Is back acne common?

Why does acne develop on your back?

Back acne is acne that develops on the back, although the nickname "bacne" makes it sound like it needed its own branding department. Acne starts when hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow, become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria in blocked follicles can cause inflammation and pus. Sweat trapped beneath clothing and friction from shirts, backpacks or sports equipment can worsen back acne. Hormone changes and some medicines can also contribute, so washing harder does not address every possible trigger.12

How common is acne?

Around 50 million people in the United States have acne. That number covers acne generally, not just back acne. Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults, but it can persist into middle age. It also tends to run in families. Blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt, and having acne is not evidence that someone needs to wash more. Stress can make acne worse.134

What does back acne look like?

Acne can include whiteheads, blackheads, raised bumps and spots filled with pus. Raised bumps can look pink or red on white skin and brown or purple on brown and black skin. Larger lumps beneath the skin are called nodules or cysts and can be painful. Severity depends on the breakouts, not simply their location: a few surface spots are different from numerous deep, painful lumps.2

What can you do about mild back acne?

Gentle cleansing belongs in acne care, with no bonus points for turning a wash into a polishing service. For mild breakouts, start with these steps:3

1. 1Wash gently once or twice a day, including after exercise. Avoid harsh scrubbing and repeated washing.
2. 2After sweating, shower and change into clean clothes. Choose loose, breathable clothing and reduce friction from equipment that rubs your back.
3. 3Choose noncomedogenic body products, meaning products designed not to clog pores. Use clean towels and bedding.
4. 4For persistent mild spots, ask a pharmacist about benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Follow the product directions carefully and apply treatments sparingly.

Acne medicines can cause redness, dryness or excessive peeling. Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach towels and clothing. Avoid picking or squeezing spots: doing so can cause infection, slower healing and scars. Do not try to drain a deep cyst or nodule at home.46

How long does treatment take?

Acne often takes six to eight weeks to respond to treatment. Severe acne treatment can take two to three months to show improvement. Once severe acne clears, continued treatment is usually needed to keep it controlled, although the medicines can change. Do not wait for these milestones if you have painful lumps or developing scars.46

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor for lots of spots, deep or painful lumps, scarring, worsening acne or breakouts that do not improve with treatment. Seek medical help for hot, swollen skin or fever, which can indicate infection. Acne affecting your mental health is also a reason to get help. Severe acne needs prescription treatment rather than shop bought products alone. If isotretinoin is considered, it requires medical monitoring and must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes severe birth defects.1456

What if the bumps are on the back of your neck?

Bumps on the back of the neck or scalp are not always acne. Acne keloidalis nuchae is a separate condition that can resemble acne or razor bumps and cause raised scars and hair loss. Have those bumps assessed by a dermatologist rather than assuming the same home treatment will work.7