Why is My Whole Body Breaking Out in Acne?

1. Why is My Whole Body Breaking Out in Acne? Acne is one of the overriding, chronic skin ailments across the globe that nearly anyone can be a victim of in the course of their lives. It can break on the skin in many forms from mild to severe. It can be non-inflammatory like whiteheads and blackheads or inflammatory like papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules. As per Dr. Niti Gaur, Best Acne Doctor in Gurgaon  at Citrine Clinic, ‘All kinds of acne flare-ups involve the clogging of the skin pores which are the openings of the pilosebaceous units, which are present all over our bodies including our faces’. The blockage happens because of the accumulation of skin cell debris, extra sebum (natural skin oil), dirt, and sometimes acne- causing bacteria.   Are you facing acne breakouts all over your body but aren’t sure why? Read out this post on the causes of body acne and what to do about them.   The reasons behind facial and whole-body acne breakouts   In general, acne breakouts can occur on the body due to one’s skin and skincare regime; health or other medical causes; and lifestyle.   • Cosmetics; skincare/haircare products (acne cosmetica)- Daily or regular use of comedogenic products or products that cause pores to clog for over months can cause acne breakouts. • Sunscreen- Wearing sunscreen daily for sun protection is necessary but if the sunscreen applied is not suitable for one’s skin type, acne breakouts may occur. To make sure sunscreen is safe for acne-prone skin, consider choosing sunscreen containing zinc, white tea, or lactic acid; is lightweight; is non-oily/greasy; and is fragrance-free. • Facial hair growth or removal- Beard hair can have acne breakouts as hair traps dead cells, oils, and bacteria close to the skin and makes it difficult to cleanse the skin underneath. Furthermore, hair removal by shaving, use of depilatory creams, or threading can also cause bumpy breakouts or folliculitis.

2. • Prolonged contact of skin with other things and resulting Friction (Acne mechanica)- Acne breakouts can occur when anything comes in contact with the skin and cause sweat and heat to trap against the skin and rub against it like dirty hands and phones. Common items that can cause acne mechanica include face masks, sweatbands, bra straps, headbands, and tight-fitting garments • Picking at the skin (Excoriated acne)- Acne blemishes itch and picking at them can make the condition worse.   • Hormones- Fluctuating levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone can contribute to acne. In people assigned female at birth, high testosterone levels increase oil production and size of the pores leading to clogging of pores. • Stress- Physical or emotional stress can cause hormonal changes, and the production of more cortisol which weakens the immune system and causes inflammation all over the body's skin, thereby triggering acne breakouts. • Genetics- Some people tend to suffer from acne as it runs in their families.   • Certain medications- Especially hormone-based medications and steroids are suspected to cause acne. The medications that are known to worsen breakouts include anti-TB drugs, anti-seizure drugs, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, halogens, and high Vitamin doses.   • Underlying illnesses- Acne breakouts can also be an indication of something serious happening inside or with the body like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and hormone-related disorders. Consulting with Best Dermatologist in Gurgaon can help determine the root cause and help clearn up the skin from acne.   • Smoking- Cigarette smoking may cause skin to change and breakouts to be more common.   • Poor sleep habits- Being sleep-deprived may contribute to skin inflammation and further acne breakouts. • Poor diet plan- The chances of having acne are higher when one has more milk and other dairy products, sugars or high glycemic index foods, red meat, alcohol, egg protein, and others. • Activities that cause a lot of sweating- Heavy workouts and spending time in hot and humid environments cause sweating. Sweaty skin is more likely to trap dirt and bacteria and clog the pores, leading to breakouts.

3. • Traveling- Travelling to faraway places can be stressful, disturb sleep, involve unhealthy diet plans, and cause skin exposure to polluted and/or hot/humid environments. Acne breakouts occur because of all of such reasons.   Treatment options for body acne   Usually, acne treatment involves:   1. A topical retinoid medication for unclogging pores 2. A wash or cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria 3. Having healthy lifestyle 4. Prescription acne treatments like oral or topical antibiotics, isotretinoin, and physical treatments like laser therapy, chemical peeling, and dermabrasion.   Want the best professional care for body acne in Gurgaon?   If over-the-counter products and your healthcare provider-recommended acne treatments don’t help you achieve acne-free skin, consult the best acne doctor. Dr. Niti Gaur is the best dermatologist offering customised and affordable acne treatment in Gurgaon.   One can consult her at Citrine Clinic to achieve a healthy acne free spotless skin. She offers a blend of treatments for best outcomes. Visit today!