What causes blackheads and acne on the chest?

Generally, blackheads and acne on the chest may be caused by excessive sebum secretion, improper cleansing, or skin conditions such as acne, folliculitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. If these issues occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Excessive sebum secretion: The chest area contains abundant sebaceous glands. When excess sebum is produced and not effectively expelled, it can accumulate at the hair follicle openings, easily forming blackheads and comedones. Maintain skin cleanliness using gentle cleansers, and avoid over-cleansing, which may dry out the skin and stimulate further sebum production.

2. Improper cleansing: Inadequate daily cleansing allows dirt and oils to clog hair follicles; conversely, excessive cleansing may damage the skin barrier, both of which can lead to blackheads and comedones. Pay attention to balanced cleansing—use appropriate products, exfoliate regularly, but avoid frequent use of exfoliating agents.

3. Acne: Chest skin may develop acne due to factors such as androgen levels, increased sebum production, and abnormal keratinization of hair follicles, resulting in blackheads and comedones, often accompanied by papules and pustules. Under professional guidance, topical treatments such as tretinoin cream, adapalene gel, or benzoyl peroxide gel can be used to regulate follicular keratinization and inhibit Propionibacterium acnes.

4. Folliculitis: Bacterial infection of hair follicles on the chest can cause inflammation, leading to blocked follicles with blackhead- or comedone-like appearance, along with redness, swelling, and pain. Under medical supervision, topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or erythromycin ointment may be applied to treat infection and reduce inflammation.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis: Excessive oil secretion on the chest combined with Malassezia fungal infection can trigger seborrheic dermatitis, presenting with blackheads and comedones, oily scales, and itching. As directed by a physician, topical medications such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or ketoconazole cream may be used to suppress fungal growth and modulate skin immunity.

In daily life, maintain clean and dry skin, avoid scratching to prevent infection. Perform regular skin examinations for early detection and prompt treatment.