One of the most unexpected breakouts happens anywhere on the body – whether it exists on your back, chest and even the neck. Presence of neck acne is sometimes painful, itchy and annoying! But why do we have them and what should we do?
What is Neck Acne
Why do I have neck acne?
How long does neck acne last?
Is it safe to pop pimples on the neck?
Managing Neck Acne
What to do when I have neck acne
How to treat neck acne
How to prevent neck acne
Fist The Gist –– Key Takeaways
What is Neck Acne
Acne is a very common skin condition, and pimples are considered a type of acne. Pimples are small, hard, swollen bumps that form on or under the skin and can be painful. Neck acne can be considered as pimples on the neck. According to certain studies, almost everyone is bound to experience having pimples at some point in their life. Adolescents that just started and those who are in puberty tend to experience them more frequently, although adults can have them too.
Why do I have neck acne?
You’re an adolescent: In a study conducted by Kurt Gebauer, almost all, limited to 90% of Australian teenagers have acne. You are prone to having pimples and acne because your production of bodily and physiologic hormones are on its peak.
You’re an adult: Acne can also happen to adults, and women may be more likely to get it during their periods, pregnancy, and also menopause. Factors like side effects and contraindications to medications, stress, diet, excess sebum production, your genes and the likes can be the contributing factor on why you have neck acne.
How long does neck acne last?
Most common, minor acne problems on the neck typically clears up in a few days with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or with safe, at-home DIY treatments.
However, if it’s severe and persists for more than a few weeks, your acne may require you to pay a visit to the dermatologist.
Is it safe to pop pimples on the neck?
No. Popping a zit is a bad choice for several reasons, especially if you are not a trained aesthetician or a skin doctor. Because you are further inflaming the region by popping the pimple, the action will eventually cause scarring. You can spread bacteria from your hands and make the pimple worse if you squeeze it.
Managing Neck Acne
In order for a zit to go away faster, one should treat, prevent and minimize the factors that lead to its production.
What to do when I have neck acne
If acnes are your problem, you may want to eliminate bad habits that may be the cause of your worsening acne. One of which are:
- Dead skin cells might be blocking your pores due to poor exfoliation
- Not washing the neck part frequently after being sweaty
- Wearing too tight clothing that irritated the neck
- Wearing too much neck accessories and being allergic to one of them
- Using comedogenic products that clogged the pores of your neck skin
- USing too much strong chemicals on your sensitive skin
How to treat neck acne
In minor cases, you may speed up the process of recovery from acne by using home treatments and avoiding things that would escalate the situation. Examples of this are:
- Avoid rubbing, picking, or scratching the pimple and the skin around it.
- Wash the area gently with soap and lukewarm water not more than thrice a day.
- Do a lukewarm compress to the inflamed region for 10-15 minutes a few times to pull trapped debris on the surface of the pore.
- Do not shave on inflamed areas.
- Using topical acne corrections spot on.
If symptoms persist even after weeks of trying to medicate the acne, especially if it is severe, having pus, and/or having hard lumps, go directly to your dermatologist and get a consultation.
How to prevent neck acne
There are occasions when letting an acne outbreak take its course is the best option. Giving your skin a chance to recover. In spite of that, you can do these things to avoid prolonging and preventing any more breakouts:
Do it yourself:
- Always wash with lukewarm water (not hot) and avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Try finding a mild cleanser that also has components that help reduce acne.
- Regular use of sun protection (at least SPF 30)) measures is recommended.
- Stay on a nutritious eating plan. Eating well is the best way to look after your body, and when your body is healthy, your skin is healthy too.
- Drink the recommended water intake for your body. Generally, drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.
- Take care of yourself. Try to sleep for at least eight hours every night, and do everything you can to keep stress under control.
- Reducing stress through mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and gradual muscle relaxation.
Do it on your environment:
- Use a mild pH in laundry soaps and detergents.
- Changing into clean clothing after being dirty or any kind of physical activity that results to sweating
- Use hypoallergenic neck accessories
- Clean and change your pillowcases and beddings regularly.
Fist The Gist –– Key Takeaways
Acne is a common dermatologic condition wherein small, red bumps appear in an area of your skin that is inflamed. Most minor acne on the neck usually goes away in a few days with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or safe, do-it-yourself (DIY) treatments. But if your acne is severe and lasts for more than a few weeks, you might need to see a dermatologist.