Back Acne or “bacne” is something that you might experience even as an adult, whether it’s due to overactive sebaceous glands, hormonal changes, unbalanced diet or not getting out of your exercise clothes quickly. Caused by excessive oil secretion at the hair follicles that results in inflammation and irritation, it can occur on your back, shoulders, chest and buttock.

The various types of “bacne”

On your back, acne lesions can take the following forms:

• Papules: Papules are tiny, pink pimple-like lesions on the skin that can occasionally be sensitive. This kind of acne occurs when an irritated blocked hair follicle gets inflammatory; it does not contain pus.
• Whiteheads: Whiteheads, also called closed comedones, appear as a white lump under your skin caused by a blocked follicle that remains closed.
• Pustule: A pustule, which is a white or yellow pus-filled papule with a reddish base, is sometimes referred to as a pimple. An inflamed plugged hair follicle is the cause of these lesions as well. Pus accumulates in the pustule due to an accumulation of white blood cells.
• Blackheads: A blackhead, also called an open comedone, is the result of a blocked follicle on the surface of your skin opening. Blackheads don’t seem black-tipped because dirt has entered your follicle; rather, they are the result of an interaction between sebum and the atmosphere.

There are many reasons as to why you have back acne. From forgetting to change the bed sheets, using oily skin care products, and reusing shirts. Bacne may seem like a small issue as they are most of the time hidden by your shirt but for some these pesky bumps may affect their self-confidence and in more severe cases affect your ability to rest or sleep on your back. It’s best to treat these conditions before they get out of hand.