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Back Acne (Bacne)
Acne develops when the skin hair pores become clogged with dead skin, sweat, or dirt mixed with oil known as sebum made by oil-producing glands. Acne can form anywhere on your skin, including your back. Back acne (“bacne”) is common in male adolescents, but anybody – any age or gender – can have it. Wearing clothes that trap sweat can worsen back acne.
Symptoms
You develop zits on your shoulders, upper back, or all over your torso; they can be painful and appear in clusters. You may develop just one type of pimple or a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps, nodular acne, or cystic acne.
When to see a doctor
You have severe persistent or recurrent back acne.
- You develop painful nodules.
- Your pimples are severely inflamed.
- You have a fever, which is a sign of infection.
Causes
- Changes in the hormone level in adolescence and pregnant women can result in acne breakouts.
- Clothes, backpacks, or sports gear can rub against sweaty skin, causing back acne.
- Medications such as corticosteroids can worsen back acne.
- Use of body lotions and creams that clog hair pores.
- Stress and anxiety can raise cortisol levels, causing the increased production of sebum.
- Sweat trapped between your skin and your clothing can cause clogged pores.
- Family history of back acne.
Diagnosis
If your back acne persists or recurs, consult a dermatologist for proper treatment. The doctor may prescribe oral or topical medications to clear the acne.
Home remedies and prevention
- Wear loose-fitting shirts to avoid friction and irritation. Tight shirts can trap sweat and rub against your skin.
- Do not wear a backpack or padded sports protective gear on your back to avoid friction.
- Shower right after exercise to avoid trapped sweat clogging the hair pores. Avoid lying on a dirty floor while exercising, especially when shirtless.
- Use mild, non-comedogenic skin care.
- Apply benzoyl peroxide products to help clear up back acne. Leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing. Retinol gel can also help clear pimples and rejuvenate your skin.
- Do not squeeze your zits because it can leave scars and cause infection.
- Wash your hair and keep it off your back. Oils and specks of dirt from your hair can cause back acne outbreaks.
- Avoid foods that trigger acne outbreaks, such as white bread, white pasta, potatoes, or foods with high glycemic index (GI).
