What Back Acne Treatments And Medications Are Available
Now that youre familiar with what can cause bacne and the types of spots you might come across during your consults with a well-positioned mirror, there are many potential back acne treatments and medications to considersome over-the-counter , some doctor-prescribed.
For mild to moderate back acne, you can probably treat it at home with OTC cleansers, topical creams, and gels that contain acne-fighting ingredients. If your acne doesnt get better with these, then you may want to ask your doctor for a prescription medication such as birth control pills or topical acne solutions. Below are some common over-the-counter and prescription treatments:
Hormones Or Stress Might Also Be At The Root Of Your Back Acne Woes
When topical solutions don’t seem to be working, it may be time to look deeper for the root cause of your back acne.
Research has shown a link between stress and acne flare-ups. Onestudy found that students were more likely to experience a breakout around exam time, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommended thattrying to reduce stress can be a helpful part of acne treatment.
Your hormones might also be to blame for bad bouts of back acne. According to Medical News Today,high testosterone levels can contribute to acne by increasing the production of sebum, which may then lead to blocked pores. Fallingestrogen levels related to the menstrual cycle can also trigger breakouts.
If you believe that stress or hormones are causing your back to break out, you should have a conversation with your doctor about potential treatments or lifestyle changes.
Cystic Acne Of The Neck
Cystic acne of the neck is often caused when the skin of the neck is in some ways too healthy. It grows over pores before they get a chance to drain, and the immune system attacks the trapped acne bacteria with inflammation that causes the formation of a cyst.
Picking, probing, needling, lancing, cold treatments, and heat treatments all make this kind of neck acne worse.
The only practical treatment that you can get over-the-counter is tretinoin topical, also known as Renova. This lotion stimulates the maturation of skin cells over the cyst so that they are easy to rinse off the skin. Over a period of 3 to 4 weeks enough skin matures and dies that the cyst opens on its own, and the ordinary skin care helps keep cysts from coming back.
It is important to use sunscreen on the back of the neck during tretinoin treatment to prevent the formation of brown spots on the skin. Using a sunscreen that contains vitamin E in the morning, such as Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen Faces SPF 30 Lotion , and topical tretinoin in the morning, opens the skin while preventing lasting discoloration.
Because of the many side effects of tretinoin, including crusty and peeling skin, burning and itching, and increased sensitivity to the sun, it is never our first recommendation. We always say to try a simple, safe and science-based acne care routine first. However, if you arent seeing results that way, then trying tretinoin could be your next step.
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Your Sweaty Workouts Are Causing Body Acne
Skipping the shower right after working out or not washing your face allows the mixture of makeup, dirt, bacteria, oil, and sweat to find a nice little home in your skin and cause breakouts and clogged pores.
The zit fix:
Before you start sweating, always wash your face to remove your makeup. After youve finished your workout, shower . If you dont have time, use a facial wipe, like Simple Micellar Cleansing Wipes, to clear away any pore-clogging oil and bacteria.
Causes Of Chest Acne And Back Acne
Acne is thought to be related to the sensitivity of your sebaceous glands. These are glands that produce sebum, an oily substance that keeps the skin lubricated.
In people with acne, the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. This excess sebum plugs the hair follicles in the skin and mixes with dead skin cells. Bacteria on the skin that is otherwise harmless can infect these plugged follicles and cause painful, pus-filled spots.
BreakoutsIf you have acne, youll probably live with spots most of the time simply because thats how your skin works. However, you might notice that certain things trigger worse breakouts, or cause particularly severe spots like nodules or cysts.
Breakouts of chest or back acne might be triggered if the skin in those areas is rubbed or put under pressure. One example would be wearing a backpack, or a bag with a strap that goes across your chest.
You might also have more severe acne on your back and chest because you treat these areas differently to your face. Because your back and chest can be harder to see and reach, and because they arent usually on display, its easy to end up neglecting the skin here.
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How To Treat And Prevent Body Acne
You can use many methods to clear up mild body acne without the need for dermatological treatment. Once you’ve identified the primary cause for your breakouts, you can opt for any of these acne-clearing techniques.
Stop using cosmetic products that clog your pores. Take a look at the hair and body products you’re regularly using. Cut down on those that contain:
- Oils
- Silicones
Instead, choose grooming products that state on the label that they are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.
Do your laundry more often. Cosmetic products, sweat, and dead skin cells might remain on clothes and other fabrics if you don’t wash them regularly. Make sure to keep the following items clean:
- Pillowcases
- Sportswear
- Sports gear
âAvoid acne mechanica. Having bump-free skin while continuing to play sports is doable. All you have to do is pay more attention to certain details. Make sure to:
- Use padding to avoid friction caused by sports gear.
- Use clothes with dry-fit technology.
- Choose loose-fitting sportswear when possible.
- Avoid sharing your protective gear.
- Put on clean clothes more often.
- Wipe down communal workout equipment.
Beware of the sun. Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen throughout the day if you’re planning on being outside. Look for an oil-free option that has the following characteristics:
- Non-comedogenic
- Broad-spectrum with SPF 30+
If Your Diet Is Full Of Carbohydrates And Dairy Your Skin Might Be Paying The Price
The old adage “you are what you eat” certainly applies when it comes to maintaining healthy, radiant-looking skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there isgrowing evidence that diet has an effect on acne.
Carbohydrate-rich foods with a high glycemic index might be especially problematic for acne sufferers, asstudies have shown that raising blood sugar levels quickly may lead to acne flares. High-GI foods include white bread, chips, and white potatoes. Low-GI foods include peanuts, vegetables, and beans.
Dairy might also play a part in aggravating back acne. Some studies have suggested thatthe consumption of milk and skim milk in particular is associated with more severe acne. However, more clinical research is needed to prove a definite link between dairy and acne.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Acne
- What type of acne do I have?
- How severe is my acne?
- Do I need to see a dermatologist?
- Do I need a referral?
- What over-the-counter medications do you recommend?
- What prescription medications do you recommend?
A note from Cleveland Clinic:
Acne is the most common of all skin conditions and can have a profound psychosocial impact.
How To Get Rid Of Back Acne Fast
There is nothing more embarrassing than a bacne breakout – especially when summer is just around the corner. However, back acne treatment is possible with a combination of a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, plenty of sleep, the right shower routine, sensible clothing choices, and choosing the correct products to take care of your skin. The hardest part of avoiding future breakouts is maintaining this consistently.
It is also important to curb your expectations. Just like gains in the gym, you need to realize that banishing your bacne is not an overnight fix. It may take a few weeks of consistent effort before the problem completely goes away. If youve taken all the advice we have provided and youre still not seeing any significant improvement, then it would be best to seek professional help from a doctor or dermatologist.
Is your back looking a little worse for wear? Perhaps youre embarrassed to get your kit off at the beach? If your bacne is growing its own postcode, then you need a natural men’s body scrub. With natural ingredients like Australian sea salt, its proven to help treat and prevent back acne. Australian Sea Salt contains trace minerals which de-clog your pores and relieve the congestion that contributes to ingrown hairs and acne. Our Sea Salt Body Scrub leaves your skin healthy, smooth, youthful-looking, and blemish-free.
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What Are The Risk Factors For Back Acne
Several factors increase the risk of developing back acne. However, not everyone with risk factors will have a problem with acne breakouts on their back. Risk factors include:
- Age: Teenagers most commonly get acne, including back acne, but it can affect anyone.
- Certain medications: Examples include corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, lithium and phenytoin.
- Diet: High-carbohydrate or high-glycemic diets may contribute to acne breakouts, according to some study results.
- Heredity: When a parent has had problems with back acne, you are more likely to have the same problem.
- Skin environment: Contributors to back acne breakouts may include greasy or oily skin care products, tight or occlusive clothing, high humidity, heavy , and friction or pressure from equipment, such as sports pads or straps.
- Stress: Stress can increase breakouts in people who already have back acne.
Research also suggests may be linked to acne breakouts in general.
Reducing your risk of back acne
You cant prevent or avoid back acne breakouts altogether if you are prone to them. But you may be able to lower or reduce your breakout triggers by:
- Cleaning your skin with gentle cleansers and lukewarm water. Hot water can irritate the skin and worsen acne. Avoid irritating skincare products, including antibacterial soaps, abrasive scrubs or scrubbing tools, and alcohol-based products, including astringents. Instead, use fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic products.
- Stopping smoking
Does Testosterone Cause Back Acne
Excessive testosterone and cortisol levels can both lead to an increase in acne and back acne. It is because they both contribute to the production of sebum – oil produced by glands within the pores of your skin.
Sebum isnt all bad. Its actually designed to remove dead skin cells away from hair follicles. However, having high levels of testosterone and cortisol can cause these glands to become overactive. This causes the glands to produce too much sebum, which blocks the pores and results in bacne.
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What Are The Potential Complications Of Back Acne
Like other forms of acne, back acne can cause complications. Physical complications include scarring and , such as darkening of the skin. With nodular or cystic back acne, scars can be pitted or raised and thick. The best approach to scars and skin discoloration is to prevent them by seeking effective acne treatment early. However, once scars form there are treatments available to improve the look of them. This includes chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and .
Back acne can also cause emotional scars and contribute to , such as and . People with back acne may feel self-conscious or embarrassed by their condition, which can lead to low self-esteem. Controlling back acne breakouts and treating any physical scars often heals the emotional ones. If youre struggling with back acne, dont delay seeing a dermatologist. Effective treatment is available.
What Causes Body Acne
Some studies associate the presence of body acne with specific lifestyle choices. The severity of the condition can vary depending on:
- Age
- Genetic predisposition
- Menstrual cycle regularity
Most people who develop acne do so in their teenage years, but people between the ages of 21 and 25 who have oily skin also have a high chance of developing acne. Body acne is typically not a significant health threat. However, it often serves as a starting point for low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
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How To Treat Acne At 40
Regardless of the cause behind acne at 40, there are certain derm-approved topical ingredients that can help treat the symptoms, most of which you’ve seen in your products since back in the days when your first ever pimples popped up. “There are many treatment options for acne,” says Dr. Greenfield. “Spironolactone is great for hormonal acne. Retinoids work well for many types of acne. Antibiotics treat inflammatory acne well. Isotretinoin can help in severe cases.” Plus, she says, a good face wash and moisturizer can go a long way in treating acne as well. A few others that derms swear by follow.
1. Bring on the benzoyl peroxide: An acne-zapping favorite at any age, Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin, which subsequently reduces inflammation. Dr. Zeichner recommends the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask for an effective, acne-clearing dose of BP.
4. Tweak your diet: Sugar and dairy have been known to spike cortisol, which can ultimately show itself on your skin. Try as best you can to cut these nutrients from your diet in order to help stave off zits that are being caused by hormones
6. Talk to your derm: If figuring things out on your own doesn’t seem to be working, it may be time to seek professional help. Head to the dermatologist, who will be able to help you find the root behind your 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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Having A Balanced Diet
Diet can drastically impact our bodies affecting everything from weight, blood sugar levels, and hormone production. And yes, it can even contribute to acne!
While it can be tempting after a few beers, try to avoid greasy, oily foods and foods full of sugar. These can make acne and other skin conditions worse. You want to maintain a balanced and healthy diet with plenty of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits vegetables, and healthy fats.
What Are The Symptoms Of Back Acne
Back acne usually affects the upper back and shoulders. These areas have a high concentration of oil glands compared to other sites, such as the lower back.
The symptoms of back acne vary depending on the severity of the condition. Back acne blemishes may include:
- Blackheads, which look like dark or black pores
- Whiteheads, which are white domes over a pore
- Pimples, which are raised, tender bumps that can be red or flesh-colored and may have a white tip
- Nodules, which are large, hard, painful lumps under the skin
- Cysts, which are softer, pus-filled nodules
Mild back acne is the presence of a few blackheads or whiteheads. Moderate back acne is a having a mix of , whiteheads and pimples. You can usually manage these forms of acne on your own. Deep or painful lumps are a sign of severe acne that requires a dermatologists care. Seeking care early can help prevent or minimize scarring.
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Practice Proper Skin Care
Theres nothing more important when treating acne than a consistent skin care routine, whether youre struggling with facial acne, back acne, or both. Follow a daily cleansing regimen: wash your skin once in the morning and once in the evening with gentle but effective acne treatment that will help fight existing pimples and prevent future breakouts.
Because back acne can be tough to shake, its important to use a product that contains acne-fighting ingredients.
Can Acne Be Prevented
Preventing acne is difficult if not impossible during normal hormonal changes. But some things can help:
- Wash your face daily with warm water and a mild facial cleanser.
- Routinely use moisturizer.
- You dont have to stop using makeup, but try to use non-comedogenic products and remove makeup at the end of each day.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
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