Back acne, also known as "bacne," is caused primarily by the clogging of hair follicles on the back with a combination of excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. The sebaceous glands on the back produce sebum, which can become overactive due to hormonal changes, leading to clogged pores and acne formation
. Several factors contribute to the development and worsening of back acne:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Common during puberty, pregnancy, or conditions affecting hormone levels, which increase sebum production
- Friction and irritation: Wearing tight clothing, backpacks, or sports gear that rubs against sweaty skin can trap sweat and cause irritation, worsening acne
- Sweat accumulation: Sweat trapped between skin and clothing clogs pores, especially if not washed off promptly after exercise
- Use of pore-clogging skincare or body products: Lotions, creams, or sunscreens that block pores can trigger breakouts
- Stress: Elevated stress increases cortisol, which can boost sebum production and exacerbate acne
- Genetic predisposition: Family history can increase susceptibility to back acne
- Certain medications: Corticosteroids and some other drugs may worsen acne
- Yeast infection: A yeast called Malassezia can infect hair follicles, causing acne-like eruptions on the back that may need different treatment
In summary, back acne results from a mix of hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors that cause pores on the back to become clogged with oil, dead skin, sweat, and bacteria, often aggravated by friction and sweat retention
