When you think of acne, you will probably think of spots and pustules on your face. However, this is not the only place where acne can appear; it can actually affect any area of the body that has hair follicles or oil-secreting glands. These areas include the chest, shoulders, and back.
'Bacne', as back acne is colloquially known, affects as many as 60% of people, but it is not often discussed. Whereas facial acne (which affects up to 95% of people aged between 11 and 30) is obvious and cannot be hidden, back acne is easy to hide away and, therefore, can be forgotten about for the most part, or at least not dealt with. However, this ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mindset regarding back acne is not helpful; there are ways that back acne can be treated, and the sooner you start using them, the better.
What Causes back acne?
Just like your face, your back has many sebaceous glands. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which helps to ensure the hair and skin remain properly moisturised. It is made up of free fatty acids, triglycerides, squalene, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and wax esters. It is an invaluable part of the body.
However, when sebum rises to the surface of the skin, it mixes with lipids, sweat, and various debris from the surrounding environment. When this happens, the oil starts to block the pores of the skin and the hair follicles on your body. When the hair follicles become too clogged, they form an acne lesion.
Different Types of Back Acne
The term ‘back acne’ actually covers a wide range of different-looking spots and marks. Although they are all caused by blocked follicles and pores, the reasons they emerge differently are varied.
Whiteheads
- Whiteheads are the most common type of back acne. Rather than erupting, the blocked follicle remains closed and therefore resembles a white bump on the skin.
Blackheads
- Conversely, when a follicle opens up, it forms a blackhead. The reason the head of the spot turns black is because the sebum is reacting with the air – it has nothing to do with dirt, and you cannot ‘scrub’ a blackhead ‘clean’.
Papules
- If the acne you are experiencing is sore and appears as small, pink bumps, you have papules.
Pustules
- Another term for a pustule is a pimple, a term you may be familiar with. As the original name suggests, these are filled with pus, so they look white or yellow, and the base is red.
Cysts
- Cysts are also pus-filled, but they are much larger than pustules and can be extremely painful. If treated improperly or if they are picked or scratched, they can leave scars.
Nodules
- Sometimes, acne lesions don’t make it to the surface of the skin, and those that form deeper down are called nodules. These feel like hard bumps, and they are rather large and painful.
How To Treat Back Acne
As with most medical conditions, it is best to try to prevent back acne in the first place. Although this is not always possible, there are some measures you can take that may help.
To start, check the leaflets and labels of any medications you are taking. Some drugs can list the development of acne as a side effect. If that is the case, it is best to consult a healthcare professional about alternative medications that you may be able to take. Remember, though, that although back acne can be uncomfortable, if the medication is doing you good, it might be something you choose to live with to feel better in every other aspect of your life.
Oil-based skin care products can also be an issue, as adding more oil to already oily skin can cause your follicles to become blocked more easily. Search for oil-free products, including moisturisers and sun protection. Check the labels of anything you intend to use; if it claims to be non-comedogenic, it means that it won’t cause blackheads, for example.
Pressure on your back from carrying a bag or sports equipment can also cause your hair follicles to become blocked. If you carry equipment or a backpack for long periods, try to reduce this.
Good skin care is another way of reducing acne (and not just back acne, but wherever you happen to have it). Regularly use a gentle cleanser to wash yourself, and always take a shower after any form of exercise, particularly if you are sweaty.
If you still experience back acne, there are over-the-counter treatments available that can help. These will include ingredients such as sulphur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.
If none of the above has helped you, you will need to seek advice from a dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe medication to reduce and even remove any signs of back acne.
