Back acne: How to get rid of it

Back acne, or ‘bacne’, which affects more men than women, can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem. We asked the experts for advice on how to help prevent and treat back breakouts

Anyone who has suffered from acne of any sort knows how painful and irritating it can be, and back acne has the added disadvantage of being where you can’t reach it, and where it is normally covered by clothing, which can aggravate it.

THE CULPRITS
‘Back acne is a form of folliculitis, which is a disorder in the hair follicle,’ says dermatologist Dr Kesiree Naidoo. Bacteria are a major cause of back breakouts. They enter into the hair follicle, causing inflammation and infection. She adds that the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria – which can also cause pneumonia – is the most common cause of folliculitis, with Malassezia yeasts (found in the outer layer of the skin) a close second.

CLAMMY CLOTHING
Sweat is absorbed into the fabric of your clothes, causing bacteria to flourish, so running a few errands after a sweaty jog can make the problem worse. Naidoo says tight, non-breathable fabrics like nylon and polyester can trap sweat, oil and dead skin, creating the perfect environment for a back breakout. ‘The constant friction of fabric around the hair follicles causes an increase in the inflammatory response,’ she adds.

HORMONE HEALTH
Hormone health might be another factor to look into, as an increase in the androgen hormone causes excess oil which blocks the hair follicle and causes inflammation.

IT’S IN THE GENES
‘Genetics play a role, especially with severe acne. The size, distribution and activity of your sebaceous glands is genetically determined,’ says Naidoo.

Related article: 6 common skin issues caused by stress

TREATMENT
If your acne problem is severe, you need to see a doctor, who will prescribe a medication that suits you. It’s important to stick to the treatment plan they prescribe. ‘Darker skins benefit from early treatment, as scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots left after a pimple or acne heals) become a problem later,’ advises Naidoo. ‘Benzyl peroxide, azelaic acid and retinoids have shown benefit in improving hyperpigmentation.’

Skincare products containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, grapeseed oil, vitamin E and turmeric can also help heal acne and reduce the appearance of scars.

Related article: Skincare for all ages

BACK TO A BLEMISH-FREE BACK
Palesa Ntalo, somatologist and cosmetologist, shares her six tips to healing bacne.