Body acne (chest and back)

What it is

Body acne is the same condition as facial acne but on the chest, back and shoulders, where there are many oil glands. It causes blackheads, red bumps and sometimes deep painful lumps.

How it works

Body acne works like face acne: oil, blocked pores and bacteria. Fungal folliculitis (Malassezia) looks similar but itches and responds to antifungals.

Why it matters on darker skin

Heat, sweat and tight synthetic clothing make body acne common in Nigeria. On darker skin it often leaves dark marks that last longer than the spots, and deep spots on the chest and shoulders are prone to keloids.

Causes and triggers

Sweat trapped by clothing, heavy body oils, friction from bags, and steroid use.

What helps — and why it works

Shower soon after sweating. A benzoyl peroxide wash, left on for a minute before rinsing, or a salicylic acid wash helps many people. Wear loose cotton, wash gym clothes after each use, and use non-comedogenic body lotion and sunscreen. Benzoyl peroxide wash: reduces bacteria. Expected timeline: 2–4 weeks. Shower soon after exercise: removes sweat. Expected timeline: immediate. Antifungal wash if itchy, uniform bumps: treats fungal folliculitis. Expected timeline: 1–2 weeks.

What to avoid and why

Avoid picking, scrubbing with loofahs, heavy oils or cocoa butter on the area, and steroid or "toning" creams. Note that benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothes.

Common mistakes

• Scrubbing hard.
• Heavy oils on the back.

Body care basics in a hot climate

Heat and humidity mean the body sweats more, which feeds the bacteria and yeasts that cause odour, rashes and some types of body acne. A daily lukewarm shower with a gentle, soap-free or mild cleanser, thorough drying of skin folds and between toes, and fresh, breathable cotton clothing prevent many problems. Moisturise straight after bathing while skin is still damp so water is sealed in; this matters even in humid months because frequent washing strips natural oils, and it matters most during harmattan. Avoid sharing towels, razors and sponges, which spread fungal and bacterial infections. When shaving, use a sharp blade, shave with the grain and do not stretch the skin; for curly hair a guarded trimmer is often better. Be cautious with body-lightening, 'carrot' or 'toning' lotions: many contain undeclared steroids or mercury. If a rash spreads, keeps coming back, or appears with fever, see a doctor rather than trying more creams.

Choosing body products

For most people an unscented, gentle cleanser and a plain moisturiser are enough. Antiperspirants containing aluminium salts are the most effective way to reduce sweating and are best applied at night to dry skin. Fragranced body sprays and deodorants are a common cause of allergy; fragrance-free options are kinder to sensitive skin. Aerosol products are easy to over-apply and some have been recalled for benzene contamination, so roll-ons and creams are a sensible default. For fungal rashes, plain antifungal creams such as clotrimazole are better than combination creams containing strong steroids, which can make infections spread. Always check for a NAFDAC number and a full ingredient list.

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Useful questions include: What do you think is causing this? Is it likely to come back, and how can I prevent it? Which products should I stop? How long before I should expect improvement, and when should I come back if it isn't better? Are there side effects to watch for? Is this treatment safe if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or for my child? Writing your questions down, bringing your products (or photos of their labels) and taking dated photos of the problem make an appointment much more useful.