Pimples on the back - causes and treatment

When pimples occur on the back, small red areas form on the skin, which thicken and can be filled with pus. The skin impurities can be sore when touched and bacteria can really cause them to snowball. As the pores on the back are bigger than on the face, pimples on the back are also usually more widespread. Frequently, the sebaceous glands are overactive, which together with dead skin cells and bacteria leads to the formation of pimples.

A few pimples on the back are usually individual inflamed hair follicles or sebaceous glands. These pimples are different from back acne. This resembles acne on the face and is usually triggered by certain bacteria. A dermatologist can clearly determine whether it is a pathological form.

Excessive sebum production can lead to blocked pores, which encourages the formation of skin impurities. The cause can be a genetic predisposition, the wrong body care as well as a hormonal change, which occurs in puberty for example.

Bacteria are naturally present on the skin. They use sebum as a source of nutrition and multiply in blocked pores. They produce metabolic products, which trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin and can encourage the formation of pimples.

With a cornification disorder, there is excessive cornification of the skin cells, which are not properly sloughed off. This leads to a collection of dead skin cells in the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands, thus resulting in pimples.

Inadequate body hygiene, in particular not taking a shower after exercise and other perspiration-inducing activities, can lead to blocked pores. In addition, in the case of poor hygiene, dead skin cells are not adequately removed and bacteria can spread more easily.

Hormonal changes during puberty, the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy can lead to increased sebum production and therefore the risk of increasing skin impurities. Stress can also influence the hormone balance and cause impure skin. If hormones are suspected as a cause for pimples on the back, you should clarify whether you are dealing with hormonal acne.

Clothing that is too tight and clothing that is not breathable can encourage the formation of pimples on the back. Constant pressure on the area encourages irritation. Non-breathable tops made of synthetic fabrics do not allow an exchange of air, allowing heat and moisture to be trapped under the skin and can cause pimples.

If you want to get rid of pimples on the back, you can use various methods:

• Regular skincare with products that are not too irritating prevents pimples on the back
• Peels make it easier to remove dead skin cells. Avoid aggressive scrubs, which can irritate the skin.
• An anti-inflammatory cream can help to combat pimples on the back
• Observe a healthy lifestyle without alcohol and nicotine and with a balanced diet
• Products with ingredients like salicylic acid, vitamin C, sulphur and benzoyl peroxide combat pimples

Wash your back every day with a mild, pH-neutral cleanser. Avoid excessive rubbing as this will irritate the skin. In addition, you should shower after perspiration-inducing activities to combat increased bacteria formation.

If you want to provide the skin on your back with moisture, use a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser. This will not block the pores.

A balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and sufficient water can contribute to improving the condition of your skin. In addition, if you have skin problems, it is best to stay away from dairy products, foods made with wheat flour and sugary drinks. Such foodstuffs can encourage inflammatory processes in the body and increase the formation of pimples on the back.