Why do I have back acne?

What is causing the clogged pores?

Sebum is the natural oil that keeps skin from drying out. Acne starts when that oil and shed skin cells get stuck inside a follicle instead of reaching the surface. Bacteria normally living on your skin can grow inside the blockage. The resulting inflammation causes swelling, redness and pain. Back acne can include whiteheads, blackheads, inflamed pimples or deeper, painful lumps.1

Why do I have so much back acne?

Several factors can overlap:

• Hormones can increase oil production during puberty. Pregnancy and menopause can also bring hormonal changes associated with acne.
• Family history raises your risk, especially if a close relative had deep, painful acne.
• Sweat mixed with skin oils and bacteria can clog pores. Pressure from tight clothes or backpacks can worsen existing acne.
• Greasy skin and hair products can plug follicles. Check products that come into contact with your back.
• Stress and too little sleep can worsen acne. Stress does not cause acne on its own.
• Medication changes can matter. Testosterone treatments, corticosteroids, lithium and stopping some birth control can contribute to breakouts.

If back acne started after beginning or stopping a medication, discuss that timing with your doctor. Acne alone cannot tell you whether a hormone imbalance or medication is responsible.4

Does back acne mean I am not washing enough?

No. Dirt does not cause blackheads or pimples. Blackheads look dark because their contents meet the air, not because your back needs a harder scrub. Aggressive scrubbing can worsen acne. Food is not a simple explanation either: some foods can worsen acne, but the role of diet remains uncertain. A breakout is not enough to identify a particular food as the cause.15

What should I do after sweating?

1. 1During exercise, blot sweat with a clean towel rather than rubbing it away.
2. 2After exercise, change out of tight, sweaty clothes and shower.
3. 3Clean your skin gently, without scrubbing, and moisturize after washing.
4. 4Put on clean clothes. Wash sweaty clothing and towels before using them again.

Choose cleansers and moisturizers labelled noncomedogenic, meaning they are made not to clog pores. A label saying "won't clog pores" is more useful here than a product name that sounds like military equipment.26

What can help clear back acne?

A gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid is one option for adult acne. The strongest cleanser on the shelf is not automatically the best choice, despite its excellent qualifications for looking decisive. Strong treatments can irritate or excessively dry adult skin. For blackheads and whiteheads, treatments also include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and azelaic acid. With consistent treatment, these clogged bumps can start improving in eight to twelve weeks, although clearing them can take months. Do not squeeze or pick them: that can damage follicles, cause infection and leave scars.46

When should I see a dermatologist?

Get medical help for large, deep or painful bumps, areas draining pus, bumps connecting beneath the skin, or acne that is worsening or not improving with nonprescription treatment. A rare severe form called acne conglobata can affect the back and cause lasting scars; early care can help prevent serious scarring. If bumps are especially itchy and tender, they could be folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles that resembles pimples. Persistent or worsening bumps need assessment rather than automatically being treated as acne.27