For most people who have acne, it appears primarily on the face. However, if this skin condition progresses and becomes more severe, it can pop up on other parts of the body. Although all individuals with facial acne will not experience this problem, nearly everyone with body acne has breakouts on the face as well.
Body acne most commonly occurs on the back, neck, chest, shoulders, and upper arms, although it also can develop on the buttocks and legs. It is generally caused by the same factors associated with facial acne: hyperactive sebaceous (oil) glands, accumulation of dead skin cells, and Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. These bacteria are always present on the skin, but they can become a problem when skin pores become blocked with excess oil combined with dead skin cells. Blocked pores develop into blackheads and may progress to acne pimples if bacteria infiltrate the pores.
Although facial and body acne share common causes, other factors may be involved when it appears on different areas of the body. Here are some clues into the causes of body acne (as well as acne-like conditions) on various parts of the body. Resolving any of these issues may result in a reduction or even elimination of the pimples in any given area.
In addition to the clues mentioned below, it’s also important to consider whether you may be allergic or hypersensitive to laundry detergent or softeners, dry cleaning chemicals, or personal care products (e.g., soaps, body lotion, body wash, shaving products), all of which may result in acne-like skin eruptions.
