Acne on the back, also known as bacne, is distinct from acne on the face. Although both are caused by clogged pores and bacteria, they are treated differently. Back acne is at best unpleasant and worst excruciating. This skin condition can cause irritation, itching, inflammation, and sometimes pain in both men and women.
Back Acne: Types, Causes, and How to Prevent It?
Back Acne or bacne develops on the back. It creates blackheads that manifest as red lumps, whiteheads, or blackheads. Acne can be ugly, painful, and bothersome.
When oil, debris, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog the skin’s pores, acne develops.
Acne on the back is commonly caused by sweat becoming trapped under a shirt or sports equipment during exercise or strenuous activities. Clothes that brush against wet skin might cause or aggravate acne.
What Causes Back Acne
- Excessive sebum production
- Sweat-induced friction between clothing and the back.
- Hormonal imbalance: adolescence, adult acne, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Certain drugs might cause acne on the back.
- Poor hygiene.
- Bacne can be caused by wearing soiled clothing, not changing your bedding and towels regularly, and not laundering your towels.
- Not using the proper skin care products, results in clogged pores and the appearance of back acne.
- Anxiety and stress. The cortisol hormone is activated, resulting in increased sebum production.
Types of Back Acne
Back acne typically occurs on the shoulders and upper back. In addition, they can appear on the back and body down to the waist. These zits can be unpleasant and frequently occur in groups.
- Black spots
- Cysts are caused by a kind of acne known as cystic acne. The cysts create lumps beneath the skin’s surface.
- Nodules are the outcome of a severe form of acne known as nodular acne. Acne nodules manifest as firm bumps beneath the skin.
- Red lumps lack a “head.”
- white spots
How to Get Rid of Back Acne?
Replace your shower accessories. Introduce a body cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide. The substance possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Consequently, this type of body cleanser combats the bacteria that cause acne on the back, thereby limiting breakouts and enhancing the skin’s condition.
Consider shampoos with zinc in their composition. When we shower, greasy hair frequently triggers the appearance of acne on the back. Therefore, back acne is typically pityrosporum folliculitis, an overgrowth of a skin-dwelling yeast. Antifungal shampoos are excellent for controlling this type of issue.
Include body-cleansing brushes in your routine. Use an acne-fighting body cleanser and a sponge or body brush with your acne-fighting body cleanser. In the shower, these completely clean the back.
Exfoliate your back frequently, but with care. The upper torso and back, like the face, have more sebaceous (oil-producing) glands than any other part of the body. This means that they create more of the skin’s natural oil, which increases the probability of developing body acne in these locations. This is why it is essential to exfoliate the back once or twice a week. This will facilitate the removal of dead skin cells, blackheads, and germs, thereby boosting cell renewal.