Bacne - Back acne treatment

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Backne can occur due to several reasons. The most common cause of backne is the secretion of oily sebum by the sebaceous glands. These glands secrete more sebum when one reaches the puberty. The main function of the sebaceous glands is to keep the skin and hair healthy and moist. Too much of oil predisposes to backne. The sebum that is secreted by the sebaceous glands comes out through the small openings on our skin. These small opening are called pores. When there is excess secretion of the sebum by the sebaceous glands, the pores and the hair follicles on the skin get blocked. Dead cells that are shed by the skin every minute can't find a way to escape from the skin. Instead, they accumulate around the hair follicles. That's when bacteria begin to develop. These bacteria that begin to irritate the surrounding tissue leading to the inflammation of the skin. These in turn leads to the blackhead, pimples, spots and lumps seen in backne. There are other causes of acne as well like excessive sweating after a rigorous activity like exercising. Backne is often worse in the humid summer months of Brisbane.

Backne maybe treated with solutions, washes and tablets, depending on the severity of the acne. Wearing loosing fitting cotton clothing will also help your skin ‘breathe’ better, reducing, but not eliminating backne.

We recommend patients try this simple over the counter was before seeking specialist advise.

Treatment 1

Exfoliate by using an abrasive sponge such as Buf Puf or a loofa  (from a Pharmacy). Do not scrub too hard or you may irritate your skin.

Treatment 2

Wash the affected areas with a solution such as Neutrogena 2% Salicylic acid. Leave this one for one or two minutes before washing off. Don’t scrub too hard, or the treated areas will get irritated. Never apply this wash on irritated or itchy skin. For sensitive skin types, start application two to three times a week, and increase as tolerated.  Do not exfoliate your skin at the same time, as you will cause irritation.

Treatments 3

Wash the affected areas with a solution known as Benzac AC wash, available at all pharmacies without a prescription. Use this in the shower, and remember to leave one for 1-2 minutes before washing off. Never apply Benzac to irritated or itchy skin. If you have sensitive skin, start application two to three washes per week, and increase as tolerated.

If your backne does not respond to the above treatments, then antibiotics or prescription solutions may help. GPs can prescribe a course of tablets or creams which can decrease the amount of blackheads and bacteria on your skin.

Dermatologists are involved in the treatment of Backne if all other treatments fail, or if there is scarring. Depending on the severity of backne, we can use compounded formulations of solutions. This concentration and mix is dependent on the type of acne, and your skin sensitivities. For severe cases of backne, tablets such as antibiotics or Roaccutane maybe needed.  For backne patients the course of Roaccutane may range from 8- 14 months.

More information on acne treatments

More information on Roaccutane

More information on the Brisbane Specialist Acne Clinic

*Percentage of consultation covered by Medicare

A referral from a GP is not required, however is encouraged. As we are a specialist group of doctors, a referral will allow you to claim a percentage of the consultation from Medicare. Call us directly on 07 3871 3437 to make a booking or enquire about the referral process.

At the Brisbane Specialist Acne Clinic, all patients are treated by a specialist Dermatologist. Dermatologist are Doctors who undergo additional 5 years training specializing in skin disorders including acne. At Westside Dermatology Specialist Centre, we use a variety of treatment to address acne,  including prescription medications, chemical peels and LED technology.

Your dermatologist will clear the confusion of products and skin care and place you on a regime best suited for your skin type and acne severity.

moreDr. Davin S. Lim

Dr Davin S. Lim, Consultant Dermatologist

Backne or back acne is commonly seen in the teens. It can be painful, but also emotionally distressing for patients. It often limits what patient’s can wear, and is a frequent cause of embarrassment. The majority of minor cases of backne can be treated with over the counter washes, and solutions. I often start patients on Benzac AC wash in the shower- reinforcing the need to leave the product on the skin for at least 1-2 minutes before washing off.  Dermatologist can help cure resistant cases of Backne.