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Holiday acne

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:17 am
by LorraineC
I've just returned from my summer holiday, and as usual, I've suffered with painful acne on my chest area, between & underneath my breasts.

While I assume that it's at least in part due to wearing swimwear rather than more supportive bras, and sweating more than at home - what can I do to avoid or reduce it happening in future? And what can I do to help the healing process, as it's still really sore.

Re: Holiday acne

Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2019 4:33 pm
by Julie Van Onselen
Dear Lorraine

Thank you for your post and I am sorry to hear you are suffering from painful acne on your chest.
It is important that you go and see your GP to discuss your skin condition and get a firm diagnosis and treatment plan.

As well as acne, there is another condition called hidradenitis suppurativa, with these symptoms. If your skin condition is severe and not responding to treatment prescribed by your GP, it would be a good idea to ask to be referred to a dermatologist.

I hope this helps for now.

Re: Holiday acne

Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2019 9:36 am
by Dr Sharon Wong
As you correctly say this may well be related to other factors such sweating/tight swimwear causing an acne-like rash (or what we call folliculitis) rather than true acne. If this is persistent and sore you may benefit from a short course of antibiotics from your gp or dermatologist. Making sure you wear light loose clothing when in warmer climates and perhaps having antibiotic creams with you on holiday to treat spots early may be helpful measures.