Acne is the most common skin problem in the country, and an estimated 50 million Americans have it. It commonly affects tweens, teens, and young adults, but it can plague anyone at almost every age.
Facial acne might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this common skin problem, but many people get it elsewhere on their bodies too — including their backs.
Back acne, or bacne, can be painful and embarrassing, just like acne that appears on your face. If you suffer acne breakouts on your back, schedule an appointment with Vicki Rapaport, MD, Marvin Rapaport, MD, and our team at Rapaport Dermatology.
We specialize in acne treatment, and we’re here to help you clear up bacne and restore your confidence.
Acne breakouts happen when bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil get trapped in hair follicles of your skin. These substances trigger inflammation and infection in your pores, leading to painful and unsightly pimples.
Acne is common on the face, because face skin naturally produces more oil. The same is true for your back. In fact, the skin on your upper back contains more oil glands than most other areas of your body.
Bacne typically affects your upper back and shoulders. It ranges from mild to severe, and chronic, severe bacne can be very painful.
Just like breakouts on your face, you might experience bacne that includes:
Blackheads and whiteheads are typically considered more mild. Pimples may be present in mild or severe cases. Nodules and cysts are typically more painful lumps under the skin, and are common in more severe cases.
Many people assume that acne is just a cosmetic concern that doesn’t need treatment. However, chronic acne can cause ongoing pain and contribute to permanent skin damage — no matter where it is on your body.
If you have chronic acne or bacne, our team can help you find a treatment plan that clears your skin and improves your confidence.
There are a few at-home treatments that could improve your bacne. Our team often recommends following a gentle skin cleansing routine to help reduce breakouts. Over-the-counter acne cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide can be very effective.
Along with proper skin cleansing, be sure to wash your clothing and bed sheets regularly. If you exercise or get sweaty, wash your back and change your clothes as soon as possible. Our dermatologists may also recommend dietary changes to improve acne breakouts.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, we offer more advanced medical care for bacne. Both topical prescription medication and oral anti-acne medications can be effective.
Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option for chronic acne. It works by reducing oil production in skin, and it effectively treats existing acne and prevents future breakouts.
Bacne is embarrassing, but treatment can make a difference. Schedule a consultation with our team at Rapaport Dermatology online or by phone to get your personalized acne treatment plan.
