Chest acne is caused by the same factors as face acne. The sun dries the water out of your skin, dehydrating it, which makes your oil glands overgrow and overproduce. But chest acne also tends to be worse in the summer because of higher temperatures, pores clogging from sweat, friction from your clothing rubbing against the skin, and increased bacteria on your body.
Why do I have Pimples on my Chest?
Layering makeup over your chest to camouflage your breakouts, applying too thick of a moisturizer on your body, and using thick sunscreens can also exacerbate chest acne.
Keep in mind that bumps on your chest aren’t necessarily pimples: You might even mistake chest acne for folliculitis [a skin condition that can show up on the chest] that looks like acne but is caused from a bacterial infection of your follicles.
Heat rash is another skin condition that crops up in summer and can also look like acne. It looks like the entire chest is covered with really tiny red bumps.
Pimples on chest are more common than most people know, but the common treatments for face acne usually won’t work. That doesn’t mean you can’t get rid of most forms of chest acne. It just means that you have to use the right treatments—or make the right changes in personal care habits—for your particular type of chest acne.
In Summary:
- Chest acne is more common than most people realize. It can occur at almost any age, whether or not acne appears on the face.
- The most common form of chest acne is sports acne.
- Sports acne on the chest occurs when tight-fitting pads, elastic, or clothing trap sweat and oils on the skin.
- People with Japanese skin types are especially prone to acne on the chest caused by elastic.
- People with African skin types are especially prone to acne on the chest caused by trapped sweat.
- The best way to prevent sports acne on the chest is to be sure to wear looser clothing.
- The best way to treat sports acne on the chest is to be sure to shower after wearing tight clothes.
- Many men who shave get pimples on chest from the drip of shaving cream or after shave irritating the chest.
- Some men who shave their chests can develop a condition called acne keloidalis nuchae. It can be prevented by always using a sharp razor. Treatment needs to be medical.
- Many women of reproductive age get pimples around the chest just before their menstrual periods. Wearing a looser bra and careful attention to skin cleansing will help reduce breakouts.
- “Acne” on the nipple is usually a staph infection. Tea tree oil alternating with aloe will help heal it.
- The complete kit of acne care products that works well for acne on your face may not be what you need for chest acne. With chest acne, prevention is far superior to cure.
Sports pimples on the Chest
Sports acne, or acne mechanica, can appear on the chest in both women and men. In women, this form of acne most commonly appears when the brassiere is too tight. In men, this form of acne most commonly appears when chest pads are too tight.
Sports pimples on chest can occur along with contact dermatitis, usually a reaction to elastics used in straps that hold undergarments to the chest. People of African descent are most likely to get the friction-induced type of sports acne, and people who have Japanese skin types are the most likely to break out in pimples along with allergic reactions to elastic.
Prevention
The easiest way to prevent pimples on the chest is to loosen tight clothing. If that is not possible, as in the case of wearing a wet suit for diving, the next best thing is to be absolutely sure to shower as soon as possible after removing tight clothing. Dry the skin carefully, and avoid tight clothes and uniforms for at least a day.
Treatment
The best way of treating sports pimples chest is usually a matter of waiting for it to heal on its own. You may be able to accelerate healing by using benzoyl peroxide or exfoliant scrubs containing alpha- or beta-hydroxyl acids, but if you use chemical treatments on your chest, you need to avoid sun exposure to prevent formation of permanent brown spots on the skin of your chest.
Shaver’s Chest pimples
One of the most common forms of chest acne in men is fortunately also the easiest to reverse. Men who shave often pop out with pimples just below the neck. And when this happens, it is usually due to dripping of shaving cream and after-shave from the neck down to the chest, irritating the skin.
Prevention
There are several ways to prevent shaver’s chest acne. One is to rinse your chest when you rinse your neck after shaving. Another is to shave in the shower, using a shaving gel instead of shaving cream. And a third is to use the least expensive shaving cream you can find, one with no fragrances, emollients, or skin conditioners. The fewer added chemicals there are in shaving cream or shaving gel, the less likely it is to cause acne in the middle of the chest.
Shaved Chest Acne
Another, nastier form of acne sometimes occurs on the skin of the chest where it has been shaved. Hairs on the chest get crimped by dull razors and start growing back into their follicles. The immune system can attack the hair follicle and cause a condition known as acne keloidalis nuchae, in which the skin grows over the hair and the immune system tries to dissolve it by releasing histamine, the same chemical that causes hives and hay fever. A dome of pink skin grows over the trapped hair, and may take years or decades to resolve on its own.
Pimples on Chest Causes
It is important that we understand that pimples sometimes appear on our chest, back, face or somewhere else. It is a normal process. Such single pimples can appear for no specific reason. It might be a clogged duct which made acne occurs. It happens. It can be connected with hormones. In case the pimples appear on a regular basis, you definitely face a real problem. In order to find the proper treatment of your problem you should be aware of chest acne causes.
What Are the Causes of Chest Acne?
The same factors that cause acne on the face can cause acne on chest. Although acne is most common during adolescence, it can occur at any age due to hormonal changes. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oil that lubricates the skin and hair, and prevents water loss.
These glands are found all over the skin, except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and they are found in higher concentrations on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. Hormones such as androgen increase sebum production and can lead to acne and pimples on chest. Other hormones such as testosterone increase the production of keratin, a fibrous protein which can block skin pores. Here are some other potential causes of chest acne.
Hormonal Factors
Hormones can fluctuate at other times besides adolescence, including pregnancy, menopause, or during menstrual periods. Birth control pills can also increase sebum production. Low androgen levels can also worsen female chest acne. Periods of emotional stress can lead your body to secrete stress hormones such as cortisol. Chronic stress and secretion of stress hormones result in an over-productive immune system and inflammatory problems such as stress-induced acne.
Diet
Poor nutrition, poor digestion, food sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies are also linked with the development of pimples on chest. A number of dietary factors are associated with acne, including dairy and foods rich in carbohydrates.
Certain Medications
Medications thought to worsen acne include lithium carbonate, steroids such as androgens and corticosteroids, and diphenyl -hydantoin.
Yeast Overgrowth
Candida or yeast growth can also lead to acne or red bumps on the chest. Poor diet, hormone imbalance, and a compromised immune system can cause Candida. Symptoms of the condition include diarrhea, constipation, rectal itching, muscle pain, abdominal pain, headaches, mood problems, and persistent fatigue.
Cushing’s syndrome
It results from abnormally high cortisol levels. It’s also called hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome. Causes of the condition include overuse of corticosteroid medications, the effects of insulin, blood pressure regulation, and the conversion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy. Alcoholism, malnutrition, athletic training, and depression or panic disorders are also linked with Cushing’s syndrome.
Acne is among the symptoms of the condition, which also include weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, bone loss, high blood pressure, and increased thirst and urination.
Other Possible Causes of pimples on chest
Other potential causes of acne include:
- Pimples on chest can appear as a kind of allergic reaction to any perfume or cosmetic product. Rashes of various degrees of severity may be a sign of an allergic reaction (you may be allergic to any drug or to any care product, cosmetics or food you consume).
- What we wear can become a cause of acne on chest. Red pimples can appear on chest as the result violation of organism thermoregulation. It means you wear clothes that fit too tight. Your body might lack ventilation especially when your clothes are made of synthetic materials and are too tight. Such pimples because of improper thermoregulation may also appear under your breast.
- What else causes pimples on chest? Reproductive system diseases and disorders may cause pimples on chest. Some girls experience acne before the periods. Later such rashes are naturally gone by themselves. It can also be regarded as hormone fluctuations.
- Many researches consider stress as a cause of acne on the chest. In case they are caused by stress, pimples may appear simultaneously on the chest and on the back along your spine.
- Immune deficiency and nasty forms of uncompensated diabetes can also lead to acne on chest.
- Red rashes can occur as a result of cold-related diseases.
- Lack of attention to elementary personal hygiene is often a cause of acne on chest.
Female Chest Acne
Many women of reproductive age pop out with pimples on or around the breasts just before they have their periods. These pimples can be the result of a combination of friction acne—the breasts expand just before a woman’s period and the brassiere may be too tight—and acne triggered by increasing levels of progesterone in the woman’s bloodstream after ovulation and before menstruation.
The right brand of oral contraceptive may reduce premenstrual acne. This is something that has to be worked out with the doctor. It also helps to wear a different bra when breasts swell and to pay special attention to skin cleansing throughout the second half of the menstrual period.
Antibiotic creams are not necessary, but the mildest available formulas of benzoyl peroxide (less than 2.5%) may help stop pimples on chest before they start. Be sure to avoid contact of benzoyl peroxide with the areola and nipple to prevent irritation.
How to Get Rid of Chest Acne
There is need to get rid of chest acne fast but typical acne treatments need time to work. Moreover, the harsh ingredients found in common pimples treatments may cause dry patches on the skin, increasing the overall time to clear up acne breakouts. Pimples that occur on the face medications are not suitable for treating chest acne.
So you need to use some common items in your kitchen. Whether you plan to hit the beach or wear a V-neck shirt, you can show off a radiant decollete, and feel confident about going bare.
How to Get Rid of Chest Acne Fast
Step 1
Prepare a salt soak. Combine one liter of water with one cup of sea salt in a bathroom sink or large bowl.
Step 2
Dip a washcloth into the solution and apply to the chest area. Wring the washcloth out and wash your chest, shoulders, neck and upper arms. Allow to air dry, about two minutes.
Step 3
Reapply the solution. Rinse the washcloth in the solution and saturate the cloth again, without wringing the cloth too dry. Dab the saturated cloth onto the skin, using a gentle application. Allow the solution on the skin to air dry and only rinse the cloth in the solution. Repeat five times and empty out the solution.
Step 4
Make a non-oily moisturizer that inhibits pimples on chest flare-ups and soothes the skin. Wait two to three hours after using the salt solution before applying the moisturizer. Combine 2 tbsp. of buttermilk and 1 cup of sour cream into a small container and stir. Apply to your chest and remove the excess with a tissue.
Step 5
For stubborn chest acne, apply calamine lotion to the chest with a cotton ball. You can leave calamine lotion on the chest for all-day use or apply before bedtime. The calamine lotion dries up sebum as well as it does for ooze in poison ivy and other skin rashes.
Step 6
Apply calamine powder to your chest after a shower. Chest acne and other skin rashes occur more frequently during warm weather or exposure to heat and humidity. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester retain heat and agitate the skin, causing acne and other skin irritations. Wear a soft cotton shirt after application, and wear breathable fabrics in warm weather and when working or playing outdoors.
Step 7
Prepare an oral remedy to clean pimples on chest from the inside out. Heat two cups of hot water with one tbsp. of honey and two tbsp. of apple cider vinegar. You should see chest acne clearing up within 24 to 48 hours. Drink this remedy daily to prevent acne flare-ups.
Pimples on Chest Treatment
There are no special products for pimples on chest. On the other hand, many of the products that help treat acne elsewhere on the body are also helpful for acne on the chest, with minor modifications:
- You can use the same cleanser on your chest that you use on your face, although a foamier, more detergent cleanser that you would not use on your face may also be OK.
- Pimples on your chest, except on the nipple and areola of the best (which are more likely to be due to a form of folliculitis caused by a staph infection) usually can take a stronger concentration of benzoyl peroxide than you can use on your face without redness, itching, peeling, and irritation. If you have never used benzoyl peroxide before, however, always start with the lowest concentration you can find (2.5% or lower) to make sure there are no unpleasant side effects.
- Staph infections of the nipple and areola usually don’t respond to antibiotics, but can be treated with tea tree oil to kill bacteria and aloe to relieve itching and inflammation.
If you look through the pages of this site, you will see that most pages recommend Exposed Skin Care products for acne care. Chest acne is an exception. It is more important to keep your chest clean in the ways suggested here, and to use a minimum number of products in the right way. Cleanser, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and aloe are likely to be all the products you really need for chest acne.
First and foremost, don’t pick or try to scratch off your pimples. The chest and back are two areas on your body that heal more poorly and can scar easily, so hands off. If you have pimples on chest, apply a leave-on benzoyl peroxide or salicylic gel on the affected skin. Or, you can use topical oregano oil on your trouble spots, which kills the bacteria in your pimples, dries them up, and helps them heal, licensed aesthetician.
Retinols or antibacterial clindamycin gel all which can be prescribed by your dermatologist are also helpful when it comes to unclogging the pores. Just make sure to apply sunscreen on top of any retinoid if you’re wearing it during the day, since it makes your skin sensitive to the sun.
Start out using the prescription-strength potion once a week and if your skin doesn’t get red or irritated, bump it up to two times a week. Wearing a strapless dress need to conceal your pimples on chest start. Use an oil-free salicylic acid-based foundation to camouflage your trouble spots and treat them at the same time.
Natural remedies for chest acne
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a common topical antimicrobial cleanser that possesses potent antiseptic and antifungal properties. In a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990 (2), researchers found that a tea tree oil solution demonstrated similar effects to benzoyl peroxide (an acne medication). There were, however, fewer side effects with tea tree oil.
Zinc and Other Antioxidants
Zinc is an important mineral and antioxidant used in the treatment of acne. It’s involved in local hormone activation, wound healing, immune system activity, tissue regeneration, and retinol-binding protein formation. Vitamin A (3) is another antioxidant that can reduce overproduction of keratin and sebum production in its retinol form. Studies have linked vitamin A and vitamin E deficiencies with acne; the condition is also thought to improve with the treatment of vitamin E and selenium.
Brewer’s Yeast
If you want to know how to get rid of chest acne fast and easy, brewer’s yeast is an option. Brewer’s yeast is medicinal yeast commonly used as a treatment for pimples on chest in Western Europe. A strain of brewer’s yeast called Hansen CBS 5926 has been recognized as a bacterial growth inhibitor. The recommended dose of Hansen CBS 5926 strain of freeze-dried brewer’s yeast is 750 milligrams per day.
Homeopathy
There are a number of homeopathic remedies that can treat chest acne. For instance, sulfur is useful for red, inflamed, itchy, and sore acne pustules. Pulsatilla is a remedy used for acne linked with hormonal changes from menstrual periods or menopause
More references
- What causes chest acne: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/how-to/a41902/how-to-prevent-and-treat-chest-acne/
- Pimples on chest causes: http://noskinproblems.com/chest-acne-causes/
- How to get rid of chest pimples: http://www.facingacne.com/chest-acne/
- How to get rid of chest acne fast: http://www.livestrong.com/article/23262-rid-chest-acne-fast/