How to prevent and treat pimples on the back

Similar to pimples on the rest of the face, pimples on the back can be painful and bothersome. Our guide covers ways to prevent and treat them.

WHAT ARE PIMPLES ON THE BACK?

Back acne is the term used for areas of acne on the back. It can be similar in appearance to the pimples you might find on other parts of the body, such as your face - and they typically form in clusters. Although completely natural, they may cause distress and discomfort but there is a wide range of at-home remedies as well as dermatological treatments that can help.

Since the skin on the back is thicker than on other parts of the body, it’s particularly prone to pimples. But what type of pimples can form on the back?

WHAT TYPE OF PIMPLES CAN FORM ON THE BACK?

Pimples on the back can differ in appearance but typical fall under one of these four categories:

1. Blackheads: a follicle clogged with sebum of which the outer part oxidises with the air around it to form a black plug

2. Whiteheads: similar to blackheads but without the plug being exposed to air, so it remains white in appearance

3. Cysts: these pus-filled bumps are the result of bacteria build-up in a hair follicle and form well below the skin’s surface

4. Red bumps: these can be sensitive to touch and are the result of an inflamed hair follicle.

WHAT CAUSES PIMPLES ON THE BACK?

Like other parts of the body, pimples on the back tend to form when pores get clogged with dirt, sweat and dead skin cells. Additionally, if your skin is prone to blemishes then your pores are likely to be overproducing sebum, which can lead to build-ups and clogging on the back too. Other underlying factors can also contribute to pimples on the back:

1. Friction from clothing: tight clothing or heavy backpacks can irritate the skin, leading to pimples.

2. Hormones: the overproduction of sebum can be caused by hormonal changes, which is why acne is common during puberty and also during menstruation.

3. Poor hygiene: failing to wash sheets and clothing can lead to a buildup of bacteria which can get trapped in the pores and cause inflammation that results in pimples.

4. Diet: some may notice pimples on the back if their diet includes an excess of dairy or carbohydrates. Eating excessive amounts of carbohydrates can raise blood sugar and insulin levels, which may in-turn contribute to pimples.

5. Family history: you’re more likely to experience acne if both of your parents did. For example, one parent may have a hereditary condition that causes a hormonal imbalance which may contribute to acne breakouts.

6. Skincare products: some skincare products may actively dry out the skin, which can exacerbate sebum overproduction and worsen pimples.

7. Stress & anxiety: the production of cytokine proteins can be triggered by stress and anxiety. These proteins can inflame the sebaceous glands, which in turn produce excess sebum oil and ultimately contribute towards pimples.

8. Comedogenic wash products: products containing comedogenic ingredients can clog pores. Examples of these products include fragranced body washes, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a foaming agent found in some soaps) and some oils such as coconut oil.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT PIMPLES ON THE BACK?

It may not be possible to completely prevent back acne, but there are a range of measures you can take to minimise it. Here are our nine prevention tips:

1. HYGIENE:

Keep your skin as clean as possible by showering regularly and using a gentle cleanser. If possible, opt for a non-comedogenic cleanser as these are designed specifically for blemish-prone skin, and make sure to wash after exercising to avoid sweat getting trapped in your pores.

2. WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING:

Tighter clothing and synthetic fabrics can trap sweat and bacteria, which can contribute to pimples. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural materials such as cotton where possible.

3. FREQUENTLY WASH YOUR CLOTHES:

Dirty clothes can host sweat and dirt which contribute to pimples. Regularly wash your clothes to avoid build-up, and change out of sweaty workout gear immediately after exercising.

4. STAY HYDRATED:

Dehydrated or dry skin often is a cause of excess sebum production - you can minimise this by drinking lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.

5. MANAGE STRESS:

Stress is a common cause of pimples. Meditation and exercise are great ways of relaxing the mind if you have time to fit them in, and getting 7-8 hours a sleep a day can also help to minimise stress.

6. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR BACK:

Dirt and bacteria may be transferred to your skin, which may infect or otherwise worsen back acne.

7. EXFOLIATION:

Gently exfoliating dead skin cells on the back can help, but be sure to avoid harsh scrubs that may irritate the skin and worsen the appearance of pimples.

8. AVOID WEARING HEAVY BACKPACKS:

Although this may not be possible or convenient, lightening the load of a backpack or opting for a shoulder bag will alleviate pressure on the back.

9. EAT A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET:

Eating a diet that’s nutrient rich and full of fruits and vegetables can help to keep your skin healthy and clear. Avoid excessive amounts of junk food and sugary foods. If you notice your symptoms develop or worsen after eating an excess amount of dairy or processed grains, consider keeping a diary and eliminating those food groups.

HOW CAN YOU GET RID OF PIMPLES ON THE BACK?

1. Keep your skin clean: in addition to preventing pimples on the back from forming, keeping your skin clean is also a remedy. Be sure to avoid scrubbing too hard, though.

2. Regularly wash linens and towels: this will help to avoid a buildup of bacteria.

3. Don’t scratch or pick your pimples: not only will this worsen the appearance of pimples, it may also infect the pimple with bacteria and also cause scarring over time.

4. Opt for a thin, mattifying sunscreen: thicker body sunscreens can further clog the pores, so using a thinner sunscreen on affected areas will help to minimise this risk.

The NIVEA UV Face Shine Control SPF 50, although intended for facial skin, is an ideal choice here since its light formula offers effective and immediate UV protection while absorbing excess oil from the skin’s surface.

5. Use a spot treatment: if treating a small number of pimples you could use a spot treatment that contains Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid, which can help to reduce inflammation and keep the pores clear.

6. Topical treatments: depending on the amount of pimples you could opt for an over-the-counter topical treatment. These typically include the ingredients mentioned above in addition to AHAs, which can be effective in treating symptoms of back acne.

7. Oral treatments: an oral treatment may be more cost effective if a large area of skin is affected. When considering this option it’s best to consult a dermatologist beforehand so that they can recommend and prescribe the most suitable treatment for you.

8. Consult a dermatologist: if your pimples persist and you’re concerned about scarring, talk to a dermatologist. They will be able to assess whether you have an underlying condition and can offer advice on further treatment.

ARE MEN MORE LIKELY TO GET PIMPLES ON THE BACK?

Although both men and women can experience back acne, men are more prone to developing them than women. One main factor is that men tend to have higher levels of testosterone, a hormone which - among other things - can lead to increased production of sebum which clogs the pores.

ARE PIMPLES ON THE BACK SYMPTOMATIC OF SOMETHING ELSE?

Pimples on the back are typically not a symptom of another underlying health condition - however, in some cases it could be a sign of hormonal imbalance or another medical condition. For example, pimples may appear on the back of women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can cause acne.

Medications may also lead to pimples on the back. These include some medications used to treat depression, which can cause acne as a side effect. If you begin to notice pimples after starting a new medication, it’s best to monitor them and consult a medical professional if they persist.

ARE PIMPLES ON THE BACK ALWAYS ACNE?

Pimples on the back aren’t necessarily a symptom of acne. They may appear as a result of other, common skin conditions such as:

1. Heat rash: this occurs when sweat gets trapped in the sweat ducts, causing small pimples or red bumps to form. However, this tends to clear up once the skin has a chance to cool down.

2. Allergic reactions: dietary intolerances such as those mentioned previously may cause breakouts of pimples. Other dietary factors may include excess sugar, processed meats, high glycemic foods and fast food.

3. Folliculitis: this is an inflammation of the hair follicles, which can result in clusters of small red bumps that form around the hair follicle.

HOW DO PIMPLES ON THE BACK DIFFER FROM THOSE ON THE FACE?

Although pimples on the back may share similarities in appearance, there are three key differences between the two:

1. Size: skin pores on the back are larger than those on the face, meaning they can more easily clog with excess sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria

2. Severity: pimples on the back can be more painful than pimples on other areas since back skin is much thicker, meaning breakouts can form deeper under the surface

3. Treatment: skin on the back may be less sensitive to topical acne treatments due to its thickness. One example is Benzoyl Peroxide, which can help to control bacteria that contribute to some forms of pimples. Additionally, using topical treatments may be expensive due to the large surface area of the back, so opting for an oral treatment may be more cost-effective.

Though not created for treating pimples on the back, NIVEA offers a range specifically formulated for treating symptoms of acne on the face. The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear range utilises the powerful active ingredients Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid to deeply cleanse and clarify pores, which may help to keep face pimples at bay.

Explore The Derma Skin Clear Range