How to Treat Back Acne

Your face isn’t the only place where acne can appear. It can affect any body part that has oil-secreting glands or hair follicles, including the back, chest, and shoulders. Back acne — sometimes referred to as “bacne” — can be particularly troublesome.

 

Back acne can't be always controlled, because the main factors that predispose someone to developing bacne — hormonal fluctuations and genetics — are out of control.

 

But you can reduce your chances of developing future back acne lesions by:

 

• Avoiding certain medications. Some medicine, including androgens (male hormones) and lithium, are known to increase your chances of developing acne. If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor about possible alternative treatments.

• Limiting use of oil-based skin care products. Try not to use moisturizers, cosmetics, sunscreens, and any other oily products on your back, because they can lead to back acne flare-ups.

• Eliminating pressure on your back. If you carry a backpack or wear sports equipment, like shoulder pads, that puts pressure on your back, try not wearing it for a while or, alternatively, wear a clean cotton T-shirt under it.

 

• Practicing good skin care: It’s especially important to properly care for your skin. This includes regularly washing your skin with a gentle cleanser, taking a shower after you exercise, keeping your hair clean (make sure you thoroughly rinse off any hair conditioner in the shower), not squeezing or picking back acne lesions, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.