The arms are an especially rare place to find acne. However, when acne occurs, it is also a particularly stubborn area to get rid of it. Arm acne usually appears as tiny red bumps similar to facial pimples. It is often found at the back of the arms and near the armpits. This type of acne should be treated immediately at the first sign of appearance to prevent it from getting worse.
While there are several factors that cause facial acne, arm acne is only caused by clogging of pores and skin irritation. Instead of accumulation of too much oil on the skin, the pores are clogged due to the presence of excess dead skin cells, which are not totally removed during washing or bathing and other circumstances. The build up of dead skin cells with dirt and sweat creates the perfect place for the bacteria to grow.
It takes quite a while to treat arm acne. However, once it disappears, it is much easier to prevent them from coming back. Below are the tips on how to get rid of arm acne and ways to keep them from returning:
1. Wear loose clothing instead of tight fitting clothes.
People who used to wear tight-fitted clothing are prone to arm acne, as well as acne on the chest and back, since it prevents natural shedding of the skin and evaporation of sweat. When dead skin cells are not removed it could clog up pores and lead to acne formation.
2. Choose clothes made of light and natural materials like cotton.
Clothes that are made of natural materials are less likely to cause skin irritation that could lead to acne. Also, light and breathable clothes are perfect outfit to wear on summer or on hot weather since it facilitates easy evaporation of sweat. When a person sweats excessively, the tendency is it could accumulate on the skin with dirt and dead skin cells.
3. Keep the skin clean at all times.
Regular bathing or washing the skin can greatly reduce the appearance of acne. Athletes or any individual who are prone to sweat a lot should wash their body right after doing any rigorous activities. Sweat should not be left for too long on the body.
4. Use of acne medications- over-the-counter or prescribed.
Doctors may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics for severe acne on the arm. However, mild to moderate arm acne may be treated with anti-acne products that contain salicylic or benzoyl peroxide. Arm acne treatments may come in forms of cream and ointment. These can be applied on the skin once or twice a day depending on the product. Directions on how to use these products should be carefully followed to avoid any complications.