Acne is a skin problem where hair follicles and pores of the skin get blocked by sweat, hair, and oil. This results in annoying bumps and blackheads to be formed on the skin. Face acne is a normal problem especially in teens and some adults. But some people develop acne on their back termed as “Bacne” or “Backne”. This could be an irritating issue and picking them could make them worse leading to dark scars.
What is Back Acne?
It is caused as an outcome of dead cells and oil accumulation within the skin pores combined with the overgrowth of a skin bacteria Cutibacterium acnes. This inflammatory response is developed on the back of the skin majorly due to strenuous activities that lead to enhanced sweating and friction from sweaty clothes. This causes follicles to clog and it breaks down to form acne lesions.
Different Types of Back Acne:
The different types of acne issue that can be developed on the back are:
- Whiteheads: This acne is developed when a preserved follicle remains closed and beneath the skin creating a white bump.
- Blackheads: This type of acne is developed when a skin surface level preserved follicle opens forming a blackhead. The tip of this acne appears black due to the reaction between oil sebum and outside air. Some people are with a misconception that dirt has clogged the follicle.
- Papules: They are the acne lesions that come as small pink bumps on the skin and tender in nature. This form of acne is developed when a clogged hair follicle gets inflamed and will not contain any pus.
- Pustules: This contains a yellow or white-colored pus with a base of red color. These acnes are formed from inflammation of a clogged hair follicle. An accumulation of white blood cells results in the filling of pus in them.
- Cysts: They are large and filled with pus formed by trapping the bacteria in the hair follicle. This type of acne leads to deeper infections in the skin resulting in painful lumps causing a permanent scar.
- Nodules: Even this type of acne is developed due to the trapping of bacteria in the skin. They are developed beneath the skin surface forming a large and painful nodule. Depending on the depth of the lesion, there will be enhanced tissue damage causing an inflammatory response.
Tips for Treating Back Acne:
You may be thinking – What is the solution for treating back acne? Can it be treated at home? Below are some tips for treating acne with care.
1. Using an Over-the-Counter Cream or Gel:
If the issues are minor, then over-the-counter acne creams and gels having substances such as resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc can be useful in getting rid of the lesions and even avoid them from popping up. But, applying these creams or gels is not possible by yourself and would need assistance from another person. There are some acne-treating body wash gels that will be helpful. Normal body washes cannot treat these acne issues. It would require a medicated body wash with substances like salicylic acid that can cleanse the skin and kill acne bacteria. But ensure to take suggestions from a skin expert before trying out any special ingredient creams or body washes.
2. Washing the Skin:
If your skin is regularly prone to acne issues, then use body washes or soaps that are oil-free. Do not go for antibacterial or hard scrubs that could worsen the issue. Gently clean and cleanse the skin with the recommended gels and creams. Scrubs containing strong chemicals can harm the surface layer of the skin and aggravating the situation.
3. Shower After Any Strenuous Activity:
Sweat is a major cause of enhancing the growth of bacteria. Hence, shower immediately after a workout avoiding the heat to settle down. If there is a situation where you cannot shower immediately, change your clothes, and use an oil-free cleansing wipe to eliminate the sweat from your body.
4. Avoid Squeezing or Pick Back Lesions:
Avoid picking or squeezing the acne as it can harm the skin and worsen the issue. The skin on the body heals slower than on the surface and these activities can lead to darker scars.
5. Refrain from Exposure to the Sun:
The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase the intensity of acne spots, stimulating the scars on the back. Apply sunscreen when you are heading out. This will not only smoothen the acne spots but also safeguard the skin from being harmed by sun rays.
6. Wash the Bed Sheets:
Wash or change the bed sheets every week if you tend to sleep on your back. This eliminates any bacteria or dead skin cells from staying in your sheets and clog the pores leading to back acne.
7. Visit a Skin Specialist if the Issue is Severe:
If the above-mentioned measures do not show any improvements, then see a skin specialist who is experienced and licensed. They will examine your back and suggest the best medications to control them.
Types of Treatments:
- Initial treatment starts with the application of topical medications to the region. They can help in resolving mild to moderate acne issues.
- The next line of treatment will be oral medications, especially for nodules and cysts. This is when topical medications will not have any effect on acne.
- Skin specialists will treat your backne with a peel that goes deep into pores and cleans out the oil and bacteria. A Backne peel is used just like a face peel, and the solutions are a bit stronger and made for thicker skin like the back.
Bottom Line:
Treating acne on the back is usually difficult than treating acne on the face added with deep and dogged acne induced marks. But a chemical peel from an expert aesthetic specialist in Indulge Aesthetics can provide effective results for your bacne issues. Try the DIY backne peel treatment with a unique chemical peel from skin experts.
