The face is a common site for acne. And depending on the severity of blemishes, you might avoid showing your face in public. Show
But your face isn’t the only place where acne can appear. It can affect any body part that has oil-secreting glands or hair follicles, including your back, chest, and shoulders, according to the Mayo Clinic. (1) Back acne — sometimes referred to as “bacne” — can be particularly troublesome. While facial acne affects most people at some point in life, some will also struggle with back acne and even chest acne. In fact, back acne affects more than half of people with acne, notes the NHS. (2) Your back, like your face, has numerous sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance, according to the website KidsHealth.org. (3) “Back acne is the result of an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil [sebum] within the pores in the skin, combined with an overgrowth of a common skin bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, which triggers an inflammatory response,” says Kara Shah, MD, a board-certified general and pediatric dermatologist with Kenwood Dermatology in Cincinnati. “Acne on the back and shoulders is commonly associated with sports activities that cause increased sweating and friction from athletic gear and clothing,” she continues. A clogged follicle eventually breaks down and forms an acne lesion, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (4)
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The types of acne lesions that can occur on your back include: (1,2,5)
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You can't always control whether you get back acne because the main factors that predispose one to “bacne” — hormonal fluctuations and genetics — are out of your control. You can, however, take steps to reduce your chances of developing these lesions. 1. Avoid Certain MedicationsSome drugs, including androgens (male hormones) and lithium, are known to increase your chances of developing acne. If you take any of these medications, talk with your doctor about possible alternative treatments. (1) 2. Limit Your Use of Oil-Based Skin-Care ProductsTry not to use skin-care products with oil, including moisturizers and cosmetics, on your back. These can lead to back acne flare-ups. Also, the American Academy of Dermatology advises looking for products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they are unlikely to clog pores. (6) More on Treating Acne 11 Common Acne Treatments, Explained3. Eliminate Pressure on Your Back“Anything that results in increased sweating and friction on your back, such as backpacks, sports gear, and back braces, can cause back acne, which is often referred to as acne mechanica,” says Dr. Shah. (1) Shah recommends choosing a backpack that’s lightweight and fits properly to minimize friction and irritation. If you wear sports equipment (like shoulder pads) that puts pressure on your back, don’t wear the item for longer than you need to, or wear a clean cotton T-shirt underneath to reduce prolonged pressure and friction. (1) 4. Wear Clean Clothes“Dirty clothes can harbor sweat, oil, and dirt, further irritating the skin and contributing to the development of acne,” notes Shah. “It’s always best to wear loose clothing during exercise, and to remove sweaty clothing after a workout.” More on Skin Care and Exercise6 Ways to Protect Your Skin Before and After ExerciseGetting your sweat on is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Don’t let your pre- or post-workout routine sabotage your complexion!…Learn More
But, what if you already have back acne? What can you do to get rid of annoying blemishes? Follow these tips. 1. Use an Over-the-Counter TreatmentFor mild back acne, over-the-counter acne creams and gels containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur can help get rid of blemishes and prevent new ones from popping up. (6,7,8) Of course, applying acne creams to your back will likely require assistance from someone. It might be easier to use a body wash with acne-fighting ingredients. “Regular body washes aren’t strong enough to help with body acne,” warns Yoram Harth, MD, a dermatologist and medical director of MDacne in San Francisco. “To have a real effect, you need a medicated body cleanser, preferably with ingredients like salicylic acid that can unclog your skin pores and kill acne bacteria.” 2. Regularly Wash Your SkinChoose body washes that say, “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free” on the package to avoid clogging your pores. (6) Avoid antibacterial soaps, astringents, and abrasive scrubs that can make your acne worse. And be gentle when cleansing your skin. Harsh scrubs, loofas, and exfoliators can damage the protective layer of the skin and make body acne worse, says Dr. Harth. (6,7) 3. Shower After Your WorkoutHeat and humidity encourage bacterial growth, so shower immediately after a workout, suggests Harth. If you can’t shower immediately, use an oil-free cleansing wipe to remove as much sweat from your body as possible, and then change your clothes. (6) 4. Don’t Squeeze or Pick Back LesionsPicking or popping a pimple can worsen acne, as well as damage your skin. “The skin on the body heals slower than the skin on the face, and frequent picking can lead to brown spots and scars,” says Harth. (3,6,7) 5. Avoid Excessive Sun ExposureThe sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can darken acne, triggering scars on your back and body. (6,7) Always wear sunscreen and reapply as directed. This not only improves acne, it can help protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer. 6. Wash Your SheetsGet into a habit of changing or washing your sheets once or twice a week, especially if you’re a back sleeper. This removes bacteria and dead skin cells from bedding, which can clog your pores and prolong back acne. (6) 7. See a Board-Certified DermatologistIf self-care measures don’t improve back acne, make an appointment with a dermatologist who is board-certified. A skin specialist can evaluate your back, determine whether you have acne or another skin condition, and then prescribe a medication to control lesions, if necessary. Treatment might include prescription creams, antibiotics, oral acne medication, or your doctor may suggest laser therapy, chemical peels, or steroid injections, depending on the severity of back acne. (7)
5 Nighttime Skin-Care Mistakes That Are Wrecking Your Face7 Wellness Bloggers’ Best Tips for Taming Period Acne Flare-Ups7 Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid So Your Skin Stays ProtectedBack acne is easier to hide than face acne, but this doesn’t mean you have to live with these lesions. The proper skin-care routine can help lessen breakouts on your back, resulting in clearer, healthier looking skin.
Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter!Enter your email By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in AcneIn this unusual study, participants voiced their frustration with a condition that often resists treatment and can leave emotional scars. Acne Types and SymptomsGot a problem with acne? Recognizing the different types of acne and their symptoms is one of the first steps to getting clear skin. By Valencia HigueraAugust 11, 2022Better Acne Treatments May Be in Our GenesScientists have identified 29 new gene variants that are common in people with acne, a discovery that researchers believe could lead to treatment breakthroughs... By Lisa RapaportFebruary 15, 2022Speaking Acne: A Glossary of Common TermsLearning the lingo can help you better understand what causes acne — and how to prevent breakouts and get rid of pimples. By Jessica MigalaSeptember 20, 2021What Is Acne? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Valencia HigueraOctober 14, 2020‘Maskne’ Is the Latest Skin Problem — Here’s How to Prevent or Get Rid of ItRed spots and bumps along your mask line are potential signs of "maskne." Don't not wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic; instead, follow these tips... By Jessica MigalaAugust 7, 2020Buttocks Breakouts: How to Get Rid of the Bumps on Your BehindThose may look like pimples, but it’s unlikely they are. Still, they can be painful and uncomfortable. By Madeline R. Vann, MPHJune 3, 20206 Dos and Don’ts for Treating Teen AcneWhen your oil glands go into overdrive, your pores can get clogged, causing acne. Fortunately, these scientific strategies can help you tame breakouts... By Valencia HigueraJune 3, 20207 Easy Home Remedies for AcneIs the secret to clearer skin hiding in your kitchen? Homemade acne treatments from foods such as honey, cucumbers, and grapes may help complement professional... By Valencia HigueraMay 29, 202010 Surprising Causes of Adult Acne (and How to Get Rid of It)Still battling annoying acne as an adult? Here are some causes you may not have expected — and the solutions dermatologists recommend for making acne ... How do you get rid of body acne fast?Here's how to get rid of body acne for good:. Use an acne cleanser. ... . Try a topical retinoid. ... . Remember sun protection. ... . Develop good workout habits. ... . Resist the urge to pop, pick or scrub acne. ... . Modify your diet. ... . Other prescription treatments.. What takes acne away overnight?Try a spot treatment or pimple patch
You've probably seen these emergency pimple treatments at the drugstore — usually an extra-strong solution of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. And yep, they can actually get rid of pimples overnight.
Why am I getting pimples all over my body all of a sudden?Sudden acne breakouts can be because of numerous reasons, including hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet including lots of deep fried and junk food, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum and much more.
How do you get rid of body acne naturally?Treatments for back acne. Shower after a workout. Letting the sweat and dirt sit on your skin after a workout can be a big contributor to back acne. ... . Exfoliate. ... . Wear loose-fitting clothing. ... . Try tea tree oil. ... . Keep hair off your back. ... . Choose sunscreen carefully. ... . Eat healthy.. |