Salicylic acid: > 3%
• Glycolic acid: 10%

Keratolytics are ingredients that dissolve the connections between dead cells so that they can desquamate (fall off). This treats blackheads and clogged pores by allowing the plugs of dead cells and debris to dissolve.

The best keratolytics to treat clogged pores and blackheads from body acne:

• Zinc Pyrithione: 2%
• Salicylic acid: > 3%
• Glycolic acid: 10%

• Using exfoliating shower cloths, sponges, and scrubs helps these germ-fighting ingredients and keratolytics penetrate the skin better and heal acne faster. 
• The best way to deliver acne-fighting ingredients to the large expanse of skin involved with body acne is by using medicated cleansers that leave a residue of active ingredients on the skin after you rinse them off in the shower.
• You need strong products to penetrate the thick and tough skin on the chest and back.

While there is no surefire way to prevent body acne, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of developing it.

Shower immediately after sweating, wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics and avoid using oily or greasy products on your skin. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and reduce stress.

Finally, if you develop body acne, start with treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening.