Acne-like condition is known to be a common condition, which shall typically evolve in areas of skin with a lot of oil-producing glands, like the face, chest, and back.
Back acne, or “back acne,” is known to involve blackheads, whiteheads, or pus-filled bumps known as cysts.
The treatment for back acne might completely depend on the severity and it might also involve over-the-counter (OTC) products, prescription medications, or treatments like light therapy.
What Is Back Acne?
Back acne refers to pimples or cysts on the back. Which can also involve:
- Blackheads: Each bump might have a dark dot in its center
- Whiteheads: Each bump might have a white center
- Papules: Each small bump might have no distinct “head.”
- Cysts: These painful or tender lumps might all look similar to boils and are a severe form of acne
Back acne is not a specific medical condition, but it might have some unique challenges that might be further compared to acne on the face. For example, it might be super difficult to see and reach back acne for the application of the treatments.
Why Does Acne Occur On The Back?
Just like the chest and face, the back is also known to have a high density of sebaceous glands. These produce sebum, which is an oily substance that forms a protective coating for the skin.
Sebaceous glands are known for being attached to hair follicles or pores. If sebum or dead skin cells might clog a pore, it can lead to a blockage. This blockage might eventually lead to inflammation or trap bacteria in the pore. This is how acne lesions develop.
A type of yeast, Malassezia, can also lead to lesions that might look well similar to acne. The yeast tends to overgrow in humid, sweaty environments. As clothing, backpacks, and slings usually cover the back, it can be an ideal environment for this microbe to simply grow.
If the yeast might get into the hair follicles, it can lead to a condition like pityrosporum folliculitis. If antibacterial treatments might have not worked for back acne, which is a person for have pityrosporum folliculitis instead.
We talked to top dermatologists and skin-care experts for finding out how to get rid of back acne once and for all. Here, discover some expert back acne treatment tips, mentioned below:
- Exfoliate Regularly (But gently)
Just like the face, one’s upper torso and back might have more sebaceous (oil-producing) glands than any other area of the body which also means it does produce more of the skin’s natural oil, enhancing the likelihood of developing body acne in these areas.
- Wear Breathable Clothing
Any skin irritation (including sweat) can exacerbate outbreaks. It is also important for avoiding tight clothing to minimize friction, especially while sweating. Certain materials, like those that might absorb sweat from the skin, shall also reduce the condition of irritation. Lighter colors and cotton are ideal, especially while working out.
- Spot-Treat back acne
Spot treatments and masks are not just good for the face, but they can also be a targeted way to tackle back acne breakouts. You can also use spot treatments which you might typically use on the face the body as a back acne treatment.
- Use An Acne Spray Which Hits The Back
Getting acne medication on the back can be tricky, but this simple spray which can propel its treatment from any angle so that you can get wider coverage.
- Try Cleansing Pads
Even when you think that you have got your body squeaky clean, one swipe of these cleansing pads can help to reveal trapped dirt and oil. The discs are saturated with salicylic acid so that they fight breakouts while cleansing.
- Shower Right After Working Out
One of the reasons back acne might occur is because we are busy being awesome and healthy while working up a sweat! Showering post-performing exercise or after spending the day outside on a hot summer day is important in preventing back acne from flaring up. This shall allow the sweat and dirt to build up on the skin and inside of the clothes which shall lead to a build-up of bacteria and acne breakout.
- Use A Cleansing Brush
When you are all looking up how to get rid of back acne, one of the most obvious ways is… a good wash. However, scrubbing the back shall seem impossible until you might try your best body brush and it shall deep clean even tough skin around the upper shoulders. The extending handle shall allow you to get to hard-to-reach areas quickly.
- Do Not Let Shampoo And Conditioner Sit On The Back
Sometimes some of the blame for back acne might lie with how we might wash our hair. When shampoo or conditioner-coated hair shall all sit directly on the backs, it shall seep into the skin which can be significant shall lead to back and body acne. Hence, the answer to getting rid of back acne might be as simple as clipping your hair up if you are letting a conditioner sit in it for a bit.
- Do Not Pick At Zits On The Back
As with regular acne, do not pick any back acne or body acne, and just like with the face, picking acne on the body can spread bacteria and lead to more pimples, as well as it shall lead to scarring (and, trust us, no one wished to deal with that).
- Wash Sheets And Workout Gear On The Regular
Sheets and recycled workouts might gear up and can be a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. One must be sure to wash the sheets frequently and not make it about the temptation to re-wear your sports bra or tank for more than one sweat sesh.
- Opt For Oil-Free Sunscreen
One of the solutions how to get rid of back acne is switching out the sunscreen. Whenever you might choose sunscreen, opt for one that says it is all “non-comedogenic.” That means the sunscreen is oil-free and specifically it is formulated not to block pores. With oil-free sunscreen, you can simply stay safe in the sun without worrying about a bad back breakout.