Having back acne, or acne found on your back or buttocks, can be an awkward situation. This type of acne can appear as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), small zits, or big pus-filled cysts and reddish bumps. In severe forms of back acne, large lesions and scars can also appear, causing severe discomfort when wearing snug-fitting shirts or outfits.
Aside from the usual culprits behind zits which are overactive oil glands and hormonal imbalance, back acne can be caused or worsened by the following factors:
tight outfits or brassiereswearing clothes made of artificial or synthetic fabrics as these fabrics do not really make your skin breathe
excessive sweating
pressure from wearing heavy bags or backpacks
If you regularly wear tight-fitting outfits or brassieres, this habit might lead to back acne because tight outfits trap in heat and excess sweat. This humid environment can then promote the growth of the pimple-causing bacteria.
Clothings made of synthetic or artificial fabrics don't let your skin breathe properly, and might cause irritation. Synthetics can also cause more friction compared to a cotton shirt, leading to more acne breakouts.
Sweat doesn't really cause zits but it is the excess perspiration that is making you more prone to breakouts. When combined with friction and pressure, too much sweat due to heat can lead to acne-like rashes. Back acne can be common among soldiers who are assigned to tropical countries since the humid environment might cause zits or worsen existing acne breakouts.
Using heavy backpacks or bags can cause friction when the fabric of the bag rubs against your back and shoulders, leading to acne-like rashes. The skin area touched by the backpack straps becomes irritated, especially if excess sweat is present.
In order to avoid acne on your back, buttocks, and shoulders, experts suggest that you practice these following tips:
If you can't avoid wearing tight outfits or uniforms, try wearing a shirt made of natural fabrics such as cotton underneath to protect your skin from friction and to let your pores breathe.After working out, wash your buttocks and back with a mild cleanser to alleviate heat and remove excess sweat and surface oils.
Apply powder on your back. It will absorb excess sweat and to temporarily prevent friction between your clothes and your skin.
Avoid scratching or picking your zits on your buttocks or back since this might only lead to more irritation and scars.
If your condition doesn't change or gets worse after following the mentioned tips, you can visit a dermatologist for a more appropriate treatment. He can give you medicines such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as these medications can help eliminate the pimple-causing bacteria and get rid of blackheads.
When treating back acne, don't expect your zits to disappear immediately after applying a medication. Your skin's response to any acne medication will take time so be patient and try to avoid the things that could worsen your situation.
