Acne occurs when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate inside hair follicles, leading to infection and inflammation. Whiteheads, cysts, and various forms of acne frequently affect the shoulders.
In addition to the shoulders, acne can manifest on the face, chest, back, and other body parts. It is the most prevalent skin condition in the United States. Pores are small openings in the skin, each containing a single hair within a hair follicle. These follicles are connected to oil-producing glands known as sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands secrete an oil called sebum, which transports dead skin cells to the skin’s surface. Occasionally, sebum and skin cells create a plug within the hair follicle, trapping dirt and bacteria inside the skin, resulting in an infection. This infection causes inflammation, appearing as a pimple. There are two types of acne that can develop on the shoulders: acne vulgaris and acne mechanica.
Acne Vulgaris: Acne vulgaris typically arises when oil and dead skin cells accumulate and block a pore or hair follicle. The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms. Changes in the levels of certain hormones can also provoke breakouts. Below are some hormones that may influence acne vulgaris:
