Common Acne Locations: Where On The Body Can Acne Occur?
Acne is one of the most common and complex chronic skin conditions that our patients face. Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper cysts or nodules.
While acne tends to affect teenagers and younger adults more commonly, individuals of all ages, races, and ethnicities are susceptible. There are many sub-types of acne, which may respond better to certain treatment options. There are also many different triggers for acne breakouts, which include anything from stress to hormonal changes, products, weather and even sometimes diet.
One of the most frustrating aspects of acne is that it is not confined to certain areas of the body and different areas respond differently to medications. Acne can form on any part of the skin where pores (hair follicles) are present. While that means acne can occur virtually anywhere, most skin professionals tend to categorize acne as facial acne or body acne, as follows:
Facial Acne
Facial acne can occur in various areas on the face including:
- Along the hairline
- Temples
- Eyebrows
- Cheeks
- Nose
- Lips (around the mouth)
- Chin
- Jaw
- Forehead
Body Acne
Body acne includes acne that can occur in these areas:
- Scalp
- Arms
- Back
- Chest
- Neck
- Torso
- Buttocks
- Groin
- Legs/Thighs
Body acne sometimes needs to be treated differently than facial acne. While all acne stems from clogged pores, body acne often has a bacterial component more often than face. This is because heat and sweat are more easily trapped under clothing. It is important to understand what factors are causing the development of your acne in order to find potential causes and the best treatment options.
A visit to a board certified dermatologist is useful if you are experiencing acne, particularly if you have persistent acne that is resistant to over the counter treatments. Depending on severity, effective acne treatment options may include prescription medication (such as topical creams or Accutane), light therapy treatments, or laser treatments such as VBeam.
Dr. Gordon is Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the American Academy of Dermatology, the Dermatology Foundation, the Texas Medical Association and the Travis County Medical Society. Currently, Dr. Gordon oversees our South Austin location.