Genital Acne: Different from Any Other Type of Acne?

Genital acne can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. Although acne mainly affects the skin on an individual’s face, neck, back, chest, or shoulders, the condition can spread to more delicate areas of the body, including the genitals as well.

Contrary to popular belief, acne that affects the genital area is no different than that which affects other areas of the body. More importantly, this acne is not a sexually transmitted disease and cannot be spread by contact any more than facial acne can be spread through contact.

Another myth associated with genital acne in general is that the condition is caused by poor hygiene practices. This is certainly not the case with acne affecting the genital area or any other area on the body. If you are battling acne, no amount of washing the area will make the problem go away. Acne must be fought at the root of the problem in the way that medicated topical lotions or ointments or oral medications can help clear up the condition.

Genital acne can be both embarrassing and painful. This is especially the case if underclothing chafes the area, creating an uncomfortable experience. Anything from allergic reactions to laundry detergent to irritations by sporting equipment can aggravate acne symptoms, but the root cause is still overproduction of oils by the sebaceous glands.

All areas of your skin possess pores that can be easily blocked and infected to form whiteheads or blackheads. This is usually caused by the sebaceous glands working overtime to produce oils. These oils become trapped in the pore, mix with debris, dead skin cells, or pollutants that are later infected with bacteria commonly found on the surface of the skin.

Upon infection, the blocked pore erupts into a pus-filled zit or blackhead that causes the surrounding skin to become red, swollen, and painful.

Genital acne is especially uncomfortable, mainly due to the necessity to wear underclothes that can potentially add to the problem. Often, athletes have problems with acne in their genital areas, especially males who need to wear protective equipment in sports like baseball or football.

If you are experiencing a breakout of acne in your genital area, consult your dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment. Generally speaking, acne near the genitals is treated in the same method as acne on any other part of the body.

Oral medications are quite popular in treating this issue, since topical treatments may be stain clothing or present other problems. In fact, if you are experiencing acne on other parts of your body, that same medication can be used to effectively treat and clear up acne found around the genital areas.

Although this problem may be embarrassing, a dermatologist will be able to answer any questions and calm any concerns you may have about the long-term problems with genital acne or spreading the acne to other individuals.

In addition to speaking with your dermatologist, you may want to consider using a gentler laundry detergent, especially for your underclothes in case the chemicals present are causing an adverse reaction. Also, consider looking into different types of sporting equipment that may cause less of a problem or avoid wearing clothing that is too snug or restrictive.

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