What Causes Back Acne: Treating Female Bacne

It’s likely that you’ve heard the term, “bacne” (a.k.a acne that appears on the back), but you may not be aware of its causes and the best methods of treatment. Read on to learn more about what causes back acne so you can become a pro at managing this unpleasant, yet very common condition. 

What is “bacne”?

“Bacne” is the result of an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil that clog the pores on the back. This build up may lead to inflammation, which then appears as acne.

What causes bacne in females?

While bacne doesn’t necessarily have a specific cause, it is often related to both genetic and lifestyle factors. More specifically, if acne runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself. Additionally, having an active lifestyle may lead to acne (specifically bacne) due to sweat and oil that gets trapped under tight clothing. 

What are the different types of back acne?

Back acne appears as pimples along your shoulders, upper back, or all over your back down to your waist. “Bacne” can be a one-off pimple or develop in clusters.

Back acne pimples fall into two different groups: inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

Inflammatory acne

Papules

Papules tend to be bigger, more painful pimples caused by irritation to the pore where the walls of the pore break down under the skin’s surface.

These pimples are raised bumps or lesions with no head and feel rough to the touch.

Pustules

Pustules, while they look like whiteheads, are filled with pus (a white or yellow liquid) and surrounded by a red ring. Like papules, pustules are caused by clogged and inflamed hair follicles.

These pimples are more painful and harder to treat, often requiring prescription medication.

Nodules

Nodules are firm, painful bumps under your skin and red bumps on the surface. They happen when your skin’s pores become clogged, trapping dead skin cells, hair follicles, and sebum.

Nodular acne requires medical treatment from a doctor. If left untreated, this kind of acne can lead to severe scarring.

Cysts

Cysts are thin walled cavities that form deep in the skin and are filled with pus. These areoften large and painful.

Cystic acne is caused by bacteria getting trapped in the pore with all the key players (excess oil and dead skin cells), resulting in swelling and inflammation.

Like nodules, cystic acne cannot be treated at home. A doctor or dermatologist may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of scarring and infection.

Non-inflammatory acne

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are a type of pimple known as closed comedones. Comedones are closest to the skin’s surface, meaning they’re the easiest to treat.

Whiteheads are bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin and are, again, caused by clogged pores. They look like small pimples, but the surrounding area will not be inflamed and red.

Blackheads

Blackheads, also comedones, are open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil (called sebum), hair follicles, and dead skin cells.

The dark color results from exposure to the air (oxidation) and the way the light reflects off the pore, making it appear black.

Back acne causes

Now that you know what it looks like — here is what causes back acne. Back acne is caused by your skin’s sebaceous glands producing too much oil (sebum). Breakouts happen when your pores and hair follicles become plugged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

While back acne causes aren’t specific or easy to pinpoint, bacne is often related to genetic and lifestyle factors. If acne runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or discontinuing birth control are among the most common back acne causes in women and menstruating people. These hormonal changes can cause your skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to breakouts.

Birth control pills can help treat female back acne by decreasing circulating free Testosterone.

If you think that the birth control pill might be a good treatment option for you and your acne, reach out to your doctor or the expert doctors at Pandia Health about your options.

Genetics

Often your genetics can cause you to be more prone to bacne. Whether you get it from your mom, dad, or even second-degree relatives, studies show that some people might struggle with it more than others throughout their lifetimes.

Stress

Stress is another common cause of female back acne.

When you’re stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol, prompting your skin to produce more oil that can clog your pores. This leads to an accumulation of dead skin cells and bacterial growth, which can cause acne.

Diet

When people think of what causes back acne (and acne generally), many people think of poor diet and oily foods. But that’s not the full story.

A few studies found that high glycemic index foods (like white bread, potatoes, sugary foods, or white rice) can exacerbate acne. It’s also important to note that they found a link to cows milk (despite it being a low glycemic beverage) also causing acne breakouts.

So when adjusting your diet to reduce acne, you should consider limiting sugar and dairy and increasing your consumption of fresh vegetables, omega-3 rich foods, leafy greens, fish, poultry, and other low-glycemic foods.

Additionally, if you notice that some foods trigger breakouts, avoid them.

Clothes, athletic gear pressing on your skin

“Bacne” can also be caused when a shirt or athletic gear rubs against your skin during exercise, trapping excess oil and bacteria, and leading to clogged pores and zits.

How to prevent back acne breakouts

On the bright side, there are numerous simple steps that can be taken to reduce the severity of bacne (if not prevent it altogether). If you frequently break out on your back, try implementing the following lifestyle habits:

Low glycemic diet

Diet can go a long way in preventing or helping to prevent many health conditions, and acne is one of them. If you notice that your body reacts to some foods by breaking out, simply limit those foods in your diet.

Shower after your workout

Showering is critical in removing dead skin off your body. Keeping your skin clean is necessary for preventing acne breakouts. But don’t overdo it. No more than twice a day should you wash your acne-prone areas. If you wash too much, your body tries to adapt and makes even more sebum/oil. (Don’t forget to wear clean clothes too!)

Exfoliate

While showering after your workouts or during your daily routine, exfoliate to help remove excess oil and dead skin cells from your body..

Use oil-free sunscreen

Sun exposure dries the skin out, causing your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive to lubricate the skin, which can worsen your acne. Using acne products can increase your sensitivity to the sun.

Consistently using sunscreen can help protect your skin. Look for sunscreens specially formulated for acne-prone skin and that are labeled as non-comedogenic.

Wash your sheets & pillow cases regularly

Clean and change your sheets. If you go too long in between washing your sheets, you’re creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. As you know, bacteria + dead skin cells + excess oil = irritants for your skin that can cause acne.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that removes dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil from your skin. Salicylic acid helps reduce the redness and swelling of acne breakouts for those with mild acne while decreasing the number of pimples that form.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Another ingredient to look for is benzoyl peroxide. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and can also help people with oily skin by removing excess oil and dead skin cells, preventing future breakouts.

Avoid unnecessary friction on your back

Backpacks and sports gear can cause what is known as “acne mechanica.” Sports equipment and clothing trap heat and sweat on your skin, causing friction and irritation. If you have acne or acne-prone skin, this friction, heat, and irritation can cause new acne breakouts.

Wear loose fitting clothing

Sweat during exercise can be what causes back acne, so wearing clean, loose-fitting, sweat-wicking, or natural fiber clothing during workouts can help your skin breathe and prevent sweat from getting trapped and causing breakouts.

Don’t pick at your back

Picking at pimples can worsen acne by spreading harmful bacteria. It can also interrupt the healing process and create acne scars.

Birth Control

Birth control pills can be used to treat female back acne. There’s evidence that all combined birth control pills help treat acne.

Best treatment for back acne

Sign up for Pandia Health and our expert doctors will find the best treatment for you.

Want to tackle what causes back acne AND prevent pregnancy? Talk to the expert doctors at Pandia Health about your options.

Over the counter treatments for back acne

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid work ok for mild back acne. These are typically available over- the-counter in the form of body wash, cream, or gel. Benzoyl peroxide is often used WITH oral antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance by the bacteria.

When to see a doctor for back acne

It’s important to note that these methods may not be effective for all individuals with bacne. Furthermore, it’s best practice to consult a doctor prior to starting treatment and if symptoms persist after treatment.

If you’ve been using topical over-the-counter acne medication and products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for over four weeks and haven’t seen any improvement, reach out to your doctor. Using these products when they do not help your acne can result in hyperpigmentation, excessive dryness, and scars.

Prescription treatments for back acne

For individuals who require stronger acne treatment, specific products may be prescribed by a doctor. More specifically, retinoids are highly effective at combating back acne. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, which work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Usually doctors limit oral antibiotics to 3 months maximum and tell you to use benzoyl peroxide wash/soap at the SAME time as the oral antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance by the bacteria that cause acne.

What’s the takeaway?

Back acne is a specific type of acne that appears on the back typically as a result of oil and dead skin that builds up in the pores. While there are several at-home ways that you can reduce the severity of bacne (if not prevent it altogether), it’s best practice to consult a doctor prior to starting a new treatment plan.

How can Pandia Health help?

If you are concerned about your bacne and are looking for professional doctor advice, look no further! Pandia Health now offers online acne treatment service, where a doctor will be able to prescribe you the best treatment for your back acne after you fill out a health questionnaire and provide some photos. The consultation is only $35 and you can use the service from the comfort of your home or wherever you have internet connection and a cell phone (to take photos).

Once your prescription is approved we will FREE ship your acne medication to your mailbox so you don’t have to waste time going to the pharmacy. Sit back and relax, we will take care of your refills too! Sign up today to start your bacne treatment ASAP!

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor/primary care provider before starting or changing treatment.

What Causes Back Pimples

What Causes Back Pimples

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There are reasons you’re getting acne on your back.

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• Back acne can be frustrating.
• It can be caused by sweating and your diet. 
• It can be prevented by washing your hair thoroughly and changing out of workout clothes quickly. 

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Dealing with acne on your face can be frustrating enough, but what do you do when your back and shoulders erupt in bumps as well?

Though makeup can conceal facial blemishes, coping with “bacne” is more of a challenge. The condition might make you feel self-conscious and can turn wearing dresses and tank tops into a real struggle.

Here’s why you might getting acne on your back and what you can do to prevent it.

The skin on your back is actually particularly prone to acne.

The thick skin is prone to blocked pores.

kadirkaplan/ iStock

There are three main factors that contribute to acne. Overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria can combine to create a nasty breakout anywhere on your body. Unfortunately, the skin on our backs is particularly prone to skin trouble.

“The skin on our backs is extremely thick, so the potential for blocked pores is very high,” dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk told Marie Claire.

According to Verywell Health, the upper half of the body also has more sebaceous or oil glands per square inch that the lower half.

Combined, these two factors create a perfect storm for back acne.

The products you use on your hair might be causing you to break out on your back.

Shampoo and conditioner can cause a break out on your back.

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Just like the body’s natural oils can block pores and lead to pimples, the substances in hair and body products can also trigger a breakout, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Allowing your hair conditioner to run down your back in the shower can also deliver a big dose of pore-clogging substances onto your skin. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly and use products that have the following labels on them: won’t clog pores, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic.

Not showering promptly after a sweaty gym session might be causing back pimples.

Showering needs to be done quickly.

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It can be tempting to skip your gym’s grimy showers and head home for a soothing soak in the tub instead. However, waiting too long to rinse off after working out can actually lead to a case of back acne.

Allowing sweat and dirt to hang out on your skin after exercising can be a major cause of pimples on the back and shoulders, according to Stylecaster.

Don’t delay showering after any situation that gets you hot and sweaty, including a sweltering day at the beach or a jog around the neighborhood.

And don’t let your workout clothes go too long between washes.

Washing work out clothes is important.

Flickr/mariachily

If you’re an avid exerciser, it can be a real pain to wash items like sports bras and gym shorts after every workout. But just because that t-shirt still smells fresh doesn’t mean it’s not contributing to body acne.

As The American Academy of Dermatology advised, washing sweaty workout clothes after each round of exercise is actually a good way to keep acne-causing bacteria and grime out of your pores. Don’t let staying active get between you and clear skin.

Tight clothing or a heavy backpack could also be the culprit.

Lugging around a heavy backpack or purse could be contributing to your skin troubles.

Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Items such as backpacks, sports equipment, or purse straps can exacerbate back acne.  

“Tight clothing mixed with friction and excess moisture, such as sweat, can lead to the development of acne. The combination of friction, heat, and covered skin may result in the development of a form of acne called acne mechanica. The friction can irritate the skin and disrupt the surface, which can clog the pores with dead skin cells and lead to inflammation,” Dr. Jeremy Fenton of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC told Byrdie. “In my case, this is a perfect explanation, since the super-hot NYC summer weather was causing me to sweat, which, coupled with rubbing bra straps, led to a spattering of breakouts.

To prevent acne mechanica on you back, make sure your clothing and undergarments aren’t too tight and try not to carry heavy loads in backpacks or purses for extended periods of time. Wearing a clean cotton t-shirt beneath your regular clothes or sports uniform can also help keep your skin protected.

Slathering on sunscreen is always a good idea, but be sure to choose the right one.

Make sure your sunscreen is oil-free.

TanyaRozhnovskaya/Shutterstock

It’s definitely important to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays when the sun is shining. That includes using a daily sunscreen on any part of your skin that is exposed to the sunshine, including your back.

However, doing the right thing for your skin’s long-term health might leave you with back pimples if you don’t use a sunscreen specially formulated for acne-prone skin.  

If your diet is full of carbohydrates and dairy, your skin might be paying the price.

What you put into your body can affect the outside of your body.

Dunkin’ Donuts

The old adage “you are what you eat” certainly applies when it comes to maintaining healthy, radiant-looking skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is growing evidence that diet has an effect on acne.

Carbohydrate-rich foods with a high glycemic index might be especially problematic for acne sufferers, as studies have shown that raising blood sugar levels quickly may lead to acne flares. High-GI foods include white bread, chips, and white potatoes. Low-GI foods include peanuts, vegetables, and beans.

Dairy might also play a part in aggravating back acne. Some studies have suggested that the consumption of milk – and skim milk in particular – is associated with more severe acne. However, more clinical research is needed to prove a definite link between dairy and acne.

Hormones or stress might also be at the root of your back acne woes.

You might need to make lifestyle changes.

Shutterstock/TORWAISTUDIO

When topical solutions don’t seem to be working, it may be time to look deeper for the root cause of your back acne.

Research has shown a link between stress and acne flare-ups. One study found that students were more likely to experience a breakout around exam time, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommended that trying to reduce stress can be a helpful part of acne treatment.

Your hormones might also be to blame for bad bouts of back acne. According to Medical News Today, high testosterone levels can contribute to acne by increasing the production of sebum, which may then lead to blocked pores. Falling estrogen levels related to the menstrual cycle can also trigger breakouts.

If you believe that stress or hormones are causing your back to break out, you should have a conversation with your doctor about potential treatments or lifestyle changes.

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How to get rid of acne on the back

The face is not the only place that acne affects. They can appear on any part of the body where there are sebaceous glands or hair follicles, including the back, chest, and shoulders. The appearance of acne on the back and shoulders is usually associated with sports, which cause increased sweating and friction from sports equipment and clothing.

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Body skin care

Stress

Care for problem skin

Hormonal changes

acne

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Eruptions on the shoulders and back appear in the same way as on other parts of the body. The pores on the skin become clogged with dirt, dead skin cells, sweat and sebum (sebum). The body produces sebum so that the skin and hair do not become too dry. If sebum builds up and you don’t clean your skin properly, your pores can become clogged, making acne worse.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Why do pimples appear on the back?

The back is the second most common spot on the body (after the face) where pimples appear. The pores on the back become easily clogged because they are larger than elsewhere. Because these pores are larger, the lesions that appear on the back tend to be more painful and extensive than on the face.

Like rashes on the shoulders and face, pimples on the back can be caused by a number of factors. Genetics, stress, medication, and lifestyle can all lead to clogged pores, which can lead to acne.

The best way to prevent back acne is to make changes to your skin care routine. This can mean anything from showering right after a workout and using a quality body cleanser to exfoliating with salicylic acid. Wearing loose clothing can also reduce your risk of back acne.

What causes acne on the shoulders and back and how to deal with them?

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Shampoo and Conditioner

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, just as sebum can clog pores and lead to breakouts, substances found in hair and body products can cause breakouts.

If a poorly formulated hair conditioner runs down your back while showering, it can also cause clogged pores and breakouts. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly and use products that say: won’t clog pores, don’t contain oils, and are non-comedogenic.

Harsh scrubs, washcloths and exfoliators can damage the protective layer of the skin and aggravate acne on the body.

Postponing showering after exercise

Preferring a hot bath in your own home over a dirty shower at the gym may seem like a logical decision. However, if you put off taking a shower after a workout for too long, it can easily lead to acne on your shoulders and back.

If you can’t shower right away, use oil-free cleansing wipes to remove as much sweat from your body as possible.

Dirty sportswear

Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to find time to wash your sportswear, especially if you train several times a week. But just because things still smell fresh doesn’t mean they won’t contribute to acne on the body.

As the American Academy of Dermatology recommends, washing sweaty clothes after every workout is a good way to keep acne-causing bacteria and dirt out of your pores. Don’t let an active lifestyle come between you and clear skin.

It is also important to use clean towels, sheets and pillowcases to prevent bacteria from accumulating on them. Try to wash sheets and towels at least once a week.

Tight clothing or a heavy backpack

Items such as backpacks, sports equipment or bag straps, or tight clothing that rub against sweaty skin can cause or worsen back and shoulder acne.

To prevent breakouts, keep clothes and underwear not too tight, and avoid carrying heavy backpacks or bags for extended periods of time. Wearing a clean cotton t-shirt under your normal clothes or sports uniform will also help minimize friction and irritation and protect your skin.

Improper diet

Carbohydrate-rich foods with a high glycemic index may be contraindicated for people who are prone to acne, because studies have shown that a rapid increase in blood sugar levels can lead to acne flares. High GI foods include white bread, chips, and potatoes.

Dairy products may also play a role in the increase in back and shoulder acne. Some studies have shown that drinking milk, in particular skimmed milk, is associated with more severe acne.

Stress and hormones

When you are anxious or stressed, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels rise, the body produces more sebum, which leads to acne on the back and shoulders.

According to Medical News Today, high testosterone levels can also contribute to acne by increasing sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores. Decreased estrogen levels can also trigger acne.

If you think your back rash is caused by stress or hormones, you should talk to your doctor about possible treatments or lifestyle changes.

How to deal with pimples on the back

Home Pimples on the back: how to get rid of?

With the approach of spring, warmth, we are increasingly thinking about open clothing. After all, I’m so tired of walking in warm sweaters and jackets, and so I want to open my shoulders, show off in a new T-shirt! Unfortunately, not only cold weather can prevent this, but also such a depressing phenomenon as acne on the back.

Causes of pimples on the back

Extremely rarely, pimples appear only on the back and do not “sprinkle” other parts of the body. The mechanism of their appearance on the back is the same as in other areas of the skin: more sebum begins to be released through the pores, they become clogged, the sebaceous ducts become clogged, comedones form, and then inflamed acne. The reasons for the increase in sebum production and infection are as follows:

External causes

No matter how trite, the cause of acne on the back can often be simply uncomfortable, improperly chosen clothing. The fact is that in winter the back often sweats (you may not even notice it), and if your clothes contain synthetics, then the skin also breathes poorly. Accordingly, in such a favorable greenhouse climate, bacteria multiply just instantly, the pores become clogged and irritation begins.

Pimples often appear on the back due to poor hygiene. It is possible that you just need to wash it more thoroughly! By the way, overdrying of the skin in the sun, namely, the abuse of sunburn, can also stimulate an increase in the production of sebum.

Another common cause of pimples is an allergic reaction to cosmetics used or to washing powder. In this case, pimples look like a small rash.

Internal causes

First of all, cosmetologists refer hormonal disorders to the internal causes of acne on the back, which occur in adolescence, during pregnancy, due to the use of hormonal drugs. Also, such external manifestations may well indicate the development of endocrine disorders, gynecological diseases, or problems with the urinary system.

Quite often, acne on the back appears due to problems with the gastrointestinal tract, due to dysbacteriosis. In addition, the cause of such manifestations can be stress, decreased immunity, and other internal diseases. By the way, according to the localization of acne on the back, doctors can tell which organs are affected. So, if they are located along the spine, then, most likely, its hidden diseases take place. And localization in the costal region may indicate intercostal neuralgia.

To get rid of acne on the back and for prevention, you should try to limit the consumption of fatty, fried, spicy foods.

Folk remedies for acne on the back

For starters, if the acne is not too numerous, you can try to get rid of them yourself, home remedies. The simplest thing: if you notice manifestations of dysbacteriosis in yourself, try to restore the intestinal microflora. If you wear synthetic clothing, replace it with natural. If you recently changed your washing powder or shower gel, try to stop using them.

If these techniques did not help, you can use any pharmacy disinfectant: salicylic, chloramphenicol, boric alcohol, you need to wipe your back 3-4 times a day. Wiping with a saturated solution of potassium permanganate gives a good effect. Also, to combat acne, you can try taking baths with sea salt, with decoctions of herbs, with turpentine solution.

Cosmetic treatments for acne on the back

Cleansing

Start the fight against any acne with a cleansing. All girls know that it is absolutely impossible to squeeze acne on their own, so cleaning must be done in the salon, by a professional beautician. In some cases, acne can be removed only with the help of mechanical, manual cleaning, sometimes ultrasonic cleaning is used for this. Special peels for the body also work well, which help relieve inflammation and deeply clean the pores.