Back Acne: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
What is back acne?
If you have acne on your back (also known as “bacne”), as well as your face and maybe also your chest, this is likely to be because you have a type of acne called severe acne.
Severe acne is a systemic condition, which means it has an underlying rather than a superficial cause. It involves inflamed nodules and cysts in more than one area, especially the shoulders.
Severe acne is driven by a sensitivity to hormones, in particular Dihydrotestosterone or DHT.
What causes back acne?
There are many reasons why people can develop back acne. Some of these include hormonal imbalances, genetics, certain medications and even sweat.
Research suggests that diet may play a part too. Foods that have a high glycemic index, contain dairy, as well as certain carbohydrates may trigger back acne.
Back acne symptoms
Nodules and cysts
Cysts and nodules reside deep underneath the skin’s surface. Cysts are filled with pus and are usually softer than nodules.
Excess oil
Your back, like your face, has numerous sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum. Sebum, along with dead skin cells and bacteria, can build up in the hair follicles on your back and clog them.
Increased skin cell turnover
Acne-prone skin produces more dead skin cells than is typical, and these cells aren’t properly shed. These can mix with oil and debris to block the pores and make way for breakouts to appear.
Increased bacteria
People who suffer from acne are likely to have more of one of two versions of a type of bacteria, propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), on their skin. This can cause breakouts.
Inflammation
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil secretions and dead skin cells. If the clogged pore becomes infected with bacteria, inflammation results.
Back acne treatment
Salicylic Peels
Isolaz Therapy
Glycolic Peels
Laser Resurfacing
Microneedling
Back acne treatment at sk:n
Book an acne consultation with us at your nearest sk:n clinic. This costs £25 and you will be seen by a qualified acne specialist. They will confirm you have back acne and refer you to see a dermatologist, which will incur an additional fee.
It is likely the doctor will then prescribe you medication and you will be booked in for a skin review in a few weeks’ time. When your severe acne is under control with medication, you will be able to undergo further treatments to help your skin. Once we’ve tackled the problem of new acne breakouts, it’s time to work on any acne scarring.
At sk:n, we’re proud to have the largest network of leading dermatologists who understand the medical causes of back acne and can provide the right treatments.
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