Why Does Acne Appear After Illness
Have you ever noticed pimples popping up on your face right after getting over a cold or flu? It happens to many people. Your body goes through changes during sickness that can trigger acne. Lets break it down in simple terms.
First, illness stresses your body. When you are sick, your immune system fights hard against viruses or bacteria. This ramps up inflammation everywhere, including your skin. Inflammation clogs pores and makes oil glands produce more sebum, the oily stuff that mixes with dead skin cells to form pimples. Skin bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, which live on everyones skin, can then thrive in those clogged spots and cause breakouts.[1][2]
Hormones play a big role too. Sickness raises stress hormones like cortisol. High cortisol boosts androgens, male-like hormones that everyone has. These androgens tell your skin to make extra oil. After the illness, as your body recovers, hormone levels shift again. This imbalance acts like a mini-puberty, leading to acne flares. For example, in recovery from conditions like eating disorders, which stress the body like a long illness, people often see severe acne as sex hormones rebalance.[1]
Medications from illness can contribute. Antibiotics taken for bacterial infections kill good bacteria along with bad ones. This disrupts your skins balance and lets acne-causing bacteria grow stronger. Overuse of antibiotics has even led to resistant bugs like MRSA, which start as pimple-like bumps but turn into painful boils.[3]
Weakened immunity is another factor. After fighting illness, your immune system is tired. It may overreact to normal skin bacteria, sparking inflammation. In rare cases, like acne fulminans, a severe acne type linked to immune issues, the body attacks its own skin harshly after triggers like infection.[2]
Everyday illnesses like colds weaken you temporarily. Fever, fatigue, and poor eating during sickness dry out skin or change oil production. Once you start feeling better and eat normally, sudden nutrient shifts can upset hormones further.
Skin care helps during recovery. Keep it gentle: wash twice a day with mild soap, avoid picking pimples, and use non-comedogenic moisturizers. If acne lasts weeks, see a doctor. They might check for ongoing hormone issues or infections.
Sources
https://www.edinstitute.org/recovery/acne-in-recovery
https://www.acne.org/what-is-acne-fulminans
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mrsa/symptoms-causes/syc-20375336
