My Job Is Stressful Is That A Factor In Acne
Stress is not considered a main cause of acne. More often, your acne may increase your stress levels. Effective acne treatment may actually help reduce your stress.
However, in some people, stress can worsen acne. If you think stress triggers outbreaks, simple techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or even meditation, can ease stress.
What’s The Best Way To Treat Acne
Medicated creams with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid are the first treatments to try. You can get them over the counter or by prescription. Retinoids — vitamin A-based creams — also work to unclog hair follicles.
Your doctor can prescribe stronger creams, or other medications that help, such as antibiotics, oral retinoids, androgen blockers, and low-dose birth control pills.
How To Get Rid Of Back Acne With 12 Natural Remedies
Other than the face, acne or pimples may also occur on the midsection, neck, shoulders, upper arms, or back. The main cause of back acne is the excess sebum secretion by the oil glands connected to your hair follicles. There are some small pores on your skin that help in perspiration. Back acne usually forms when the pores are clogged with dead skin cells, dust, and extra sebum, leading to infection and swelling.
It does not matter if you clean up yourself daily. These pimples may appear because of the pollution in the environment, such as smog, dust, etc. On many occasions, you may do not realize that your hands are dirty and touch the skin, which will result in the appearance of back acne. If you have long hair, there is a high probability that acne may appear on your back.
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Acne Treatment For The Back And Shoulders
If you seem to have acne, a dermatologist can help get you on a routine and medication that will clear up your back. We usually recommend using a benzoyl peroxide wash on your back regularly.
Bacteria need to live in the pores without oxygen. They cant grow in the presence of oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide puts oxygen into the air follicle to kill the bacteria. So, with regular washing, you reduce the bacteria that live in the pores.
Also, depending on the severity of your breakouts, well prescribe both topical and oral antibiotics, and we may recommend using Retin-A to topically treat your back breakouts.
Oral antibiotics such as Silvadene or Isotretinoin provide the best solutions to these frustrating breakouts especially if you need an effective cystic back acne treatment. Remember, it takes patience for the skin to heal and rejuvenate , but once the treatment takes effect, it provides long-lasting improvement.
But dont wait too long to treat your back acne. Bacne can leave scars, and big cysts can leave large keloids long after the acne has cleared.
So, to avoid long-term consequences of a hopefully short-term problem, visit your dermatologist as soon as your back starts to break out. Theyll get you cleared up so you can put back acne behind you.
Schedule A Back Facial

Acne facials arent just for your face. In fact, many spas and salons now offer back facials to specifically target the hard-to-reach spots you cant tackle at home. Not only do these professional treatments clean your skin at a deeper level, they also include professional-strength exfoliation and extractions to encourage skin cell turnover and clear clogged pores. Visit our Spa Locator to book a back facial at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.
Watch this video to find out more from Natalie about how to reduce the look of body acne:
Do you struggle with body acne? Share your stories with us in the comments below, and join the conversation on social media.
This article was originally written by Alisha Whitley in November 2018.
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Buttocks Breakouts: How To Get Rid Of The Bumps On Your Behind
Those may look like pimples, but its unlikely they are. Still, they can be painful and uncomfortable.
Everyday Health
Pimples on your buttocks are unsightly, annoying … and, believe it or not, typically are not considered acne. True acne on the buttock is rare, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Another board-certified dermatologist, Jamie MacKelfresh, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, concurs. Acne on the buttocks is not like the true acne you get on your face, chest, or back, Dr. MacKelfresh says.
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In general, acne is defined as plugged pores, pimples, and cysts that occur on the face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and upper back or chest. Acne is caused by a buildup of oil trapped within the follicles, leading to overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria and subsequent inflammation, says Dr. Zeichner. There are high levels of oil glands on the chest, back, and upper arms, and that explains why acne may develop there, he adds.
How To Prevent Breakouts On Your Back
If you notice your breakouts get worse with the heat, youre probably dealing with heat rash, not acne. So stay in a cool, dry environment. But if you work outside in the DFW heat, make sure to shower regularly and change shirts throughout the day to keep the yeast from multiplying.
The same rules apply to workouts. Change your clothes immediately after a high-sweat workout and shower as soon as you can to cleanse the skin.
If you think your hormone therapy is triggering the breakout, cut back on your medication. A lower dosage may make a big difference.
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Back Acne Is Caused By Wearing Tight Or Sweaty Clothes
Tight-fitting clothes are more likely to trap sweat and dirt, which are then rubbed into your skin pores. If you have sensitive or inflamed acne, tight clothes may cause skin irritation, which could worsen the condition. Instead, wear loose clothes that wick away sweat and allow your skin to breathe.
For similar reasons, wearing sweaty clothes is another common back acne cause. On warm summer days, it helps to change into a fresh set of clothes if youve been sweating a lot. Also, wash all your clothes after use. Dont wear dirty clothes again, especially those that came into direct contact with your sweaty skin.
Try Treating Breakouts With Retinol
We recommend this over-the-counter retinol treatment to hydrate your skin.
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a popular ingredient in the skincare world that’s commonly known for its anti-aging abilities, but according to Shamban, it can also be a great treatment for back acne . “You can get an over-the-counter retinol product, but I usually recommend having a tele-derm or in-office visit. Altreno’s Retinoid Lotion for body is highly effective to treat the area,” she says. Retinol encourages cell turnover, getting rid of dead skin cells so that younger skin cells can make their way to the surface. Oh, and that removal of dead skin cells? It prevents buildup that can result in clogged pores, which is why it’s a great treatment option for acne. It also helps to improve skin texture and tone. That said, if you can’t get to the dermatologist, we’re fans of this option from Paula’s Choice.
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Precautions To Be Aware Of Before Using Salicylic Acid
Even though salicylic acid is available in OTC preparations you can pick up at your local grocery store, you should talk with your doctor before using it. Considerations to discuss include:
- Allergies. Let your doctor know if youve experienced allergic reactions to salicylic acid or other topical medications before.
- Use in children. Children may be at more risk of skin irritation because their skin absorbs salicylic acid at a higher rate than adults. Salicylic acid should not be used for children under the age of 2.
- Drug interactions. Certain medications do not interact well with salicylic acid. Let your doctor know what medications youre currently taking.
You should also tell a doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions, as these may affect their decision to prescribe salicylic acid:
- increase in breathing depth
How To Prevent Back Acne
You cant always control the development of back acne, because the main factors that lead to bacne hormonal fluctuations and genetics are beyond your control.
However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing these lesions. Dr. Sara Saeed advises limiting the use of oil-based skin care products, eliminating pressure on the back, and wearing clean clothes.
Try not to use skin care products containing oil, including moisturizers and cosmetics, on your back. These products can cause acne breakouts on your back. Also look for non-comedogenic products, which means they dont clog pores.
Anything that causes increased sweating and friction on the back, such as backpacks and sports equipment, can cause zits on your back.
If you wear sports equipment that puts pressure on your back, dont wear it for too long or wear a clean cotton T-shirt underneath to reduce prolonged pressure and friction.
Dirty clothes can carry sweat, oil, and dirt, which further irritates the skin and contributes to the development of acne. It is always best to wear loose clothing while exercising and remove sweaty clothing after exercise.
It is also possible to avoid certain medications such as androgens and lithium, which are known to increase the risk of developing acne. If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.
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What Are The Treatments & Medications For Bacne
According to Dr. Rana, Bacne can be really difficult to treat because its harder to see. I know that sounds silly, but not being able to clearly see your pimples can make it more difficult to assess how severe the breakout is. And, it can be hard to apply treatment products directly to the affected area. Plus, the skin on the back is very thick, so its challenging to get topical treatments to absorb deeply enough. Based on the severity of bacne and other factors, including an individuals response to specific treatments, dermatologists help patients create a plan to address bacne that works for them.
Because of the difficulty of effectively using topical treatments for back and body acne, oral medications like antibiotics may be prescribed, especially to help patients control severe bacne breakouts. Oral antibiotics can be prescribed in the short term to reduce the amount of C. Acnes bacteria on the skin, which will often decrease the number of pimples and make it easier for the skin to heal during a breakout.
Even though topical treatments for back acne can be difficult to apply, topical antimicrobials and other acne spot treatments may be an important part of the initial treatment and ongoing maintenance care plans for back acne. These topical treatments can help clear skin and relieve symptoms like itching, swelling, and inflammation associated with breakouts.
When Should I Visit Us Dermatology Partners For Bacne Treatment

Anyone who has acne should partner with a dermatologist to create an ongoing maintenance care plan, and they should schedule an appointment at least once or twice a year to follow up on their skin condition and avoid more severe breakouts. Additionally, patients with back acne should schedule a visit at U.S. Dermatology Partners anytime they have a breakout that is painful or lasts several weeks. We are happy to welcome patients back to our office locations, and you can schedule an in-person visit using our simple appointment request form.
We understand that some patients are not ready to venture out quite yet, so patients can also schedule a virtual consultation visit, starting with an online request form. These consultations are great if you just need to touch base with your dermatologist about your ongoing bacne care plan. Virtual consultations are also beneficial if you want to chat with a dermatologist about your condition to find out whether or not in-office treatment is necessary. Whichever type of appointment you schedule, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Why Do I Still Have Acne In My Late 20s
At its root, adult acne is caused by the same things that cause teen acne: excess skin oil and bacteria. Any changes in hormones, including those brought on by pregnancy and menstruation, can trigger excess oil. Women who smoke also seem to be more prone to acne.
Acne tends to run in families, so if a parent had adult acne, you’re at higher risk. People can get acne into their 40s and beyond.
Eliminate Pressure On Your Back
Anything that results in increased sweating and friction on your back, such as backpacks, sports gear, and back braces, can cause back acne, which is often referred to as acne mechanica, says Dr. Shah.
Shah recommends choosing a backpack thats lightweight and fits properly to minimize friction and irritation.
If you wear sports equipment that puts pressure on your back, dont wear the item for longer than you need to, or wear a clean cotton T-shirt underneath to reduce prolonged pressure and friction.
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Causes And Prevention Of Back Acne
- Hormones: A common cause is puberty or any hormonal change or a familial genetic predisposition.
- Perspiration: Pressure on the back combined with excessive sweating, poor hygiene, and closed coverage of the skin without “breathing,” can result in back acne.
- Bacteria: High growth levels of bacteria on the skin can be a culprit, which can occur on the face or body.
- Steroids: Another force at work could be steroid usage. With increased androgen levels from steroids, the sebaceous glands on the skin secrete more oils. This is most common on the back and shoulders or chest than the face.
Back Acne Is Caused By Using The Wrong Skin Moisturizers
Moisturizers are great back acne treatments since they repair and soothe your skin barrier. However, some oil-based moisturizers may cause the back acne to grow worse. Instead, ensure the products are labelled non-comedogenic, meaning that they moisturize your skin without clogging the pores.
Switch to lighter creams that contain glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. These creams are good for eliminating ingrown hairs and spots too. You can also try tea tree oil, which has treated skin conditions for hundreds of years. Found in lotions, creams, or cleansers, it treats acne by killing extra bacteria from your skin. For sensitive skin, you can use hypoallergenic moisturizers.
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Back Acne Scar Treatments
Bacne is burdensome and painful and even after you recover from those painful pimples all over your back, it leaves scars which are further more difficult to combat with. While whiteheads and blackheads are non- inflammatory, cystic acne, pustules, nodules and papules are inflammatory and always results into bumps and scars. If the bacne is treated early then it can reduce the chances of having back acne scars. So here are few treatments including the home remedies which can help in getting rid of back acne scars.
Front view of caucasian woman face after chemical peeling
This treatment is used if scars have almost devastated your back and can take infinite time to fade away. Also, this can prove to be helpful only if scars are there on the top most layer of the skin, if they are deep below then this would not be effective means! In this treatment, chemical is applied on skin so as to softly and cautiously peel away the top layer of skin. What appears beneath is healthier, smoother and more vibrant skin. But the harsh part is that you have to take care of your back very cautiously after this treatment. The layer of the skin is soft and tender and thus it is prone to infections. You need to care for it by applying ointments and everything which your doctor prescribes.
Causes & Treatment For Acne
Acne can impact a persons self-esteem, even as they grow older. An acne breakout can occur at any time of the day. While severe forms of acne can be treated with prescriptions, most cases are mild and dont require topical or chemical treatment.
Acne Vulgaris the most common form of acne and most people who suffer from acne will experience this form. It typically affects the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. This type of acne is caused by the follicular plugging of dead skin cells as well as excess sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in our skin.
Acne Rosacea typically affects middle-aged and older adults. Rosacea is characterized by facial redness, small blood vessels, noticeable bumps and pimples on the cheeks, nose and chin that are not common with acne vulgaris.
Luckily, there is a lot you can do to address acne early on and prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.
Acne treatment involves OTC medications and products that have to be continued for several weeks. If you are not satisfied with the results, ask your doctor about prescription-strength medications.
Talk with your dermatologist about the risks and side effects of medications. Make follow-up appointments with your doctor every 3-6 months until your skin improves.
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What Causes Back Acne
Back acne is the result of clogged pores containing oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. While the exact reasons pores become clogged in this manner are unclear, poor hygiene is not one of them. In fact, being overly zealous in washing your face can irritate your skin and make acne worse.
Instead, researchers believe acne is likely due to a combination of genetics and other factors. Hormonal changes are probably a main culprit. When androgen levels rise during the teenage years, oil production increases as does skin cell turnover. This may make pores more prone to becoming clogged.
In women, hormonal changes during menstruation, and are also linked to acne. Some people may be overly sensitive to normal skin bacteria, as well.