Back Acne: How to Get Rid of It and How to Prevent It

by Charma Clinic Best Dermatologist in Bangalore

Acne is a common skin concern affecting everyone at some point in their lives. This condition causes painful bumps and can occur on any area of the body, including their back area. This can be a very distressing situation for those who experience it, and many people are keen to know how to get rid of it and prevent it.

In this article, we have gathered references from Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, a renowned dermatologist who is known for performing the best acne treatment in Bangalore at Charma Clinic. This comprehensive guide will detail what back acne is, what causes it, and effective ways to treat and prevent it.

Continue reading for detailed information on back area and its treatment

What is Back Acne?

Back acne is a common type of acne that develops on the back, usually the upper back, shoulder, or lower neck. Besides the face, the upper back has more oil-producing sebaceous glands, which makes it a prevalent place for developing acne. Acne consists of whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, papules, cysts, etc. Back acne most commonly appears due to dead skin cells, oil, or bacteria that get clogged in the skin’s pores.

What are the Different Types of Back Acne?

There are different types of acne that one may find on their back. These include, as below:

Blackheads: Blackheads are small black spots that develop in clogged pores. Since the inner lining of the hair follicles is oxidized and not filled with dirt, these acne appear black.
Whiteheads: Whiteheads are almost similar to blackheads, and they appear as firm white bumps on the skin.
Papules: Papules are small red bumps that might feel tender and sore.
Pustules: Pustules are also called pimples, and these are pus-filled papules with a white tip in the center and a red base.
Nodules: Nodules are large, hard lumps that form as a result of acne and are considered to be painful.
Cysts: Cysts are large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils. This is the most intense type of spot that is caused by acne. It has a high risk of permanent scarring.

What Causes Acne in the Back?

Acne in the back can be caused due to sebum in the glands, which are associated with the hair follicles. When released, the sebum travels up to the hair follicles, which protect the hair and the skin.

Sebum and accumulated dead skin cells, perspiration, and debris can clog follicles and pores. The more sebum gets produced, the more likely the clogging becomes.

Dermatologists believe that there are typically several reasons for acne. Sweat, a buildup of dead skin cells, and excessive sebum production are considered the most common reasons. Genetics is another significant risk factor for acne.

Hormonal fluctuations can also result in back acne, particularly in the teenage years when testosterone levels increase. Acne affects people of all ages, but adult women are more prone to hormonal acne due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and when they are managing reproductive health issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS.

If one is experiencing acne, they should not ignore it and must seek medical attention right away. They can schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, a renowned dermatologist in Bangalore who practices at Charma Clinic.

What are the Most Popular Treatments Available for Treating Acne?

1. Topical Creams and Medications

Dermatologists treat acne using topical creams and medications. This includes creams and tablets that contain antibiotics and retinoids, along with oil-removing cleansers. Procedures such as peels, lasers, IPL, etc. are performed for those who wish to avoid certain types of oral medications. If the acne is associated with hormonal changes such as irregular periods, an increase in weight, or facial hair growth, the expert doctor might recommend hormonal treatments. However, other procedures might be needed to reduce scarring or marks.

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be performed to help individuals get rid of acne. A chemical peel causes damage to the skin using mild acids, which cause exfoliation and peeling. Normal skin exfoliates slowly, and peels speed up this process. Superficial combination peels are common peels that offer the desired results without causing any apparent skin damage. However, it takes time to recover from these peels. These peels get repeated every 2-4 weeks, and most individuals require six sessions for good acne control.

3. Lasers and Light Devices

Lasers are often used to treat a range of skin conditions. However, they can also be effectively used to reduce the redness associated with acne. IPL is a light-based device that is similar to a laser and helps reduce redness and associated pimples. The energy generated from the light is absorbed by the porphyrin pigment, which destroys bacteria. The light gets absorbed by the small blood vessels, which reduces the active pimples much more quickly. It also limits the inflammation and scarring associated with it. There are different types of acne that are used to treat scars that occur due to acne. Non-ablative lasers are used if the patient cannot afford downtime.

How Can One Prevent Their Back Acne?

It is difficult to prevent back acne. However,one can follow the tips mentioned below to lower their risk of getting back acne:

Do not wash the back area with harsh cleansers, as that could cause dryness. Instead, an alcohol-free cleanser must be used. It is important to reduce excessive oil, dirt, or sweat to prevent acne.
Choose the right skincare products that suit your skin type. If the skin is oily, one must switch to non-comedogenic products.
The skin seems dull when it is dehydrated. Therefore, it is vital to keep the body well hydrated.
After washing the face, if the skin feels dry and rough, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
Try to avoid touching the face as much as possible. This is because the hands encounter bacteria throughout the day.
Excessive sun exposure causes major problems as it dehydrates the skin and causes pores. Therefore, one must avoid direct contact with the sun.
Change your clothes after working out in the gym as sweating can lead to the occurrence of acne on the back.
Limit the use of sports equipment such as heavy backpacks.
Manage your stress levels.
Wear loose-fitted or cotton T-shirts.

Final Takeaway

Acne is a common skin condition that affects any part of the body, and many people experience acne on their back too. Back acne can be very distressing, especially if the condition gets severe. However, with topical medication, chemical peels, and lasers, one can effectively get rid of the stubborn acne on their back.

To avail the benefits of these treatments and to get rid of stubborn back acne, one can schedule a consultation with the renowned dermatologist in Bangalore, Dr. Rajdeep Mysore. The expert skin doctor first diagnoses the root cause of acne and then recommends the most desired treatment plan to help one achieve acne-free skin. The treatment is also customized based on individual skin types.

For more information on acne treatment, pay a visit to Charma Clinic today!