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Breakouts on your face are frustrating enough, but when pimples start popping up on your neck, figuring out what\u2019s behind them can be even more tricky. The skin on the neck naturally has fewer oil glands than the skin on the face, but \u201cpimples can (and do) happen on the neck,\u201d says Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. However, the culprit isn\u2019t always acne.<\/p>\n
What looks like a simple pimple may actually be folliculitis or other skin conditions. To make things even more confusing, the causes tend to differ between men and women. \u201cThe skin on the neck can be more sensitive and is frequently exposed to friction, sweat, hair products, fragrances and shaving. These factors can contribute to clogged pores and inflammation,\u201d says Miami dermatologist\u00a0Anna Chacon, MD. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
But that\u2019s just the beginning. We asked experts to clear up what causes breakouts on the neck and how to treat them.<\/p>\n
In men, neck breakouts may be associated with ingrown hairs, friction from collars, sweat and occlusive hair or grooming products, says Dr. Chacon. Southlake, TX dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD, notes that shaving can also cause perifollicular pustules (pus-filled bumps around the hair follicles) and breakouts. Dr. Schlessinger says \u201cfolliculitis, where hair follicles become damaged and inflamed, making them susceptible to bacterial infections,\u201d is the most common cause of neck acne among men.<\/p>\n
\u201cFolliculitis often resembles small, red, pimple-like bumps that may or may not be pus-filled,\u201d explains Dr. Schlessinger. \u201cNot washing your neck thoroughly enough, especially after sweating, excessive friction from tight clothing, sitting in certain hot tubs, and shaving irritations can contribute to folliculitis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Start with the simplest steps. \u201cI generally recommend minimizing friction and heavy products, using gentle cleansers and avoiding aggressive shaving techniques,\u201d says Dr. Chacon. <\/p>\n
If that doesn\u2019t work, see a board-certified dermatologist for a diagnosis. \u201cThe key is to determine whether the bumps are truly acne or another condition that can resemble acne, such as folliculitis or irritation,\u201d she explains. \u201cTreatment should be tailored to the underlying cause and the patient\u2019s skin type.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it is folliculitis, a combination of prescription and at-home products may be needed to clear it up effectively,\u201d says Dr. Schlessinger.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor my male patients having issues with neck pimples, I recommend washing with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser before shaving, then using a shaving gel and clean razor,\u201d says Dr. Hopkins. After shaving, they should apply an over-the-counter astringent or calming product with antioxidants to help reduce inflammation and breakouts.<\/p>\n
Laser hair removal is another option, since it reduces hair growth on the neck long-term \u201cso that they don\u2019t have to shave and deal with these post-shaving pimples,\u201d adds Dr. Hopkins.<\/p>\n
Dr. Schlessinger recommends CLn Body Wash ($36) for any folliculitis regimen. \u201cIt uses sodium hypochlorite, more commonly known as bleach, in a very sophisticated formulation that is gentle enough for the skin. It effectively cleanses skin and decreases the spread of bacteria without irritating or drying out skin.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re dealing with true acne rather than shaving-related issues, Dr. Chacon says topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid may be appropriate. <\/p>\n
In women, neck acne can be influenced by hair and skin-care products, sweat, friction and certain medications, says Dr. Chacon, who adds that the most common cause of acne on the neck and jawline in female patients is hormonal acne.<\/p>\n
\u201cHormonal acne typically pops up in the lower half of the face and jawline and in some cases, may extend down onto the neck,\u201d says Dr. Schlessinger. \u201cFor these patients, I check their hormone levels and address any underlying issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome,\u201d says Dr. Hopkins. If your neck breakouts are persistent, painful or not improving with over-the-counter care, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.<\/p>\n
For female patients, Dr. Hopkins says \u201ccleansers that are medicated such as CLn Facial Cleanser ($35) or even prescription or medical-grade glycolic and salicylic cleansers can help address the acne breakouts on the neck.\u201d She also recommends \u201ca combination of anti-inflammatory antioxidants in a skin-care product or a product with azelaic acid to help clear up these breakouts.\u201d Additionally, \u201cLight therapy is a good choice for treatment using red and blue LED medical-grade lights that have been shown to be anti-acne and anti-inflammatory.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTreating pimples on the neck is, for the most part, similar to treating pimples on the face or anywhere else on the body, with a big caveat. The skin on the neck is much thinner, so products that might be okay to use on your face could be too strong for the neck. Often, a gentle approach is best for thin skin on the neck,\u201d says Dr. Schlessinger. Dr. Hopkins notes that while tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin-A) and other retinoid products are often an acne solution, they may be too irritating on the neck.<\/p>\n
Dr. Schlessinger recommends afa Clarifying Gel Cleanser ($46) for anyone who experiences breakouts on the face, jawline or neck. \u201cIt contains exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxy acids to unclog pores and rid skin of excess dirt, oil and any makeup that might have been applied down onto the neck.\u201d <\/p>\n
For patients with persistent hormonal acne, Dr. Chacon notes that hormonal therapies can be considered with your dermatologist after an individualized evaluation. <\/p>\n
Whatever the cause, go slowly. Because the neck may be more prone to irritation, Dr. Chacon notes that acne treatments for both men and women should be introduced gradually and adjusted based on skin sensitivity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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