Although acne is most commonly found on the face, neck and chest, it may also sporadically appear on other parts of the body. Acne lesions, or pimples as they are more generally known, might also be found in the genital area. Because genital acne is caused by the same factors as acne found on other parts of the body, the methods for treating it are similar. This type of acne may be the result of overly productive sebaceous glands, which are attached to the hair follicle and produce sebum, an oily substance that will create a blemish if trapped in the follicle. Acne may also emerge if naturally occurring bacteria multiply at an abnormal rate and clog the follicle. Another common cause of acne is severe irritation caused by dead skin cells shedding too quickly, or by the release of toxic, inflammatory substances through the skin.
When confronted with acne in the genital region, it is wise to first look closely at any irritants which may be causing the flare ups. If sports equipment or clothing is repeatedly contacting the affected area, the continual rubbing may irritate the skin, causing acne. Changing laundry detergent or other cleansing products might eliminate the problem. If no such culprit can be identified, it may be necessary to visit a dermatologist to pinpoint the actual cause of the acne. If the lesions are large and painful, or if they are located on genital organs, it is especially important to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out all sexually transmitted diseases. Once a diagnosis has been made and your doctor has examined all possible causes, it may be necessary to try one or more treatments to address the problem. This trial and error period might take some time, so try to remain patient and remember that all cases of acne are curable once the root cause has been identified.
There are several commonly used treatments for mild to severe cases of acne. Your doctor may suggest an over-the-counter treatment or prescribe an oral or topical medication. If your dermatologist has recommended a treatment plan, follow his or her instructions completely. Avoid overuse of topical medications, which may dry skin and cause more significant irritation. Typical acne prescriptions may take up to six months to produce results. If ample time has passed and you are not satisfied with the results of your current treatment plan, visit your doctor to have your skin re-evaluated. He or she should be able to recommend another possible remedy for your genital acne.
Because acne found in any area of the body is not caused by poor hygiene, no amount of cleaning will cure it. To appropriately care for skin affected by acne, follow a simple regimen of daily cleansing. Dead skin cells and dirt particles should be removed to encourage healthy skin; however, gently cleansing the affected area on a regular basis is all that is necessary to achieve this goal. Always use a mild cleanser, do not scrub or roughly scour your skin, and pat dry with a soft, clean towel. It is important to resist picking or squeezing at acne as popping can spread inflammation and cause scarring, further deteriorating the well being of your skin.
