Dealing with acne on the face is already difficult. These painful pimples, scars and redness can take away anyone’s confidence. But things get even worse when it comes to dealing with back acne, also known as back acne. This type of acne is more troublesome, painful and unattractive to look at.

Experiencing backache can be embarrassing, but experts are here to guide you on how to deal with it.

How is it different from facial acne?

“Back acne is different from facial acne because of the severity of the outbreak as there are more sebaceous glands on the back compared to the face,” explains Dr Gurveen Waraich Garekar, dermatologist and founder of Garekers MD Dermatology Clinic, Gurugram. india today,

The doctor further explains that unlike the face, the back sweats more, which combined with oil and friction from clothes clogs the pores, leading to acne.

In addition, difficulty in reaching the back can lead to inadequate cleaning, which leads to clogged pores and further acne problems.

Dr Garekar says back acne can be painful, depending on the severity. In the case of cystic acne with deep lesions, it is very painful, arising from the depth of the acne, which causes extreme inflammation.

What are the reasons for this?

Dr Akanksha Singh Kornit, Bengaluru-based aesthetician and founder of Promed Aesthetics, says several factors can cause backache.

• Hormonal ChangesFluctuations in hormone levels, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or when starting or stopping birth control pills, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil (sebum), which can clog pores and cause acne.
• GeneticsHaving a family history of acne may increase your risk of getting back acne.
• excessive sweatingSweat can mix with oil and dead skin cells, causing clogged pores and acne breakouts, especially if the sweat isn’t washed off promptly.
• friction or pressure on the skinWearing tight clothes or carrying bags that rub against the skin can irritate hair follicles and lead to acne.
• poor hygieneNot bathing after sweating too much or not using proper skin care products can lead to clogged pores and acne.
• DietSome studies suggest that certain dietary factors, such as consuming high glycemic index foods or dairy products, may aggravate acne in some individuals.
• MedicinesSome medications, such as steroids, lithium, or some anticonvulsants, can cause acne as a side effect.
• TensionAlthough stress itself doesn’t directly cause acne, it can aggravate existing acne by triggering hormonal changes that increase oil production.
• environmental factorsExposure to pollutants or high humidity can clog pores and lead to acne.

Doctors say acne on the back, shoulders, and upper arms can be more challenging to treat because of the difficulty in reaching the affected areas and effectively applying topical treatments.

There are more hair follicles on the back, which can complicate treatment and increase the risk of clogged pores.

Preventive measures for backache

Dr Raina Nahar, consultant dermatology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mumbai, explains that to prevent acne on the back, it is important to bathe and cleanse properly immediately after any physical activity.

“There are body washes available that contain benzoyl peroxide, which helps unclog pores, which can act as a preventive measure,” the doctor said.

According to Dr. Nahar, it is also important to wash your hair regularly. Doing this will also reduce acne on the back. And for those who have excessive hair growth on their back, doctors recommend laser hair removal.

Here are some more preventive measures:

• Use non-comedogenic productsChoose skincare and haircare products labeled non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores.
• Avoid tight clothesWear loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, to reduce friction and allow the skin to breathe.
• ExfoliateRegular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or body wash with exfoliating properties.
• Be careful while using sunscreen: Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen, especially if you’re prone to acne. Cleanse well after sun exposure.
• HydrateDrink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and maintain overall skin health.
• avoid pulling or squeezingManipulating acne lesions can increase inflammation and lead to scarring.

clinical treatment of backache

while talking about Topical TreatmentsDr. Cornitt suggests using benzoyl peroxide because it helps kill bacteria and reduce oil production.

In addition, topical retinoids (such as tretinoin) can help prevent clogged pores and promote cell turnover. You can also use salicylic acid. It exfoliates the skin and helps unclog pores.

coming to Oral MedicationDoctors suggest:

• Antibiotic medicinesOral antibiotics such as doxycycline can reduce inflammation and control bacteria.
• The contraceptive pillFor women, hormonal treatments can sometimes help control oil production.

Other treatments:

• isotretinoin (Accutane): Reserved for severe cases, this oral medication is very effective but has serious side effects and requires careful monitoring.
• Steroid InjectionsFor large, painful cysts, injections may reduce swelling and speed up healing.
• chemical peels: Helps to unclog pores and exfoliate skin.
• Light TherapyBlue light therapy may help kill bacteria on the skin.
• photodynamic therapyThis therapy uses a combination of light and a photosensitizing agent to target oil glands and bacteria.

Are there any home remedies?

“To deal with acne on the back, you can apply aloe vera extract on the inflamed skin for a soothing and healing effect,” suggests Dr. Garekar.

Doctors say you can also opt for a mild exfoliation, such as a sugar or oatmeal scrub, as this can remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.

Similarly, making a paste of baking soda with water can provide an anti-inflammatory solution for acne.

In the meantime, Dr. Cornuit recommends using tea tree oil. Diluted tea tree oil (5-10 percent concentration) has antimicrobial properties that may help reduce acne-causing bacteria. Apply a small amount directly to acne or use in a diluted form with a carrier oil for larger areas.

Using apple cider vinegar can also be a good option. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1 part vinegar and 3-4 parts water) and apply it to the skin using a cotton ball. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off. This can help balance the skin’s pH and reduce bacteria.

What about spots?

Dr Nahar says that acne on the back leaves scars and pits. For scars, there are a lot of lightening peels available and these can help. You can also use glycolic acid and salicylic acid on the scars.

Doctors also suggest that if you are suffering from back acne, do not ignore it. It is important to get immediate treatment as the scars remain for a very long time and it is a persistent inflammation. So, if you delay the treatment, the entire back can be filled with active acne, cystic acne scars and pigmentation marks.

On the other hand, Dr. Cornitt explains that you can use topical retinoids, vitamin C serums or niacinamide. You can also opt for laser therapy to get rid of scars.