Back and body acne can be just as frustrating and challenging to manage as facial acne.
It is characterised by the presence of inflamed pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and occasionally, cysts or nodules on areas other than the face. These acne lesions can vary in size and severity and may be accompanied by redness, swelling, and discomfort. Acne on your body can also cause embarrassment and self-consciousness along with reduced self-esteem and psychological issues. It can affect your social life, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life, too.
In my 13 years of experience as a dermatologist, I’ve most commonly seen this problem afflict men and boys rather than women and girls. It’s a common occurrence among heavy gym-goers, steroid takers, diabetics, and people who either oil their scalp a lot or fail to maintain basic skin hygiene. Hormonal fluctuations, genetics, tight clothing and backpack straps can also cause pimples on your body.
Steroid-induced acne goes by the medical term malassezia folliculitis and usually shows up in the form of small lesions on the chest and back. Meanwhile, excessive oil usage leads to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis which causes stubborn dandruff. These dandruff flakes can clog the pores of your skin and cause acne. Excessive use of hair products can also lead to a condition called pomade acne, which can affect your neck and back.
How to control back and body acne?
To start with, you can research solutions that contain 1-3 per cent Cetavlon and apply it a few minutes before bathing on the acne-affected area. This stops the acne in its early stages, preventing it from spreading.
However, to properly control back and body acne, you must also work on incorporating a comprehensive skincare routine into your lifestyle.
Cleanse with care
Your back and body always need to be washed with a mild, and fragrance-free cleanser two times a day. Check with your dermatologist about the best cleanser for your skin type and use it religiously. Additionally, gentle cleansing with a loofah helps.
You sweat, you shower
Sweating directly contributes to the growth of body acne. So, whether you break into a light or heavy sweat after the gym or other physical activities, shower as soon as you possibly can.
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
Exfoliation is a very important step in the prevention of acne. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and to prevent your pores from getting blocked.
Do not over-scrub
One of the most common issues I’ve experienced with patients is over-scrubbing. It will irritate your skin and aggravate your back and body acne. Always opt for gentle circular motions while scrubbing your skin and then proceed to pat it with a clean and dry towel.
Let your skin breathe
Wear breathable clothing, only, always. There shouldn’t be two ways about this. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and deserves to breathe just as well. So, always choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton during hot and humid months. Wearing cotton vests and innerwear is better than wearing synthetic fabrics as they enable the growth of acne-causing yeast. The sweat and bacteria such clothing traps will only exacerbate your acne troubles.
Sunscreen before you step out
Sunlight is a double-edged sword – while it can temporarily help dry out your acne, too much exposure can worsen it. Remember to apply generous amounts of sunscreen to all exposed skin areas before stepping out and repeat the process after every three hours.
Also read: Don’t go holidaying to a beach if you have psoriasis. There’s a trick to getting enough sun
Say yes to good hygiene
Bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, innerwear – anything that you sit, work or sleep in needs to be regularly washed to prevent any oil or bacteria buildup.
Back and body acne can be a frustrating and challenging condition to manage, but by understanding its causes and symptoms, it is possible to achieve clearer, healthier skin. You have to be patient and consistent in your skincare routine and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
People often ask me for quick fixes, or book appointments to deal with the after-effects of a DIY solution they found on the internet. To them and you, I’ll only say this –do not put anything on your face that your dermatologist hasn’t signed off on. Your skin is your partner for life. Give it all the love, care and respect it deserves. With persistence, clearer skin is within reach.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)