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Back Off Back Acne – Causes, Types & Effective Treatments
Picture this: You’ve got a hot date with someone you’ve crushing on. You picked out the perfect sexy outfit, but as you get dressed, you catch a glimpse of your back in the mirror – and your heart sinks.
There they are again – those unsightly pimples and blemishes. You feel self-conscious and embarrassed and worry that your crush will be staring at your acne instead of enjoying your company. Ah… that dreaded feeling.
BODY BREAKOUTS THAT FREAK YOU OUT
Back acne, also known as bacne, is a common skin condition where acne develops on your back and results from pores clogged with sebum, dirt and dead skin cells. Bacne affects many Malaysians, especially during hot and humid weather. The condition can be painful, itchy and can even make one self-conscious.
Here is everything you should know about bacne and how you can treat them.
THE 6 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BACK ACNE
Body and back acne can have different forms and are like the various types of acne found on our faces. These are some of the more common types of acne you may encounter:
- Whiteheads: Whiteheads appear as small, flesh-colored bumps, developed when a follicle gets clogged and stays under the skin. It cannot be emptied by squeezing.
- Blackheads: Unlike whiteheads, blackheads are open to the surface of the skin – exposure to the air darkens them making them appear black.
- Papules: Papules are small pink bumps when hair follicles get inflamed and do not contain pus. They often feel sore and cannot be squeezed.
- Pustules: Pustules are commonly referred to as pimples– a reddened papule filled with pus due to the buildup of white blood cells.
- Nodules: These are also inflamed hair follicles, but inflammation is much deeper, forming a larger, painful bump under the skin.
- Cysts: These are pus-filled pimples infected by bacteria. They tend to be painful, and the infection and inflammation are deeper, meaning there is a higher chance of scarring.
CAUSES OF BACK ACNE
Acne, including back acne, can have various causes that are often like those of facial acne. Genetics, hormones, stress and poor hygiene are among the factors that can contribute to the development of acne. Skin regions with sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is a type of oil that lubricates the skin – the build-up of sebum, dead skin cells and dirt can clog hair follicles and lead to the formation of acne lesions.
While hormonal fluctuations and genetics are out of your control, you can however, take steps to reduce the intensity of the acne.
WAYS TO MINIMISE AND PREVENT BODY ACNE
- Shower immediately after sweaty exercise and carry a change of clothes if you tend to perspire excessively.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing and opt for clothes that absorb sweat.
- Choose a backpack that’s lightweight to avoid sweating and friction on your back.
- Don’t pick! Resist the urge to pick the pimples, as this can worsen acne and lead to scarring, inflammation or infection.
- If you need to moisturise, use a fragrance-free acne-friendly cream.
- Keep long hair clean and away from your skin to prevent irriration.
- Avoid over-washing your skin, as this can cause irritation. Aim to wash your back up to twice a day.
- Exfoliate every time you shower with acne body wash containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid into your daily routine and use a gentle scrub no more than twice a week to remove dead skin cells and help prevent breakouts.
- If you are on medication, check with your doctor if your medicine, such as corticosteroids, is causing back acne.
BOOK A “BACIAL” TREATMENT WITH US TODAY
Back acne can be uncomfortable and distressing for those who struggle with it. If you are trying to impress that special someone, the last thing you want is to feel self-conscious about your back acne. But with Premier Clinic’s effective “bacial” treatments such as chemical peel to treat excess oil production and reduce acne scar appearance for skin on the back that is clear and glowing, you can be ready to rock that sexy outfit again!
Why wait? Book your appointment with Premier Clinic at +6012-662 5552 today and get ready to banish those bacne problems!