You no longer need to worry about nasty breakouts on your back that won’t go away. Everything you need to get rid of back acne is right here.
Back acne, or bacne, is more common than you think. It can happen to anyone of any age or gender. Back acne gets neglected or not prioritised like facial acne because it’s easier to hide. But in a lot of cases, back acne can be as frustrating as facial acne, and it tends to be more severe. This article will help you to understand the causes of back acne and how to get rid of it.
What causes back acne?
The back produces a higher amount of sweat. It is covered in pores that each contain hair follicles and sebaceous glands that produce oil. Pimples form on your back in a similar way to the pimples on your face. An excess production of oil, sweat, and grime clogs pores and is a cause for concern as inflammations, blackheads, whiteheads, and, in some cases, cysts start to form.
Hot and humid weather increases the probability of severe bacne flare-ups. In some states, humidity can reach up to 80%, and the UV index goes through the roof.
Why is back acne as common as face acne?
The skin on every part of our body contains pores. Then why is the back more likely to form acne than other areas?
Bacne is more likely because your back has thicker skin and has a higher oil production from the sebaceous glands. Sweat is trapped against the skin on your back for longer periods because of clothing. It’s also hard to reach your back for good and thorough cleaning during your shower, and backpacks, chairs, and clothing rubbing against your back largely worsens the situation.
Common types of back acne
The acne that develops on your back is the same as the acne on your face. Here are some common ways that back acne appears.
Papules and pustules are small to medium-sized red bumps, sometimes with white centers. Blackheads and whiteheads are caused by clogged pores that appear as tiny dark spots or white bumps on your skin. Nodules and cysts – These are much larger, deeper, and more painful bumps beneath the skin. These are more likely to cause scarring.
How to treat back acne at home
When you have back acne, there are some remedies that you can follow at home to prevent the condition from worsening or to help reduce the severity. These may work for mild to moderate back acne, but to manage the condition properly and effectively, we recommend consulting with a specialised acne clinic .
1. Have a strict cleaning routine
Shower whenever possible after sweating, especially after a workout. Remember, hot water can also irritate the skin, so use lukewarm water instead of cold. Body washes that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also help, and using a long-handled brush or loofah can provide better reach.
2. Use topical treatments
There are several over-the-counter products available in Australian pharmacies that can help to prevent mild cases from getting worse, but for proper prevention and cure, a doctor should evaluate the condition and identify the underlying cause. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tea tree oil and glycolic acid are all commonly used to treat acne and inflammation
3. Changes in your habits and lifestyle
Changing some aspects of your daily habits and routines can help to reduce and prevent back acne, like wearing loose-fitting, breathable fabrics (cotton is considered ideal for Australia’s climate), changing your clothes after sweating, and washing and changing your bed sheets and workout clothes regularly.
If you have back acne already, avoid backpacks or bags that rub against problem areas as this can make it worse. Your hair products are another cause, as they can drip onto your back and clog pores causing a breakout.
When do you need professional help with back acne?
Home treatments and natural medicine can be effective for mild cases. But when you have persistent or severe back acne, this requires professional intervention.
There was a special case (PDF) of a skin condition occurring during the pandemic. Heat and sweat combined with the mandatory wearing of masks caused a rash in a young female patient. The patient proceeded to treat herself with over-the-counter remedies, which turned out badly as she accidentally administered a cream containing steroids. The skin condition she has reacts negatively with steroids, and the condition accelerates.
It’s okay to try and take temporary measures against acne at home, but visit a specialist to determine the real cause of your back acne because everyone is not the same.
You might have severe, large, painful cysts or nodules, while others might have just a few blackheads. If any treatment you try doesn’t show any improvement after applying it (do not try for more than 8-12 weeks) and your skin is developing scars or dark spots, it’s time to head in.
Cases of acne can cause you significant emotional distress. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Only a qualified dermatologist can determine the proper cause and offer you medications that are not available over the counter. They examine you to determine if it is triggered by underlying conditions like hormonal imbalances or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are quite common in Australia.
If the cause of your back acne is internal, you will not see any improvement when you use at-home treatments or over-the-counter medicine.
Here is a list of advanced medication and treatment for back acne that you can get specifically through a acne doctor.
- Prescription-strength topicals- Doctors can provide higher-strength formulations of benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or antibiotics
- Oral medications – A doctor can prescribe the proper antibiotics to fight bacteria, provide hormonal treatments, or to determine if you need isotretinoin in more severe cases
What are the ways you can prevent back acne
Back acne can be prevented and controlled with strict cleansing routines and commitment. If you have the discipline to be consistent with changing out of sweaty clothes, to avoid picking or squeezing the acne, to examine your diet for possible triggers, and to exercise or meditate to reduce stress, you can largely control outbreaks and prolonged effects.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for persistent or severe breakouts.
Dermatologists at Acne Express are here to offer specialist treatments that can clear your skin more effectively and prevent scarring. Book a consultation with us today. A GP referral is not necessary, and you can consult online from the comfort of your own home. Everyone’s skin is different, but we have the right solution just for you. Be patient; help is available whenever you need it.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional before starting a new skincare routine, especially if you have severe or persistent acne. Individual skin types and conditions vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Follow product instructions carefully and perform a patch test before applying new products to your skin.
FAQs
Who can get back acne?
Anyone, regardless of age or gender is prone to developing back acne.
Why do we get back acne?
A combination of different reasons can cause back acne. The most common being sweat, clogged pores and excess oil production from sebaceous glands.
Can back acne be prevented?
Yes, with proper care and commitment to skin care routines. If the cause is hormonal, early detection of imbalances and acne causing conditions can help.
How long does back acne last?
You can start to see improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment. A full recovery can take up to 3 to 6 months.
