What causes the body to have large Inflamed pores on the body? And is it serious? How can it be treated? (Photo)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. Large, inflamed pores on the body are usually caused by clogged hair follicles or oil glands, often due to excess sebum production, sweat, dead skin buildup, or bacteria. Areas like the chest, back, shoulders, and thighs are most commonly affected because they have larger, more active oil glands. When these pores become blocked and inflamed, they can appear enlarged, red, or even painful, resembling body acne or folliculitis. In most cases, it’s not serious, but if the inflammation is widespread, persistent, or painful, it can indicate chronic folliculitis or other conditions like keratosis pilaris or hidradenitis suppurativa, which may need medical attention. Treatment focuses on unclogging and calming the pores — regular gentle exfoliation (using salicylic acid or glycolic acid washes), topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and good hygiene help reduce buildup and bacteria.

Thank you for sharing your photo and concerns. It’s understandable to be worried, especially when researching online — the internet can often make benign conditions seem alarming.

From your description, large, inflamed pores on the stomach are usually not serious. Common causes include:

Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicles, often due to bacteria, friction, or irritation.

Keratosis pilaris: Small bumps caused by buildup of keratin around hair follicles; can sometimes appear inflamed.

Acne or clogged pores: Hormonal changes, sweat, or friction can contribute.

Treatment approaches:

Gentle cleansing and avoiding harsh scrubs or tight clothing that irritates the area.

Topical antibacterial or anti-inflammatory treatments if folliculitis is suspected.

Exfoliating lotions with ingredients like salicylic acid or lactic acid can help reduce clogged pores.

For persistent or unusual lesions, a dermatology evaluation may be recommended to rule out other causes.

Most cases are benign and manageable, and cancer is very unlikely from what you’ve described. Paying attention to any changes — such as rapid growth, color change, bleeding, or pain — is important, but for the majority of people, these bumps are treatable and not dangerous.