Does Stress Cause Pimples on the Arms?
Stress is one of the reasons pimples occur on the arms, typically on the upper arms, shoulders and chest. Stress also causes pimples on the back and acne on the face. Acne occurs in response to your body’s reaction to stress, called the fight-or-flight response. The response causes an increased blood supply to the brain, lungs and muscles, shunting the supply of blood and oxygen to the skin and organs. As a result, the skin and liver cannot remove toxins as effectively, causing a buildup of poisons in the body and in the skin’s pores. Perspiration is another reaction to the body’s stress response, and may cause pimples on the arms, chest, shoulders, and back. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, coupled with increased sweating, can also cause pimples on the arms. Breathable fabrics such as cotton may keep perspiration at bay, as cotton allows sweat to evaporate, reducing the chances of outbreaks of pimples and other skin conditions such as rashes and dry, rough patches on the arms. The
