In summer, as exposure increases, skin becomes as much a concern as body shape. While facial skin is usually managed consistently, skin troubles on the back or chest, often hidden by clothes, tend to be neglected and become more noticeable in summer. Especially with high temperatures raising body temperature and increasing sweat and sebum secretion, body acne can easily occur, sometimes leaving brown or red marks and scars even after the acne clears. Today, we will learn about the causes and treatment methods for body acne on the chest and back, known as back acne and chest acne, with Director Lee Sang-ju of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon.
Why do back acne and chest acne worsen in summer?
In summer, high temperatures lead to an increase in body temperature and sweat production. This environment further promotes sebum secretion, creating conditions where body acne can easily occur. Additionally, sweat and waste products can clog pores, exacerbating acne.
What are the fundamental causes of back and chest acne?
The main causes of acne on the back and chest are as follows:
- Increased sebum secretion: Sebum is excessively secreted from the sebaceous glands.
- Follicular hyperkeratosis: Sebum is not properly discharged and accumulates inside the pores. When pores are clogged in this way, an environment conducive to acne development is created.
- Acne bacteria proliferation: Acne bacteria proliferate, feeding on the accumulated sebum.
- Inflammatory response: Inflammation occurs along with acne bacteria proliferation, developing into red, pus-filled acne.
Generally, the degree to which hormones react to sebaceous glands varies by area with age, and body acne tends to appear even as one gets older. Also, in summer or when wearing tight clothing, or due to exercise like fitness training, the likelihood of pores becoming clogged increases, often leading to severe body acne.
The impact of showering habits on back and chest acne
Acne fundamentally occurs when pores are clogged. While frequent showering is known to have the effect of opening pores, depending on one's constitution, skin dryness can actually worsen acne.
Frequent showering can sometimes irritate the area around the pores, causing them to swell, and the dryness after showering can sometimes lead to more acne. This tendency is particularly noticeable when sebum secretion is high.
Effective treatment methods for back and chest acne
Treating body acne is not significantly different from treating facial acne, but body acne may have slightly higher resistance to treatment than facial acne.
- Medication:
- Oral medication: Oral sebum regulators or antibiotics are often prescribed.
- Topical medication: When symptoms are not severe, topical retinoid-based medications may be helpful.
- Dermatological procedures:
- Extraction and Scaling: To eliminate acne more quickly, treatments such as extraction or Scaling, which open pores, are performed.
- All That PTT (Photothermal Therapy): This treatment can help reduce the occurrence of back or chest acne by destroying sebaceous glands.
How to prevent and manage back and chest acne!
Lifestyle habits that can reduce acne occurrence are as follows:
- Stress management and sufficient sleep: Stress hormones can promote acne, so it is important to reduce stress and get enough sleep.
- Clothing: Tight clothing or clothes that cause excessive sweating can worsen back or chest acne. In summer, wearing loose-fitting clothes is helpful.
- Clean showering: Showering cleanly is beneficial. However, it is advisable to avoid aggressively scrubbing or using abrasive scrub products, as these can irritate the skin.