How to Treat Sweat Acne on the Chest

Acne is a skin condition that affects people of all ages. According to Princeton University Health Services, acne results from clogged pores. Pores get clogged when the sebaceous gland produces excess oil that combines with dead skin cells to form a soft, white plug. Bacteria within the clogged pore multiply, and the body dispatches white blood cells to the affected area to combat the infection. This combination of oil, dead skin, bacteria and white blood cells causes the wall of the pore to protrude into a blackhead or whitehead.

Acne can form anywhere on the body, but it typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and scalp. The folks at Chestacne.org explain that chest acne is an inflammatory disease that causes acne, abrasions and lesions all over the chest. This type of acne is caused by blocked pores due to excessive production of sebum, hormone imbalances, dust, skin that's not washed, and excessive use of powders, lotions or deodorants.

Chest acne is completely treatable.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Acne treatment disinfectant
• Astringent
• Lemon juice
• Rose water
• 2 tea bags
• Basil leaves
• Cotton balls
• Acne spot-treatment cream or ointment
• Breathable clothing

Instructions

1. Wash your body with an antibacterial soap or a body wash specifically for the treatment of acne. Acne develops because of a bacterial infection in your pores, so an antibacterial soap will help to rid the pores of these bacteria. While bathing, don't scrub or exfoliate the affected area---this will only irritate your skin and make the problem worse.

2. Apply an acne treatment medication to the entire affected area. This can come in the form of a cream, liquid or pads that contain an acne treatment medication. According to Chestacne.org, a good acne treatment medication will contain an antibacterial compound such as benzoyl peroxide. An astringent will rid the body of excess oil, which can combat acne.

   Home remedies include the application of one part lemon juice and one part rose water to the affected area. Naturalhomeremedies.com also suggests boiling 2 tea bags and some basil leaves in 1 cup water; let the concoction cool, then apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball.

3. Apply an acne spot treatment to individual breakouts. These can be in the form of topical creams, lotions or ointments and usually contain an active ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide, zinc, cucumber, salicylic acid or sulfur.

4. Take an antibiotic as prescribed by a doctor. For extreme cases of chest acne, over-the-counter treatments might not be sufficient. You may need to see a doctor who can suggest a stronger topical antibiotic or prescribe an oral antibiotic regimen.

5. Prevent chest acne by keeping your pores clean so you can avoid the treatment process altogether. Chestacne.org advises washing acne-prone areas with an antibacterial soap instantly after intense perspiration. Exfoliate your body during each shower only if your body is not currently broken out. Exfoliation rids the body of dead skin cells, which clog pores and can contain bacteria. Do not apply pore-clogging products like deodorant, body powders and lotions to acne-prone areas, especially the chest. Loose-fitting clothing made of breathable material like cotton will prevent the buildup of sweat to a concentrated region of the body.

References

• Princeton University Health Associates Skin Care Guide
• Chest Acne
• Home Remedy Chest Acne Treatment