While back acne (also known as bacne) is entirely normal, it may nonetheless make you feel anxious from time to time. An annoying and often uncomfortable condition, back acne can make you avoid wearing open-back clothing and participating in activities. In this article, you will learn how to get rid of acne fast.
Why am I getting acne on my back?
Like the chest and face, your back contains a high number of sebaceous glands. These stimulate the production of sebum, a waxy material that helps to keep the skin healthy.
Sebaceous glands are found on the skin’s surface and are linked to hair follicles or pores. Blockages can form when sebum or dead skin cells clog the pores. This blockage may cause irritation and acne-causing bacteria trapped in the pore.
Discover five expert tips to get rid of back acne.
Malassezia, a kind of yeast, can also create lesions that are similar in appearance to acne. In humid, sweaty conditions, the yeast tends to overgrow. This microorganism may thrive on the back since it is frequently covered by clothing, backpacks, slings, and other items.
If the yeast infects the hair follicles, it can result in a condition known as pityrosporum folliculitis, which is a type of yeast infection. In addition, if antibacterial therapies have failed to clear up back acne, you may be suffering from pityrosporum folliculitis.
What contributes to my back acne?
Acne affects a lot of people. The following are some of the factors that can contribute to or increase the chances of developing back acne:
Puberty
Acne is common among teenagers, partly due to the rise in testosterone that happens throughout puberty. Testosterone contributes to the growth and development of the testicles and penis in males and the maintenance of bone and muscle mass in females.
According to experts, testosterone causes the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, which increases the chances of clogged pores. When a person reaches adulthood, their acne usually improves.
Family history
Acne is more likely to develop if one or both parents have or have had the issue.
If both parents have acne, an offspring is more likely to get it at a young age. Also, if your parents had acne as adults, you may be more likely to get acne as an adult as well.
Sex
Acne is more common in women than in men, presumably because of female sex hormones, which change throughout menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
PCOS, which affects women and generates elevated testosterone levels, can also cause oily skin and acne, among other symptoms.
Other factors that contribute to back acne
- Back acne can be caused by some drugs, such as steroids and hormonal birth control pills.
- Noncomedogenic cosmetics are also known to cause back acne.
- Wearing objects clothes that rub or irritate affected areas of the skin regularly, such as backpacks.
- Nutrition may also aggravate or improve acne. Some research has shown that a low glycemic index diet reduces acne. This requires consuming carbs that are “slow-burning” and do not cause blood sugar to spike.
- In addition, several research studies have linked cow’s milk to an increased risk of back acne.
OTC remedies to get rid of back acne
Back acne can be treated in a variety of ways, including the following:
Combining an acne-friendly skincare regimen with OTC treatments that target the lesions may be effective for people with mild-to-moderate back acne.
The following is a typical acne skincare routine:
Cleanser
After getting sweaty, wash the skin with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps and astringents, and don’t scrub your acne because this will worsen it.
You can use a benzoyl peroxide wash to treat acne flare-ups. This ingredient kills bacteria and aids in the reduction of lesions. Please keep the wash on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Higher concentrations can irritate, so look for a concentration of approximately 5.3 percent.
Shampoos and other hair products may also need to be addressed. If any of these are very harsh, they may irritate the skin when they flow down the back of the neck in the shower.
Nonprescription creams and gels
In addition to using a benzoyl peroxide face wash, you may use a skincare product with 0.1 percent retinoid.
Adapalene gel is another option. Doctors recommend this to be used after showering and before going to bed.
An applicator can assist in placement solutions to hard-to-reach areas of the back.
Moisturizer
An oil-free moisturizer can be used if the skin on the back feels dry or tight, especially after showering or bathing. Look for items with the term “noncomedogenic” on the label. This means they won’t clog your pores.
Sunscreen
Acne lesions might get darker and more apparent due to exposure to the sun. They may also last longer as a result of it. When the back is exposed, use a noncomedogenic sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Prescription drug-based treatment for back acne
If home care and over-the-counter therapies don’t work, and your back acne is severe, consult a dermatologist, who may suggest:
- Topical treatments with higher concentrations of retinoid or benzoyl peroxide, as well as antibiotic creams.
- When acne appears to be linked to the menstrual cycle, oral contraceptives may help to lower the amount of oil released by the skin.
- Antibiotics are taken by mouth, such as doxycycline and erythromycin, can help lower the presence of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Isotretinoin: This powerful drug combats acne’s four leading causes: excess oil, irritation, plugged pores, and germs. It is incredibly effective; around 85% of those use it report permanent acne clearing after only one course.
- Antiandrogen therapy takes testosterone-suppressing drugs such as cyproterone acetate, ethinylestradiol, or spironolactone. Females who do not respond to oral contraceptives or polycystic ovarian syndrome may be candidates for it.
Light and laser therapy to get rid of back acne
Back acne can be treated with laser or light therapy. This includes exposing the skin to a specific type of light for a set period in regular sessions.
Light treatment comes in a variety of forms:
- Whiteheads, cysts, and nodules can be treated with red, blue, or infrared light therapy.
- Whiteheads and blackheads can be treated with photopneumatic therapy.
- Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for severe acne.
A dermatologist can perform laser treatments, microneedling, and chemical peels to minimize the appearance of lesions that leave visible back acne scars.
The takeaway
Back acne sometimes referred to as backne, is caused by clogging pores by dead skin cells and oil from the sebaceous glands, resulting in inflammation. Acne on the back can be challenging to notice and reach, making treatment more inconvenient. However, there are several effective over-the-counter and prescription treatments that can help.
A person should follow a regular, gentle skincare routine to help prevent and treat back acne. It’s also a good idea not to wear sweaty clothes, change bedsheets regularly, and avoid using harsh soaps and other harsh products that contact the skin.
Furthermore, if you wear things that rub against your back frequently, such as a bag, it may worsen back acne.
If you have severe or persistent acne, see a dermatologist. Some acne-like lesions are caused by various health problems that require different therapies.