What is Bacne and What Causes It?

Bacne is a term for back acne or body acne, which usually forms on the back and upper arms. Bacne can be pimples, blackheads, pustules or cysts.

There is no scientific explanation for what causes bacne and studies have shown that stress, oily or fatty foods, excessive sweating, tight clothing and even genes do not seem to play a role in the cause of back acne, although it is possible that bacne can be aggravated by any of these.

How Can I Prevent Bacne?

After any activity that causes excessive perspiration such as a gym workout, running, garden work or even heavy housework, you should always wash to help alleviate the condition and cleanse the pores quickly. Since bacteria can exacerbate the condition, always wear clean bras and T-shirts when working out and put a clean towel down before lying on exercise machines or mats at the gym. And never go straight into the steam room after a sweaty workout; shower first to get rid of dirt and bacteria.

Dead skin cells often build up on the back and can contribute to a bacne breakout. Use an exfoliating scrub (like the Get Fresh Mineral Body Scrub) in the shower on a weekly basis to get rid of dead skin cells and help combat breakouts.

How Do I Treat Bacne?

Stubborn back acne is a problem that often requires oral prescription antibiotics, says New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo. "Acne on the back is much more resistant to treatment than acne on the face, so you need to treat it aggressively." And since skin on the back is tougher, it can take tougher products. Lupo recommends a prescription vitamin A cream or 10 percent benzoyl peroxide wash. For milder cases or the occasional breakout, treat spots with over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide lotion. Peels can help unclog pores, but Lupo says these should be a supplementary treatment.

On a daily basis, wash the back with an anti-bacterial cleanser (preferably one formulated for the face, like AminoGenesis Really, Really Clean); stay away from regular soap that can dry out the skin. Since bacne is often out of sight, it is hard to treat properly. Using a back scrubber (like Earth Therapeutics Nylon Back Scrubber) in conjunction with the cleanser is very effective. Also, avoid irritating or inflaming the area by using abrasive cleansers. After cleansing, allow skin to dry and apply a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide gel or cream (available at most drugstores) to the affected area.