If you have body acne, here’s what it means about your health

Acne on the body can be just as frustrating as acne on the face. Like facial acne, body acne is caused by a combination of internal and external factors. Armed with knowledge of the underlying problems of body acne, you can guide and personalize your treatment.

Back and shoulders. If you suffer from acne on your back and shoulders, you may be a victim of overactive sebaceous glands, says SkinAcnea. Back braces and fried foods can also be culprits, as can lack of sleep and folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles). To treat acne on this part of the body, apply apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or witch hazel to your back and shoulders as a toner after showering and soaking in a salt bath once a week. If you think folliculitis is causing your acne, try applying a warm compress to the affected area, suggests WebMD.

neck. Ladies (and gentlemen), keep your hair tied up and away from your face and neck during exercise and on days when you are prone to heat and sweat. BuzzFeed says this will reduce the amount of fat and sweat trapped behind the neck. If the problem isn’t sweat, it could be hormonal imbalances and excess sugar, says Skin Acea. For women, hormonal imbalances can be caused by pregnancy and menopause, but also by stress, weight gain, and an unbalanced diet, explains the Women In Balance Institute. In men, acne under the chin can be caused by ingrown hairs due to shaving, says Facing Acne. To prevent this irritation, always use a new razor and avoid shaving until the wounds have completely healed.

Chest. Sweating and irritation caused by non-breathable clothing are typical causes of chest acne, says SkinAcnea. You may also react to spicy foods or cold drinks. To treat this condition, shower immediately after exercising, wash clothes regularly, and replace scented body and hair products with baby shower and anti-dandruff shampoo. Avoid spicy foods and opt for room-temperature water and hot tea.

arm. Acne on the arms is usually caused by excessive oil secretion, irritating body products, and tight clothing, says Acne Skin. To treat this condition, avoid perfumes and use natural laundry detergents. You can also try applying toothpaste on the pimples, as Livestrong recommends, to dry them out and remove them.

BuzzFeed reminds us that even if you don’t feel dirty, it’s important to shower every day. Otherwise, dirt, oils, and bacteria will transfer to the sheets. This creates a suitable environment for acne-causing bacteria to build up in your pores while you sleep. It is also recommended to change the sheets once or twice a week and periodically wash jackets, coats, scarves, and other clothes that you think need cleaning from time to time.

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