It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise if back acne is one of the main skin concerns of guys, given that most men lead active lifestyles. Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang shares some advice on how to avoid back acne flare-ups
A common misconception about acne is that it only appears on the face. However, back acne is another serious skin issue, especially for people with active lifestyles or those who have extremely sensitive skin. According to dermatologist Jarische Lao-Ang, bacne or back acne is a type of truncal acne where pimples appear on the body. Aside from the back, it may also appear on the chest. Although acne is fairly common, it’s not bad to look into eliminating it.
Causes of back acne
As Dr. Lao-Ang pointed out, bacne is caused by the same things that cause pimples on the face, including clogged pores, excess oil production, germs, and inflammation. However, she did mention that unlike the face, common triggers for bacne include sweat and friction from everyday activities like working out and sports. She also added that certain hair products can also contribute to the development of this skin problem.
Helpful tips on how to clear up bacne
After engaging in any form of physical activity, a good, long soak in the tub is a must. Take a bath as soon as possible to avoid clogging your pores. In the absence of a shower, you can change into clean clothes at least.
Dr. Lao-Ang also stressed the significance of taking your time in the shower to guarantee a complete and thorough cleaning. She suggested that if you want to get rid of your back acne, it is important that you cleanse your hair and body properly.
When it comes to products, she recommends body washes that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur. She also said that you can try applying topical acne medication with retinoids (adapalene) or try using an anti-acne spray to control the skin situation.
Lastly, she suggested wearing loose fitting clothes and avoiding carrying a backpack for too long because these create friction, which is not helpful if you’re trying to reduce your risk of developing back acne.
When to visit a doctor
Dr. Lao-Ang stressed the point that not all back lumps are caused by acne. Causes could be folliculitis or reactions to oral medicines (acneiform eruptions). She advised seeing a doctor if the bumps did not diminish after using acne treatments, if the number of bumps increased over time, or if the bumps are painful or inflamed.
