Sweat and friction: Sweat and friction from tight clothing, especially bras, can clog pores and exacerbate acne.
Regular cleansing with non-comedogenic skin care products usually resolves clogged pores. Some people need special skin ointments that contain retinol or salicylic acid.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory skin disease that causes bumps, lumps, pimples, and abscesses under the skin. It commonly occurs under or between the breasts. It mainly occurs in areas with lots of sweat glands and where skin or fabric rubs against the skin.
If your pimple stinks, it may be an uncommon and severe form of nodulocystic acne called acne conglobata, in which large cysts form beneath the skin. The nodules usually occur in groups of two or three and connect under the skin. The interconnecting abscesses often contain foul-smelling pus and serum.
Many people living with HS believe that stress is one of the biggest triggers for an HS flare. Alcohol is known to be inflammatory and can make HS symptoms worse. Smoking is believed to be one of the most common triggers of HS. Research shows that up to 90% of people with HS are smokers.
For these reasons, pimples on the breasts can last anywhere between a few days to a few weeks or even longer in more severe cases.
Wearing clothing that is too tight or not breathable can increase a person's risk of developing pimples. Also, fabrics that irritate the skin can make acne worse. Scratched or broken skin is especially vulnerable. Always wash bras and shirts regularly to prevent acne on the breasts from becoming worse.
When bathing or showering, use ketoconazole 1% (Nizoral AD) shampoo (available over the counter) as a soap all over the affected area. Leave it on for 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse off. Use a hair dryer on a low setting two to three times per day (including lunchtime) to dry the area(s) completely.
Treatment for a yeast infection under your breasts may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment or other solution. You can buy many antifungal creams over-the-counter. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal option if necessary.
Managing Intertrigo
Regularly cleaning and drying the area underneath the breasts and applying a gentle moisture-wicking powder can help keep the skin dry and limit potential irritation. Choosing comfortable and supportive clothing made from breathable materials is also wise.
“Your apocrine glands specifically secrete an oily fluid, which oftentimes is odorless. But that characteristic odor develops because of the bacterial decomposition of that oily fluid.”
Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.
High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.
It's tempting, but popping or squeezing a pimple won't necessarily get rid of the problem. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.
If you have acne that just won't go away, you may want to take a closer look at your skin. It's possible that you don't have acne. Other skin conditions can look a lot like acne. Stubborn acne can also be a sign of something serious going on inside your body.
Patients often ask their dermatologist if they should squeeze hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) The answer is “no.” Squeezing or popping the nodules, cysts, and sores can injure or irritate your skin. Anything that injures or irritates your skin can worsen HS.
HS usually starts after puberty, usually in the teens or twenties. It is more common in: Women.
What does the HS odor smell like? The odor associated with HS can vary from person to person. The extent of infection or severity of a flareup can also affect it. Often the odor is unpleasant.