Back Acne
It’s a real struggle to get rid of those unwanted pimples on your face. But is this acne limited to your face?
No, acne may happen anywhere in the body where there are oil-secretory glands and hair follicles. The most common affected areas are the face, chest, shoulders & back. If this acne is left untreated, dark spots & permanent scars are left on the body.
When it comes to back acne, it is common in teenagers & adults which remains unnoticed. It is also known as Truncal Acne or Truncal pimples. It is advisable to treat back acne as it can grow severely in later stages and can cause serious problems.
What Causes Back Acne?
The oil glands secrete the oil called sebum and dead skin cell buildup can lead to pimples. The skin on the back is highly prone to acne & shouldn’t be left untreated.
There are pigmentary changes due to pimples on the back. When it’s mild, acne appears as a small scar, and as severe as it gets, the scar gets deeper. Later they start converting into Keloids & Hypertrophic Scars (which are the extreme stage).
The main causes for back acne can be –
– It runs in the genes.
– Having dry scalp or dandruff
– Oily skin type has more possibilities of getting an acne
– Steroids & Medications
– Workout sweats could be the major reason for acne as it blocks the pores
– Wearing body-fitted clothes doesn’t allow the skin to breathe.
– Hormonal changes
– Sleeping for a long time can also cause back acne
– Regular oily or greasy back massages can regulate the oil secretion and clog the pores.
– Stress may not be a direct reason for acne, but when you’re stressed, it can worsen acne.
When a body is stressed, it releases hormones that increase oil production affecting acne.
What are the Back Acne Treatments?
Our skin on the back is thicker making it an acne-prone area. When the hormones increase in the body, the oil glands release excess oil which comes in contact with the dead skin cells, hence clogging the pores.
For many, it may not cause a problem, but those who are quite prone to acne or pimples could experience inflammation, irritation, or even red spots.
Treatment for back acne or truncal acne depends on its severity. When in the initial stage, it can be treated with some changes in your routine. However, when the acne scar gets deeper or when it converts into Keloids & Hypertrophic Scars, it’s a matter of concern. That is the time you need some medical treatments.
Here are the few home remedies for back acne:
- Shower daily especially after workouts. Workout sweats are a serious reason to get back acne as they come in contact with sebum & dirt.
- Avoid tight-fitted clothes so that the skin could breathe and pores do not get clogged.
- Choose the right moisturizer & switch to lighter creams. Products that may contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid are recommended.
- Tweak your food habits.
Include fruits, veggies, protein, whole grains in your diet.
Avoid oily, spicy food to keep acne at a distance
- Shower with skin-friendly products like Benzoyl Peroxide wash, glycolic soap, salicylic wash.
- Avoid usage of unwanted medicines & drugs.
- Exfoliate with the right product & ingredients which removes dirt & avoids pore-clogging.
Clay mask/peel & Multani Mitti mask absorbs oil which is quite beneficial to avoid acne.
- Protect your skin from direct sun exposure as it can darken the acne scars. Always wear sunscreen to protect skin from sun damage. Go for oil-free & lighter sunscreens.
Making a change in your skincare routine can make a difference in the growth of acne or pimple. The process may take some time to show results but even after a few months, you don’t see a difference, then it’s time to visit a dermatologist.
Medical treatments for back acne
If you have tried all and are still struggling to get rid of those bumps, then you need to visit a dermatologist. Looking at the severity of back acne, they would advise you with the best treatment. Early treatment is the best treatment!
Some suggested medical treatment includes:
– Peeling treatment keeps the pores unclogged & clean.
Peels that are recommended are chemical peel, salicylic peel, glycolic peel & TCA peel are effective in opening the pores.
Peeling treatment is also considered when there are pigmentary changes.
– Topical creams like tretinoin cream, benzoyl peroxide cream are prescribed. These creams are to be avoided on the face as they can cause pigmentary changes but are effective for back acne and covered skin.
– Oral prescription works the best. It controls the oil secretion and hormonal changes, kills acne bacteria, removes dead skin cells hence preventing blockage of pores.
Dermatologists also recommend laser treatments for unwanted acne scars. Fractional CO2 Laser, Erbium Glass Laser, Erbium Yag Laser are efficient for removing scar.
The back acne effects are the same for males & females but looking at the skincare, and since back acne is not visible it tends to be neglected. But it shouldn’t be left untreated looking at the severity it causes.
Back acne is a treatable condition. With some changes in the lifestyle, a skincare routine and a little more attention can lessen the skin breakouts or acne giving healthier & clearer skin.