Acne on the back and chest are estimated to occur in 61% patients.
If you say that you have never 'faced' acne at any age, then you are probably were a blessed star-child with extra-terrestrial genes, because a majority of human being have dealt with acne at some point or the other in their lives.
Case study: Koninica Dasgupta, 20, got up to itichy, scrachy, back that had developed small nodules. She and her mother surmised that it was some form of allergy but a visit to a dermatologist revealed that Koninica was suffering from back/truncal acne.
What is truncal acne?
Doctors say that acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that is characterised by an area of seborrhoea, comedones, papules and nodules that occur on the face, chest, back and upper arms. Dr Sadaf Rangooni, consultant dermatologist says, "Of this truncal acne i.e acne on the back and chest are estimated to occur in 61% patients."
Why does back acne occur?
Dr S S Trasi, dermatologist explains, "Back acne, like acne of face and elsewhere are caused due to the activity of the oil glands. We have maximum oil glands on the face, shoulders, the back and the buttocks, hence acne appear on these areas more."
Men are more prone to back acne
"Acne is basically hormonal in nature. Usually, women get pimples more on the face and men get more pimples on the back," says Dr Trasi.
Causes of acne on the back
-Pityriasis Capitis (dandruff) is characterized by excessive flaking and abnormal shedding of the skin.
-Seborrheic dermatitis- is an inflammatory condition characterised by scaling and erythema.
-PCOD- polycystic ovarian diseases also causes Truncal acne.
-Acne post laser treatment- it can cause folliculitis due to the heat generated by the laser therapy.
-Shaving and waxing can also lead to folliculitis.
-Any kind of occlusion, friction or heat can also cause acne.
-Also seen in patients who have acne prone skin.
Treatment
It is a little difficult to treat acne on the back because skin is thicker in the area feels Dr Trasi. She suggests, "Usually acne leave scars are pigmentation which can be treated with lasers."
Dr Sadaf says, "The patient should be put on topical combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid derivative. In resistant cases, systemic antibiotic should be given." He adds that the patient should use benzoyl peroxide bathing soap and a salicylic acid peel should be done in an interval if 15 days.
Precautions and prevention
Doctors say that prevention in entirety is not possible since it is a condition driven by hormones. However, the effects can be reduced to some extent if care is taken. "As soon as you see the first pimples appear, you can start using anti-acne creams like retinol and benzol peroxide creams. It can reduce the intensity of breakouts and the subsequent scarring," says Dr Trasi. It is important to treat the underlying cause i.e dandruff, seborrhoea, PCOD advise experts. "You should moisturise your skin before any parlour treatment. Application of ice or aloe vera gel post laser treatment is important," says Dr Sadaf. Regular application of sunscreen is very important say dermatologists.
If you say that you have never 'faced' acne at any age, then you are probably were a blessed star-child with extra-terrestrial genes, because a majority of human being have dealt with acne at some point or the other in their lives.
Case study: Koninica Dasgupta, 20, got up to itichy, scrachy, back that had developed small nodules. She and her mother surmised that it was some form of allergy but a visit to a dermatologist revealed that Koninica was suffering from back/truncal acne.
What is truncal acne?
Doctors say that acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that is characterised by an area of seborrhoea, comedones, papules and nodules that occur on the face, chest, back and upper arms. Dr Sadaf Rangooni, consultant dermatologist says, "Of this truncal acne i.e acne on the back and chest are estimated to occur in 61% patients."
Why does back acne occur?
Dr S S Trasi, dermatologist explains, "Back acne, like acne of face and elsewhere are caused due to the activity of the oil glands. We have maximum oil glands on the face, shoulders, the back and the buttocks, hence acne appear on these areas more."
Men are more prone to back acne
"Acne is basically hormonal in nature. Usually, women get pimples more on the face and men get more pimples on the back," says Dr Trasi.
Causes of acne on the back
-Pityriasis Capitis (dandruff) is characterized by excessive flaking and abnormal shedding of the skin.
-Seborrheic dermatitis- is an inflammatory condition characterised by scaling and erythema.
-PCOD- polycystic ovarian diseases also causes Truncal acne.
-Acne post laser treatment- it can cause folliculitis due to the heat generated by the laser therapy.
-Shaving and waxing can also lead to folliculitis.
-Any kind of occlusion, friction or heat can also cause acne.
-Also seen in patients who have acne prone skin.
Treatment
It is a little difficult to treat acne on the back because skin is thicker in the area feels Dr Trasi. She suggests, "Usually acne leave scars are pigmentation which can be treated with lasers."
Dr Sadaf says, "The patient should be put on topical combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid derivative. In resistant cases, systemic antibiotic should be given." He adds that the patient should use benzoyl peroxide bathing soap and a salicylic acid peel should be done in an interval if 15 days.
Precautions and prevention
Doctors say that prevention in entirety is not possible since it is a condition driven by hormones. However, the effects can be reduced to some extent if care is taken. "As soon as you see the first pimples appear, you can start using anti-acne creams like retinol and benzol peroxide creams. It can reduce the intensity of breakouts and the subsequent scarring," says Dr Trasi. It is important to treat the underlying cause i.e dandruff, seborrhoea, PCOD advise experts. "You should moisturise your skin before any parlour treatment. Application of ice or aloe vera gel post laser treatment is important," says Dr Sadaf. Regular application of sunscreen is very important say dermatologists.
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