Body acne, more specifically breast acne, is one of the most common forms of acne that occurs in women and girls. Breast acne is not a serious medical condition, but it can cause emotional issues due to its unsightly appearance. Acne, as a general condition, is characterized as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads that occur on the skin. Women with large breasts are more susceptible to breast acne than women with small breasts. It is a common misconception that body acne is associated with lack of personal hygiene, but acne be caused by other physiological and hormonal factors.
Personal Activity
Acne, as a general condition, is caused by over-productive secretions from sebaceous follicles. Sebaceous follicles are structures that contain oil-producing glands and hair follicles. Individuals who have an active lifestyle may be more susceptible to breast acne because they are more likely to experience excessive sweating, exposure to dirt and exposure to polluted air. All of these factors contribute to sebaceous-gland production, leading to acne formation.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are responsible for the oil glands maturing in the skin. There are several stressful life situations in which hormones may become imbalanced, causing excessive secretions from sebaceous glands and acne formation. Breast acne most commonly occurs during puberty, pregnancy and menstruation.
Liver Malfunction
Breast acne may also be a result of improper function of internal organs, such as the liver. Abnormal liver function may eventually lead to glandular disorders. Glandular disorders affect organs, such as the adrenal glands and thyroid gland. Disorders of these glands can result in a hormonal imbalance, which can cause breast acne.
Kidney Malfunction
The primary responsibility for the kidneys is to rid the body of toxins. If the kidneys do not function properly, toxins will accumulate in the body. When there are an overabundance of toxins in the body, the liver will take over to assist the kidneys in toxin removal. The liver will ultimately become overloaded by doing the work of two organs, and the skin will be used to eliminate toxins. The skin also eventually becomes overworked, leading to over-production of sebaceous follicle secretions and acne formation.
Digestive System Malfunction
Food digestion is critical if the body is to function properly. Digestion is responsible for breaking down food into useful components for the body to function normally. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach plays a vital role in the digestive process. A low level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach keeps food from being broken down properly and toxin levels increase. Increase in body toxin levels can lead to acne formation.
Medications
Breast acne may become evident as a side effect to many medications. Anti-seizure medications, such as Dilantin, list acne as a side effect. Steroids, such as prednisone, may lead to over-production of sebaceous follicle secretions that lead to acne formation. Medications that suppress the immune system may decrease the body’s ability to fight the bacteria that causes acne. In addition, some medications that increase function of the thyroid gland may increase function of sebaceous follicles.
