Causes of Genital Acne and Some Treatment Options

What we refer to as genital acne is actually a condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa. This condition resembles acne which is the reason why these two conditions are commonly confused. While acne in general involves the sebaceous glands, Hidradenitis Suppurativa involves the apocrine glands. These glands are found in the groin area and under the arms and the nipples. The mechanisms of sebaceous and apocrine glands are the same, they are both susceptible to clogging and therefore, to acne.

Sweating is the main factor that triggers genital acne. But it can also be caused by apocrine glands that sometimes fail to fully develop. When oil and other materials get stuck inside these glands, they end up aggregating in the surrounding tissues resulting in infection and inflammation and causing lesions to appear on the skin's surface. Apart from sweating, there are other factors that cause acne in the genitals. Tight clothing that rubs against the skin and harsh laundry detergents can both trigger this skin condition. Sometimes, even the bath soap that we use can cause skin irritation leading to dermatologic problems.

Acne in the genitals also emerges when naturally occurring bacteria multiply at an abnormal rate and clog the pores. Another common cause of this condition is severe irritation caused by dead skin cells coming off too quickly, or by the release of toxic, inflammatory materials through the skin. In treating this condition one would want to maintain the affected area bacteria-free. Cleansing with an antiseptic, hydrogen or benzoyl peroxide is recommended. If the breakouts secrete a discharge or are painful, there might already be an infection that would require antibiotics. Some extreme cases require minor surgery to drain the unwanted materials in the lesions.

When confronted with genital acne, it is advisable to identify the irritants which may be causing the breakouts. Sports equipment or clothing that is repeatedly rubbing the affected area can cause this condition. A change in the brand of laundry detergent or other cleansing products might arrest the problem. If the acne persists even after using more comfortable clothes and changing detergent and body soap brands, it may be time to consult your dermatologist. The lesions may well be a symptom of something more serious. It is especially important to get an accurate diagnosis to rule out all sexually transmitted diseases.