Striking Back at Backne

by Andrew Clayman
02/15/08

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A slang term for acne occurring on the back, “backne” is actually a very common skin condition effecting more than 80 million people in North America alone. Just like facial acne, backne forms as a result of oily skin and clogged pores, which in turn, create the outgrowth of pimples associated with the condition. Like any kind of acne, backne can certainly have its social consequences. Though easier to conceal than facial acne, backne can be more difficult to treat, and can lead to embarrassment in “shirtless situations” like swimming, outdoor athletics, and times of intimacy.

Back acne is not hereditary, nor is it a contagious condition. The majority of cases occur with teenage girls and boys, and most fade away with time and careful treatment. However, many adults have been known to suffer from backne, as well, making its proper treatment and prevention an important skincare issue for people of all ages.

While hormonal levels are a major cause of backne, particularly for teens and pregnant women, there are certain types of behavior that can also cause the condition or make it worse. One of the most common such triggers is tight clothing, such as sports bras, tight t-shirts, bike shorts, or even backpacks. When sweat is trapped between these clothes and your body, the skin can become irritated and produce more of the oils and clogged pores that create bacne outbreaks. Another well known cause of backne is steroid use, whether used for medical purposes or to increase muscle mass.

So, aside from wearing looser clothes and staying off steroids, how else can you keep backne at bay? Well, as with many health concerns, drinking a lot of water always helps. Staying hydrated is extremely important to maintaining healthy skin. Meanwhile, if you're looking for ways to treat bacne that's already appeared, there are numerous options, including a wealth of skin creams and acne fighting solutions. Most of these over-the-counter acne treatments have minimal to mild effect, however. For a more serious case, your best course of action is to connect with a dermatologist or skincare professional in your area. They can offer advanced modern skin care treatments for acne like Blue Light Therapy, Microdermabrasion, and IPL Photofacial, all of which are proven to get results.

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