Back Acne: Causes and How to Prevent It

Back pimples are a very common skin condition in both men and women. And, although it usually appears at puberty, it is a problem of the dermis that can extend into adulthood. In addition, both the pimples and the possible marks they can leave behind become a problem for many people.



Undoubtedly, pimples on the back are more than just an aesthetic problem, as they often cause itching and irritation, and in the worst cases, even pain. Therefore, in this article, we will discover the causes of this dermatological condition, how it can be eliminated and what foods to avoid to prevent them.

Why do I get pimples on my back?

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The appearance of pimples, both on the back and on other parts of the body, may be due to different factors, and therefore, their treatment will also be different. The fact is that it is not only a cosmetic problem, as pimples on the back often cause itching, irritation and pain. Therefore, they become a physical discomfort that can influence the mood of the person who suffers from it.

The truth is that, to this day, the exact reason for the appearance of acne is unknown, in the back is more common this type of dermatological problem because the skin is a little thicker and this facilitates the obstruction of the pores by an excess of sebum or dead cells.

 

Experts in the field have also discovered that the causes of pimples on the back are:

    • Excess sebum due to the fact that on the back we have sebaceous glands with greater activity.

    • Accumulation of dead cells.

    • Hormonal factors. During puberty, menstruation or pregnancy there is an excessive production of sebum that together with dead cells, bacteria, dirt ... form the dreaded pimples or pimples.

    • Genetics. There are studies that corroborate the tendency to suffer from acne if the parents suffer from it or suffered from it at some point in their lives.

    • Poor diet. Following an unhealthy diet with products rich in trans fats or sugars, as well as ultra-processed foods, contributes to the accumulation of these fat reserves, affecting the health of the dermis.

    • Humidity and/or excessive sweating. The back is almost always covered by clothing, and if it is tight and, in addition, there is sweat, it produces a blockage of the pores.

    • Stress, as it has been proven how the pace of life influences the production of fat.

    • Pollution in big cities is also a reason for the appearance of pimples on the back.

How to get rid of pimples on the back?

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After knowing what are the possible causes of pimples on the back, surely the part that interests you most is to know how you can get rid of them. Well, there are different alternatives to solve this dermatological condition, such as:

    • Creams for the affected skin. It is usually the first solution to treat mild or moderate acne problems.

    • Chemical peeling to exfoliate the skin and thus eliminate the most superficial layer of the dermis and eliminate dead cells.

    • Diode laser that fights acne-causing bacteria and regulates sebum production in the pores. To obtain results it is necessary to perform between 3 and 4 sessions.

In addition to all these alternatives, you can also resort to home remedies that can alleviate the appearance of pimples on the back, as well as a series of tips that we will detail below.

Tips to prevent acne on the back

Beforeknowing the home remedies for pimples on the back, it is important that you take into account the following tips to prevent their appearance:

    • Follow proper hygiene to prevent dirt and grease from accumulating on the skin of the back.

    • Pay attention to the temperature of the water, it should be lukewarm, neither too cold nor too hot.

    • Use natural and soft sponges and hygiene products with natural and aseptic ingredients.

    • Exfoliate at least once a week with a product containing natural ingredients.

    • Avoid shaving with a razor.

    • Use cotton or linen clothes, and avoid tight-fitting clothes.

    • Use non-aggressive detergents and softeners in the washing machine.

Home remedies for back pimples

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First of all, if you have pimples on your back and they are very annoying, it is advisable to see a doctor or specialist to monitor the possible causes. But, before performing a more abrasive treatment, you can also try these home remedies that are harmless and can be very effective in eliminating acne. Take note!

    • Garlic and lemon. Thanks to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, these two ingredients will help you get rid of pimples on your back. All you have to do is crush 2-3 cloves of garlic and mix it with the juice of a lemon. With clean and dry skin, apply the mixture with circular massages and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse with water.

    • Honey and vinegar. Both ingredients are also effective for their antibacterial and cleansing power. To test their effectiveness, mix all the ingredients with the help of a fork. When you have a paste, apply it on the areas where you have pimples making circular movements. Then, leave it on and remove with water.

    • Aloe vera. Everyone knows the great power of this plant, and for this problem it will also be very useful. You only have to crush 4 slices of cucumber and mix with aloe vera extract, a tablespoon of coarse salt and two glasses of water. When you get a paste, you can apply it all over your back in circular motions. Leave on for about 15 minutes and remove with water.

 

What foods cause pimples on the back?

As we explained above, one of the possible causes of pimples on the back is to follow a poor diet. Below, we will show you a list of foods that can facilitate the appearance of acne, but it is true that some foods affect more or less depending on the metabolism of each patient.

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But, several scientific studies have shown that the following foods are related to pimples on the back.

    • Dairy products. Although the reasons are not known, it seems to be related to the amount of hormones contained in these products.

    • Chocolate. It depends on each person, as it does not always favor the appearance of acne. However, to avoid pimples on the back, if you are going to eat chocolate it is important to take into account the fat, cocoa and milk it contains.

    • Red meat and sausages because of their high fat content.

    • Alcohol is harmful for three reasons: it damages the immune system and, consequently, bacteria affect the skin; its rapid decomposition into sugar causes it to provoke inflammation; and finally, it has a diuretic effect that can cause dehydration.

    • Bread, cereals, pasta and others with refined carbohydrates as it leads to an excessive production of sebum in the body.

    • Sugary products.

If after treating your pimples on your back in a natural way, the problem persists, it is best to see a dermatologist to evaluate your personal situation.

Now you know why pimples appear on your back and how you can eliminate and prevent them. Remember that you can also use products based on silicon as it helps to preserve the youthful appearance of the skin and accelerates the healing of wounds, among other benefits.

 



Dra. Maria del Mar Sabaté Martínez
Written by Dra. Maria del Mar Sabaté Martínez

PhD URV 2006, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia Tesis: Estudi fisiopatològic de l'acció d'anticossos IgM anti-GM2 d'un pacient sobre la unió neuromuscular Afiliación actual: URV, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques

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