Breast Acne and How to Treat It

Breast acne, though a common occurrence for many women, can nonetheless be embarrassing when you’re trying to wear favourite clothes or get dressed in a public place. For some women breast acne is enough to keep them covered up at all times, even with heavy clothing in the middle of the summer. Unfortunately such drastic measure are uncomfortable, unfashionable and do nothing to help resolve the situation. Understanding what causes breast acne, how to prevent breast acne and how to treat breast acne should help cure this condition, or at least keep it to a manageable level.

Causes of Breast Acne

Acne is a dermatological condition in which oils in the skin become trapped in the pores and bacteria is then able to grow. This causes whiteheads (oil and bacteria trapped below the skin) and blackheads (when pores open and oxidation causes the oil and bacteria to turn a dark colour). Sometimes the wall of the pore will break and white blood cells will fill up the space causing a papule (inflamed pore) or pustule (inflammation at the surface of the skin). A pustule is usually what people recognise as a spot. When spots occur on the breasts they can be caused by an overproduction of oil in the skin and/or improper drainage, impaired liver or kidney functions which release toxins into the body, a hormonal imbalance which triggers oil production, improper digestion, medications which cause acne as a side effect, clothing which traps oil against the skin, hereditary factors and/or improper personal hygiene. It is generally accepted that a poor diet, specifically one filled with fried foods or chocolate, is not the cause of consistent acne.

Preventing Breast Acne

The bests ways to prevent breast acne are those which keep the skin of the chest clean and dry. Avoiding tight and synthetic materials, changing out of exercise clothing quickly, showering with antibacterial soap after a long day or taking exercise, avoiding heavy and heavily perfumed creams on the skin of the breasts and drying properly following bathing should all help prevent breast acne. Selecting bras made of cotton or another breathable material, avoiding lengthy baths with hot water and perfumed bubbles and exfoliating the skin of the chest gently but consistently should also help keep breast acne away. If you are aware of having oily skin then using sebum-soaking pads on a regular basis might be helpful as well.

Treating Breast Acne

When breast acne does occur there are many at home treatments which can help alleviate it. Tea tree oil applied overnight may help calm skin, as might over the counter acne pads. Washing with a mild acne cleanser could help, though such cleansers might also be too strong for delicate breast skin. If over the counter treatments do not work there may be prescription options which could help so don’t hesitate to speak to your GP about the condition. Whatever you do, avoid touching, picking or squeezing spots as this does little to end acne but creates many opportunities for infection and eventual scaring.

Breast acne is an embarrassing condition, but one that is both preventable and treatable. Understanding what causes breast acne, how to prevent it and the many different treatment options available should help women reduce and even end this condition.