_edited.png)
Back Acne (Bacne)
What is Back Acne (Bacne)?
What Causes Back Acne? Similar to Face Acne:
Just like facial acne, bacne happens when pores (tiny openings in your skin) on your back get clogged. Several factors play a role:
* Excess Oil (Sebum): The skin on your back has many oil glands that can sometimes produce too much sebum, especially during hormonal changes (Zaenglein et al., 2018).
* Dead Skin Cells: These cells can stick together with oil and block the pores.
* Bacteria: The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) can thrive in clogged pores and contribute to inflammation (Thielitz et al., 2012).
* Inflammation: The buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria leads to redness, swelling, and pus.
* Sweat and Friction: Sweat, especially when trapped under tight clothing or backpacks, can worsen bacne by creating a moist environment where bacteria can multiply and by causing friction that irritates the skin.
* Tight Clothing and Backpacks: These can trap oil and sweat against your back and rub against the skin, leading to irritation and clogged pores.
* Laundry Products: Certain detergents or fabric softeners might irritate the skin on your back in some individuals.
Different Types of Back Acne Bumps:
Just like on the face, bacne can show up in different forms:
* Blackheads: Open pores clogged with oil and dead skin that look black on the surface.
* Whiteheads: Closed pores clogged with oil and dead skin that appear as small, white bumps.
* Papules: Small, red, raised bumps that can be tender.
* Pustules: Papules with pus at the top (classic "pimples").
* Nodules: Large, firm, painful lumps deep under the skin.
* Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps that can sometimes lead to scarring.
How Can You Treat Back Acne? Similar Approaches to Face Acne:
The goal of treating bacne is to clear up existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.
Things You Can Try Yourself (Over-the-Counter):
* Benzoyl Peroxide Washes and Treatments: Helps kill bacteria and reduce inflammation (Zaenglein et al., 2016). Use a body wash and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
* Salicylic Acid Washes and Sprays: Helps exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. Body washes or sprays can be easier to apply to the back.
Back acne, often called "bacne," is a common skin condition where pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper bumps appear on the back. It's very similar to facial acne in its causes and how it develops. While it can be bothersome and sometimes uncomfortable, there are effective ways to manage it.
Treatments Your Doctor Might Prescribe:
* Stronger Topical Retinoids: Help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Can be more challenging to apply to the back, but some formulations exist.
* Topical Antibiotics: Help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Often used with benzoyl peroxide.
* Oral Antibiotics: For more widespread or severe bacne. Usually taken for a limited time.
* Isotretinoin: For severe, nodular, or cystic bacne that hasn't responded to other treatments. Requires close medical supervision.
* Chemical Peels: Can help exfoliate the skin on the back and improve acne.
* Laser and Light Therapies: Can sometimes be used to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
Taking Care of Your Back with Acne:
* Shower After Sweating: Don't let sweat sit on your back.
* Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Especially during workouts. Opt for breathable fabrics.
* Wash Workout Clothes Regularly: To remove sweat and bacteria.
* Be Gentle When Washing: Avoid harsh scrubbing.
* Avoid Picking or Squeezing: This can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
* Consider Your Laundry Products: If you suspect irritation, try switching to a gentler, fragrance-free detergent.
In Simple Terms: Back acne is like facial acne but on your back. It's caused by clogged pores, oil, bacteria, and inflammation, and can be made worse by sweat and friction. Over-the-counter washes with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can often help. For more stubborn or severe bacne, a doctor can prescribe stronger treatments. Good hygiene and wearing loose clothing can also make a difference.
What causes Back Acne (Bacne)?
Treatment of Back Acne (Bacne)
Bibliography
Thielitz, A., Gollnick, H. P. M., Moore, M., Caufield, W., Wienecke, T., Zouboulis, C. C., & Consortium Acne Therapies. (2012). Update on the pathogenetic factors of acne. Journal of the German Society of Dermatology: JDDG, 10(4), 223-229.
Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., ... & Thiboutot, D. M. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945-973.e33.
Zaenglein, A. L., Thiboutot, D. M., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., Bowe, W. P., فعال, م., ... & Leyden, J. J. (2018). экспертные мнения по лечению акне. Dermatology and Therapy, 8(Suppl 3), 559-576.