Acne on the back is prevalent. Contrary to popular belief, these bothersome outbreaks can occur at any time of the year, not just during the summer. They can spread all over the back, shoulders, and upper arms. Additionally, the humidity during the monsoon season frequently causes simple, basic things that you use every day to become an acne trigger. Dr. Raina Nahar, Sr. Consultant, Dermatology, at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle that the monsoon's humidity makes it more common.

He began by outlining the appearance of back acne in order for you to recognize it more easily. "Truncal acne is another term for back acne," Dr. Nahar said. Acne outbreaks occur primarily in the chest, upper back, shoulder region, and upper arm. Generally speaking, the red, rough, and somewhat pustular ones are easier to spot in this location. Moreover, the triggering factors are related to sweat, oil blockage, friction, and dandruff in the scalp.

Because of the way it becomes trapped on the skin, back acne can also get worse in the monsoon due to the higher humidity. Humidity is now one of the typical risk variables for back acne. The dermat said further, "Yes, it can also be seasonal. Where sweat and oil duct occlusion can be an issue, humidity plays a significant role. It can also be seen in athletes who wear a lot of athleisure gear, which doesn't absorb sweat, and who participate in a lot of physical activity, which causes the skin to produce sweat and oil, which can be problematic and act as a trigger. It is especially important to bathe twice day in a wet climate like Mumbai to get rid of sweat and oil and prevent fric

Is it possible for back acne to be caused by backpacks?

Did you know that when coupled with high humidity, backpacks can be the ideal formula for back acne? This could be unexpected. Dr. Nahar added this regarding this surprising trigger, noting that the friction and pressure from backpack straps can block sweat glands, especially in humid weather. "Most people travel with backpacks (bags on their shoulders), so friction and occlusion of the sweat and oil glands also cause back acne," he explained. In addition to this, other triggers include oily scalp and dandruff. Therefore, it is essential to address these triggering elements.

He also mentioned some well-known triggers, such as dandruff and an unclean scalp, in addition to the unexpected backpack trigger.

Acne on the back caused by hormones

Back acne, like facial acne, can be exacerbated by hormonal imbalances, particularly in young women. The dermatologist added, "One more important factor that we see for young women is hormonal imbalances like PCOS, PCOD, and hyperandrogenism," in response to this trigger. The age group we often see with a severe form of back and buttock acne are adolescents and young adults between the ages of 25 and 30, and the age group for truncal acne is between 18 and 35 years old. Fortunately, only a small number of these cases progress to cystic acne with scarring.

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