$Unique_ID{BRK01240}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Can Acne Occur on the Chest?}
$Subject{skin acne chest}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Acne Occur on the Chest?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My 15 year old son has a whole lot of pimples popping out on his
chest.  If I didn't know better, I would think it could be acne, but believe
they only crop out on the face.  What could this rash be?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Acne can cause pimples on the chest and back as well as the face.
Teenaged boys suffer especially from acne "pimples" in that location.  But
there are other skin conditions or infections--and some medications--that can
cause skin outbreaks on the chest.
     The best way to find out what you your son has is to see your doctor.
All skin eruptions are best diagnosed when examined directly.  Acne pimples
are primarily blackheads (or comedones in medical terminology).  If this
outbreak is composed of small whiteheads (pustules) or reddened bumps
(papules), the condition may be a folliculitis, or an infection of the hair
follicles, or perhaps it is just a case of prickly heat.  However, neither of
these usually occur on the chest.
     The problem may be a skin infection, and your doctor may check for this
by seeing if there are bacteria in the pustules.  It sounds like this problem
is causing both you and your son a bit of anxiety, which can only be relieved
with the personal diagnosis your physician can supply.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
