If you keep getting acne breakouts on your back, your clothes could be the culprit. Backne is a short form of back acne. It refers to acne that forms on your back. 

While back acne can be caused by your skin producing too much sebum (because of hormonal changes, insulin resistance and other issues), it can also be caused by friction, sweat and heat. And because clothes can cause all these, your clothing could be behind the never-ending pimple breakouts. 

Here’s a quick guide to backne, what causes it and how to prevent it. 

What is Backne and What Causes It?

Regular acne, what’s called acne vulgaris, typically occurs on the face though it can also break out in other areas. You can also have localized acne breakouts on specific parts of the skin. 

For instance, you can get acne mechanica (friction acne) only on areas that experience constant friction and pressure such as under your backpack straps or on your butt. You can also get sweat acne on areas that you sweat a lot from like your forehead or back. 

Backne is a type of localized acne that occurs only on your back. Depending on what’s causing it, it can appear as normal pimples (red or dark bumps) or black/white heads. Backne can also turn into pus-filled cysts if the pimples get infected. 

Here are some common causes of back acne. 

Sweat, Heat and Friction 

These three are the most common causes of backne. On their own, they already increase the risk of an acne breakout. Sweat causes sweat acne by clogging pores, friction can cause acne mechanica and heat increases the chances of acne vulgaris by trapping oils in skin pores. 

Your back is often subjected to all three especially if you wear clothes that are not breathable and don’t wick away sweat. Carrying a backpack also subjects your back to friction, heat and sweat, increasing the risk of a breakout. 

Diet

Back acne caused by diet usually appears as whiteheads or blackheads. Experts recommend following a low glycemic diet to reduce acne on your back and other areas of your body. Such a diet consists of foods that do not spike blood sugar. 

Foods that cause a spike in blood glucose such as sugary foods cause increased inflammation, which in turn triggers the skin to produce more sebum. The excess sebum clogs hair follicles, resulting in acne. 

Diet-caused backne is usually accompanied by a breakout on the face as well, though it can also be limited to just the back.

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menopause, pregnancy or illness can also cause an increase in the production of sebum, leading to clogged pores. 

Hygiene

If you don't keep your skin clean or you come into contact with dirty clothes or bedding, dirt, dead skin cells, sweat and skin products can clog your hair follicles and lead to an acne breakout. Bacteria can also get into the pores, leading to a painful type of acne called cystic acne. 

How to Treat Backne

Making lifestyle changes to prevent back acne (see below for tips) is enough to get it to clear on its own. You can also use over the counter acne medications like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid or see a dermatologist for a stronger prescription. 

Tips to Prevent Back Acne  

• Wear clothes that are breathable and sweat wicking to prevent heat and sweat build up on your back. 
• If you are particularly prone to acne, the Hercleon HercShirt can help prevent it. Hercleon self-cleaning clothes are designed with antimicrobial fabric that kills acne-causing bacteria.  
• Maintain good hygiene: take a shower at least twice a day, wear clean clothes and wash your bedding regularly (dirty bed sheets can cause backne). 
• After a workout, remove sweaty clothes immediately and take a shower to reduce the risk of sweat acne. 
• Fill your diet with mostly low glycemic foods like vegetables, nuts and lean meats. Also moderate your dairy intake. Dairy has been linked to a higher risk of acne. 
• Watch out for anything that causes friction or pressure on your back like carrying a heavy backpack, sitting for long periods or wearing rough-textured clothes.