Back pimples: causes and how to get rid of the problem

The skin is our protective organ. And, in this way, the signs that appear in it reveal disturbances and imbalances in our organism. Pimples on the back are one of these manifestations, as they compromise the quality of life of people, who feel insecure to wear certain models of clothing or even to go to the beach or pool on the hottest days.

And, although common in young people, they also appear in adult women with a tendency to have this problem. In this case, both during pregnancy and during the menstrual phase, due to hormonal changes. To better understand the causes of acne in this region, we talked to dermatologist Simone Neri, from Clínica Medci.

Back pimples: causes

• Sex hormones: produced at puberty, they are one of the most responsible for changes in skin characteristics, as well as the emergence of acne. “The lesions appear more frequently on the face, but they can also occur on the back, shoulders and chest”, comments Simone.
• Stress situations: villain of physical and mental health, stress increases the production of cortisol, which stimulates androgen hormones. In this way, its exaggerated amount in the body activates the sebaceous glands even more, causing skin rashes.
• Medications: the formulation of some medications also contributes to the appearance of pimples on the back. “Corticosteroids, as well as the B vitamins, stimulate the production of sebum when consumed in high doses”, says the dermatologist.
• Exaggerated exposure to the sun: also known as solar acne, its appearance is directly linked to burns caused by radiation. “The sun increases sebum production and decreases defense cells, worsening the situation”, concludes Simone.

That is, there are many factors that contribute to the appearance of pimples on the back. However, prevention and treatment are important, but they are useless if, after an improvement, we repeat the attitudes that caused the problem before. Therefore, the maintenance and improvement of habits are essential to prevent their reappearance.

Medicines for back pimples

According to the dermatologist, the treatment is carried out based on the severity of the lesion and according to its individual characteristics. Considering this, a plethora of products and medications help with the healing of inflamed glands and follicles. “Soaps based on salicylic and glycolic acid are usually quite effective”, says Simone.

• Anti-acne soaps: made with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur, they help to control the appearance of pimples.
• Tonic lotions for skin cleansing: should be used daily to reduce oiliness.
• Creams and ointments: based on benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, adapalene or isotretinoin treat most cases of acne.
• Antibiotics: for more severe cases that are resistant to the above options, as long as prescribed by the dermatologist.

In addition to the options mentioned, other procedures such as chemical peels, light or laser therapy collaborate with the treatment. “Skin cleansing, when properly indicated by the dermatologist and very well performed by the beautician, can be a great complement to alleviate pimples on the back”, adds Simone Neri.

Back pimples: home treatments

• Hydration: water is one of the best allies against the emergence of acnes. Therefore, drink at least 1.5 liters daily, a procedure that guarantees a very hydrated skin.
• Food: for good control of the sebaceous glands, avoid foods rich in sugar and fat, as well as industrialized products. Stay away from canned goods, sausages, fizzy drinks and alcohol.
• Exfoliation: Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a little water. Apply to the area affected by pimples. Finish by rubbing your back in circular motions to unclog your pores.

And as much as the tips help with the prevention and treatment of back pimples, the dermatologist recommends that good daily hygiene with adequate soaps is the best home treatment. “Acne sufferers should not, under any circumstances, manipulate the lesions, as this can lead to infection, inflammation and scarring.”

Back pimples in pregnancy

Common during the first few weeks of pregnancy, back pimples appear when a woman’s body experiences the first hormonal changes. And this occurs even with those who have never had a problem with it before. The ideal, therefore, is to continue taking care of the skin during this period and, preferably, under medical supervision.

Causes

According to specialist Simone Neri, “pregnant women go through significant hormonal variations during pregnancy, which can cause the sebaceous glands to increase the production of fat, causing pimples”. That is, the increase in progesterone also increases oil, which clogs the pores, thus facilitating the development of acne.

how to treat

In these cases, it is best to consult a dermatologist to choose the most appropriate treatment. This is because pregnant women cannot take any type of medicine. The recommendation is to keep the skin clean with neutral soap, use oil-free moisturizers and remove makeup before bed. Always remembering that they tend to decrease after childbirth, during breastfeeding.

In summary, to have healthy skin we need to improve old habits that harm our immune system. In this way, taking care of food, as well as ensuring good hydration and cleaning is the minimum necessary for the removal of excess impurities and dead cells. In other words, discipline is the most important element of this endeavor. So, hold your little fingers, balance your body and end up with the pimples on your back!

If your acne problem is a little more serious, learn how to get rid of pimples in general.