Back acne is caused by clogged pores due to overactive sebaceous glands, and can be more difficult to treat than facial acne. It can be irritated by friction from clothing and sweat buildup. Treatment options include gentle cleansing, prescription creams and antibiotics, and isotretinoin. See a dermatologist for severe or chronic acne.
Back acne simply refers to acne on the back and is caused in the same way as facial acne or localized acne anywhere else on the body. In most cases, acne first appears on the face and then on other parts of the body, including the shoulders and back. Although back acne can affect any person with acne, male or female, it is more common in males.
Like other forms of acne, back acne is caused by an infection of the skin pores resulting from overactive sebaceous glands just below the skin’s surface. When excessive amounts of oil are produced, pores become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, sweat, and eventually bacteria, which are present on everyone’s skin. Clogged pores can take the form of blackheads, pimples, pustules or even cysts and are eventually marked by redness and inflammation caused by the infection.
Back acne can be more difficult to treat than facial acne. This is largely due to the fact that keeping the back clean is more difficult than other parts of the body that are within easy reach. However, most acne sufferers don’t get acne due to poor hygiene, but rather physiological events within the body. Back acne can be irritated by friction from clothing, the buildup of sweat from exercise, and even difficulty cleaning the back thoroughly to remove sweat and surface oils. Unlike facial acne, which can be treated successfully with creams, the back is a larger area to cover and can be difficult to reach.
In many cases, back acne is treated alongside other forms of acne. When over-the-counter and home remedies fail to cure acne, dermatologists often take a step-by-step approach, starting with a gentle cleansing routine paired with prescription strength creams and broad-spectrum antibiotics. If these conventional attempts fail, isotretinoin, a synthetic retinoid, is typically prescribed. Patients with severe, unresponsive acne, whether on the back or face, typically respond to isotretinoin.
Many people with moderate to severe acne will find it difficult to control acne on their face or back regardless of their skin care regimens. However, occasional mild acne can be avoided by gently cleansing, not scrubbing, the entire back with a mild cleanser and using a moisturizing lotion containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Other measures, such as showering immediately after exercising, avoiding tight shirts and other clothing, and avoiding loofah scrubs, can help control mild back acne.
If you have chronic or severe acne, see a dermatologist for treatment, as there are several medical options that can successfully treat acne.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
