Acne is a fairly common problem from which neither men nor women are immune. If regular facial skin care can prevent the appearance of various inflammations and blackheads, then it is much more difficult to get rid of acne on the back, shoulders, chest, and butt. In addition, acne often appears on the back and shoulders, as well as on the chest and butt in adults who have gone through puberty far behind them. What is the reason for this “misfortune”? How to remove acne from various places on the body? We'll talk about this later. But in any case, we recommend that you read the main article on the fight against acne.
Excessive sebum production, dead skin cells and bacteria
Body acne is caused by the same factors as facial acne, namely hypertrophied sebaceous glands and bacteria.
When sebum or dead cells accumulate inside the follicle, which we call a pore, it becomes clogged. The pore becomes black, and when bacteria enters, an inflamed pimple forms.
As on the face, there is a fairly high density of sebaceous glands on the back, shoulders, and forearms, so the follicles become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.
Symptoms and appearance
Not all acne looks and feels the same, ranging in size, color and severity.
Different types include:
- Open (blackheads): These are small, round bumps with black spots in the center. Every spot is oxidized sebum, not dirt.
- Closed (white) blackheads: These are small, round bumps with white centers. This type is harder than blackheads and does not break out if a person squeezes it.
- Papules: These are small red bumps that can be painful.
- Pustules: These are small bumps with an inflamed base and a white, pus-filled head.
- Nodules: These are large, hard bumps located deep in the skin. The nodules may be painful to the touch.
- Cystic acne: These are large, pus-filled nodules that can cause scarring.
Heat, friction and sweat can trigger certain types of acne
Friction or pressure on the skin, plus steam or sweat, and we get an irritated and inflamed follicle, and then mechanical acne. Reasons include tight-fitting clothing, narrow collars, backpacks, bag straps and sportswear or equipment.
READ ALSO: Adult acne: 6 main causes you need to know about
Sweat can also trigger acne. To minimize irritation, shower immediately after exercise or work. Do not use aggressive hygiene products: gels, shower soaps with fragrances, mineral oil, synthetic components. Acne can occur from body creams that contain many comedogenic ingredients (for example, coconut oil). There is no acne on other parts of the body because there are fewer sebaceous glands there and therefore less prone to acne formation. In addition, acne can appear from hair products: balms, leave-in care and styling. So cleanse your skin gently and use body products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Causes of rashes
Common causes and risk factors:
- blockage of the sebaceous glands occurs with prolonged use of low-quality cosmetics;
- wearing underwear made of synthetic materials does not allow the skin to receive enough air, provokes rashes, irritations, red spots, purulent processes;
- stress factors and prolonged experiences negatively affect the skin, a psychotherapist and sedatives will help get rid of rashes;
- addiction to junk food is a path to rashes, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of fried and sweet foods.
Serious causes of acne, which are not so easy to get rid of, are neurological diseases and infections. Shingles and herpes cause a rash on the back along the nerve; such rashes cannot be treated independently.
Fluctuations in hormone levels are reflected in rashes in adolescents, women and men taking hormonal medications, and in pregnant women. In this situation, medications are used.
Embarrassment is normal
The feeling of discomfort forces people to choose clothes that hide problem areas as much as possible. Girls prefer T-shirts and shirts with a shallow neckline to hide rashes on their chests; men are embarrassed to show their torso.
Some people stop playing sports or participating in certain activities because of skin problems. Of course, it's hard to enjoy swimming in the pool if you're embarrassed to show up in a swimsuit.
Body acne can be a serious psychological trauma for teenagers. Self-doubt prevents you from changing clothes in the locker room and making a choice in favor of a beautiful dress with an open back for prom, and, in the end, prevents you from living.
All these feelings are completely normal. Accept the situation and focus on acne treatment to resolve the problem quickly.
READ ALSO: Benefits of professional cosmetics
Preventing rashes
Preventing acne recurrence includes:
- correction of nutrition, normalization of the daily routine;
- healthy sleep, avoiding stress;
- taking multivitamins, sedatives;
- use of hygiene products for problem skin;
- consultation with a dermatologist, nutritionist.
When acne on the chest or back does not disappear for a long time, special medications are used for treatment: Zinerit, Baziron.
Treatment of acne on the body
Treatment for mild acne
Mild acne - individual pimples often disappear once you establish a daily skin care routine and do not require prescription treatments.
- Try using products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are sold in pharmacies. If you are used to using soap, buy soap that contains benzoyl peroxide.
- Use the chosen product daily. Try showering or bathing immediately after exercising or sweating to minimize clogged pores.
- If cleansers don't work, start using a medicated lotion or spray with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Apply them once or twice a day, depending on the composition of the product. Sprays are perfect for hard-to-reach areas on the back.
- Alpha hydroxy acids found in personal care products, such as glycolic or lactic acid, will provide additional benefits. Alpha hydroxy acids help speed up cellular turnover, effectively exfoliate the skin and reduce the number of clogged pores.
- You can use several acne treatment products at the same time. For example, shower with salicylic acid and use benzoyl peroxide lotion. The skin on the back, chest and shoulders is tougher than the skin on the face and can therefore withstand more powerful treatments.
- However, be careful when using medicinal products in the neck area; the skin there is quite sensitive. If you notice irritation, dryness, or flaking on any part of your body, consult your doctor.
- Do not sunbathe - do not under any circumstances try to cure acne with a tanning bed.
- Reduce your intake of dairy products and fast carbohydrates.
READ ALSO: Pimple under the eye: causes and how to get rid of it?
Get rid of back rashes
Acne on the back and shoulders is more often observed in men, which occurs against the background of excessive secretion of subcutaneous sebum and blockage of the glands. The main causes of rash on the back:
- internal factors - disruption of metabolic processes.
- external – poor environment, poor quality water, smoking, dust.
Wearing tight clothes and a backpack on your shoulders causes irritation. At risk are girls and men who are exposed to the sun and wear dark clothes in the summer that attract heat and cause increased sweating.
What to do
- Wear things made from natural fabrics, avoid hard backpack straps that rub the skin.
- Treat your back daily with antiseptic solutions (hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine) so that the elements on the skin do not become inflamed and spread.
- A solution of potassium permanganate effectively copes with pimples on the back. The affected skin areas are washed with a weak solution. A bath with the addition of potassium permanganate will relieve the rash.
- The body washcloth should be changed frequently and not scratch the skin. After the first wash, particles of dead epithelium accumulate on the washcloth and are not washed out.
- Take vitamins daily, especially in winter, when it is not possible to eat fresh fruit. Allergies to fruits can cause rashes.
Problem areas of the skin are lubricated with salicylic acid, a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide, and calendula tincture.
Treatment with drugs
By contacting a specialist, you will receive the right treatment. The doctor will determine the cause of acne, prescribe the right medications and ointments that will prevent the inflammation from developing further.
The most common drugs for treatment:
- Zinc ointment
- Skinoren
- Differin
- Dalatsin
- Metrogil
- Curiosin
Zinc ointment
Zinc ointment is a drug that has been used for a long time. The ulcers seem to “dry” under the influence of zinc oxide. Irritation and redness go away, the inflammatory process stops. The course of use of the drug is no more than 3 weeks. The ointment is applied to the affected areas in a thick layer. After 40 minutes, gently blot the remaining ointment with a paper towel or napkin.
Gel and cream Skinoren
Skinoren - the drug is based on azelaic acid, which is the main active ingredient. This substance can eliminate excess fat without drying out the skin. Skinoren quickly relieves inflammation, acne disappears, leaving no traces of its appearance. This drug is considered the most effective. Here the acne gel Skinoren is described in more detail.
Gel Differin
Differin – cleanses the ducts of the sebaceous glands. Under the influence of the drug, acne quickly matures and disappears. The instructions for use say that Differin acne cream should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
Gel Dalatsin
Dalatsin – if the focus of inflammation is large enough, then doctors prescribe this remedy. Clindamycin is the main substance included in the drug, an antibiotic. This drug should not be used independently; it is prescribed by dermatologists. Dalacin can be addictive, so you should not use it for a long time. In addition to the fact that scars may remain at the site of acne, the gel can also cause complications.
Gel Metrogyl
Metrogyl is a cream with bactericidal properties. Relatively inexpensive drug. Apply to dry skin by rubbing into the pimple. If the cream is used in combination with taking vitamins, the effect will manifest itself soon. Here you will find instructions for using Metrogyl acne gel.
Curiosin
Curiosin - used if the form of inflammation is severe. Inflammation under its action quickly goes away, acne disappears. It is used by washing ulcers, and also applying lotions to purulent pimples. Curiosin is capable of having antimicrobial, antiseptic and regenerating effects.
In addition to ointments and gels, antiviral drugs and antibiotics are often prescribed:
Famvir tablets
Famvir – eliminates acne that occurs during ARVI or colds. 2 tablets per day for 5 days – course of treatment. Any antiviral drug should not be taken on its own, but only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Here you can read how to get rid of back acne in teenagers.
