Body Acne
About half of people with facial acne also have body acne. It normally affects the upper torso, particularly the back, back of the neck, shoulders, and chest, but can occur anywhere on the body aside from the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Body acne develops and is treated in a similar way to facial acne, with one exception—because the skin on the body is thicker and tougher, it can usually withstand more aggressive treatment.
For widespread body acne that comes with large, painful, cystic lesions, a sufferer and his or her dermatologist sometimes consider the cost/benefit of isotretinoin, an oral medication that, while effective in clearing cystic acne, also comes with a plethora of side effects. Isotretinoin, often referred to by its brand name, Accutane, permanently alters the skin and the entire body from the inside out. It is also the #1 birth defect-causing medication on the market. For these reasons, it must be entered into cautiously, even in cases of severe body acne.
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Latest in Body Acne
Body Acne
Body Acne Is More Common Than You Think
About half of people who have facial acne also have body acne. People simply do not notice it as much because clothes hide it from...
December 15, 2021
Body Acne
Why Do People Get Acne Mostly on the Face and Upper Body?
The pores of the face and upper body produce more skin oil than the rest of the body, which is the primary reason why these areas are more acne-prone. The skin of the face and upper body also tends to contain higher levels of hormones, which can also lead to more acne.
December 09, 2020
Body Acne
Who Gets Body Acne More--Males or Females?
From the very limited data we have thus far, males may experience acne slightly more body acne than females, but females also often experience it. Treatment for body acne is similar to that for facial acne, but skin on the body can normally handle more aggressive treatment.
December 04, 2020
Body Acne
Neck Acne
The skin on the back of the neck is thicker than facial skin. Acne in this area is treated similarly to acne on the face,...
October 07, 2020
Body Acne
Scalp Acne
Greasy hair products can contribute to acne on the scalp. Avoid these products if you experience scalp acne. Treatment can include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and some people claim good results with dandruff shampoo.
July 27, 2020
Body Acne
Does Physically Irritating the Skin Cause Body Acne?
Physically irritating the body is well known to cause more acne, or even start a bout of acne on normally healthy skin. Sweating can make the problem worse. Try to avoid obvious sources of irritation when you can, but don't stress about it too much.
April 29, 2020
Body Acne
Back and Body Acne
About half of people with facial acne have body acne. It occurs most often on the back, chest, and the back of the neck. Treatment is similar to treatment for facial acne, but since the skin of the body is tougher, it can usually handle a more aggressive treatment regimen.
April 25, 2020