Acne is one of the predominant chronic skin diseases in the world. Up to 9.4% of the global population have developed it at some point in their lives. This condition can take on many forms, from mild cases to severe inflammation and cyst formation. To a certain extent, all types of acne involve blockage or inflammation of pilosebaceous units, which are the hair follicles we have all over our bodies.

In America, over 50 million people have to deal with acne every year. Yet, only 5.1 million of them seek dermatological treatment. The frequency of acne in adults, including body acne, has seen a dramatic increase since 2013. Nearly 15% of those who have this skin condition are women.

Some studies associate the presence of body acne with specific lifestyle choices. The severity of the condition can vary depending on:

Age
Dietary habits
Stress levels
Sleeping patterns
Weight
Drug and alcohol consumption
Genetic predisposition
Menstrual cycle regularity
Most people who develop acne do so in their teenage years, but people between the ages of 21 and 25 who have oily skin also have a high chance of developing acne. Body acne is typically not a significant health threat. However, it often serves as a starting point for low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Types of Body Acne

Acne mechanica. It’s common for people to get body acne from constant contact with their sports equipment. The official name for this condition is acne mechanica. It happens when your workout gear traps sweat on your skin as you train. The friction and heat produced may cause your skin to become increasingly irritated, leading to rashes and spots.

Breakout locations for acne mechanica depend on the equipment being used. For example, an athlete who uses helmets, like a cyclist or a football player, might develop pimples on their forehead, scalp, neck, and chin. Hikers might get acne on their shoulders and backs from carrying heavy backpacks. Dancers and gymnasts can get it on their backs and chests from wearing synthetic fabrics for prolonged periods.

The main symptoms of acne mechanica vary from tiny colorless bumps on the skin to deep, painful cysts. The good news is that it often clears up after approximately six weeks of treatment.

Acne cosmetica. Some hair products might clog your pores and cause acne on your hairline and the back of your neck. Depending on the length of your hair, this problem might extend to your back, shoulders, and chest.

Dermatologists refer to this condition as acne cosmetica. Since many shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain oils and silicones, they can easily cause bumps and whiteheads. Discontinuing the use of whatever product is causing the breakouts is usually the best remedy for this type of body acne. ‌

Other causes of body acne. Poor hygiene and excessive sweating may cause your skin to act out as well. ‌While sweating can clear up your pores, the presence of dirt, oil, and dead cells blocking them may cause you to develop body acne. Cleaning your skin regularly‌ is the best way to remedy this.

Sun exposure can also be the culprit for body acne. When you get sunburnt, your skin dries out. As a result, your body overcompensates by producing more oil, which can clog your pores and cause acne on the affected areas