Acne is a common skin condition. It is not just limited to teenagers and can appear anywhere on the body. Back is particularly prone to it. Blackheads, red spots, oily skin, whiteheads and pus-filled pimples on the back are characteristic of acne.
What Causes Pimples On Back
Three main factors that contribute to acne on any part of your body are:
- Overactive oil glands
- Overgrowth of bacteria that causes acne
- Excess of dead skin cells
The skin of the back is very thick, and thus the chances for clocked pores is high. In addition, the upper half of the body has more oil glands or sebaceous glands and have higher concentration of hair follicles in comparison to the lower half.
The other reasons behind back acne include:
- Dandruff
- Poor hair hygiene
- Chemical products used to clean hair
- Wearing workout clothes for too long in between washes
- Not taking a shower after workout
- Tight clothes or heavy backpack
- An unhealthy diet, rich in sugar, fat and dairy
- Certain beauty products may also be responsible
- Stress and hormonal imbalance also contribute to back acne.
Back Acne Treatment
Back acne is preventable. Follow the tips given below to treat and prevent it.
1. Always take a shower after a workout – Do not let the dirt and sweat sit on your skin after you are done with the exercise. Take a shower as soon as possible. Always wash workout clothes between the sessions.
2. Wear Loose fitted clothes – Wearing tight clothes trap sweat and dirt, causing the pores to clog. Better wear lose breathable cotton clothes, especially during workouts.
3. Exfoliating – Exfoliate your back with salicylic acid at least once in a week to get rid of oils and dirt from the skin. This will remove dead skin cells and open the pores.
4. Choose cosmetics wisely – The sunscreen, shampoo and other cosmetics you are using may contribute to clogging the pore. Choose light and organic skin products. Choose non-greasy sunscreen.
5. Improve Your Diet – What you eat affects your skin. Eat foods low in glycemic index such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Exclude white bread, white pasta, white potato and rice. Moreover, keep yourself hydrated.
6. Reduce stress – Yoga meditation and breathing exercises reduce stress. If you mind is stress free your skin is free of acne and glows.
7. Avoid certain medication – Drugs such as contraceptive pills increases the chances of back acne. If pimple on back appeared after taking certain medication, consult your doctor.
Home Remedies For Back Acne
- Epsom Salt – To the bathtub filled with water add a cup of Epsom salt. Soak yourself in it for 20-30 minutes. You can do this either alternate day or every day. Being anti-inflammatory Epsom salt reduces redness and inflammation accompanying acne.
- Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil is a potent oil that has been used for ages to treat various skin conditions. To a teaspoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil and apply over the back. Do this every night for three days and then wash it in the morning.
- Oatmeal bath – Oatmeal bath is anti- inflammatory. It also relieves itch. To the bathtub filled with water, add 2 cups of oatmeal and soak yourself in it for 30 minutes. Take an oatmeal bath daily for best results.
- Coconut oil – The easiest and most readily available solution to get rid of pimple on the back is coconut oil. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and has a cooling effect. Apply virgin coconut oil to your back and after 30 minutes rinse it off.
- Turmeric – Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. To teaspoon turmeric, add sufficient water to make a paste and apply the paste evenly to the back. After 30 minutes, wash it off. Repeat this once for a few days.
Do not get bothered due to pimples on back much. It is not at all a reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed. You are not the only to get back acne but almost everyone gets it. Take good care of your skin, eat healthy and keep yourself happy.
If the above measures do not clear back acne consult a dermatologist. Skin specialist will evaluate the cause and if required will prescribe medication to control it.