Acne Care

Bacne, or acne on your back, happens to all of us at some point in our lives. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for these hard-to-reach blemishes to clear on their own. The first step to treating breakouts on your back is understanding what causes them.

What causes back acne?

Just like breakouts on the face, bacne stems from clogged pores. These blockages are caused by oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria that get trapped, creating inflammation. One of the most prevalent causes of back acne is contact with sweat-soaked clothes after exercise. Oils and bacteria seep into hair follicles on the back, resulting in pimples and comedones.

Friction is another cause of bacne. Also known as acne mechanica, it is often associated with backpacks, sporting equipment, or tight, nonabsorbent materials that rub against the skin, pushing oil and sweat into the pores.

Pubescent hormones and certain skincare products can also contribute to the development of back acne, manifesting as pimples, cysts, blackheads, or nodules.

Bacne tips for treatment at home

The same actives that treat acne on your face, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can also help diminish back acne. These ingredients are effective for three reasons. First, they dissolve dead skin cells that build up and block pores. Next, they also target acne-causing bacteria and help to reduce inflammation. Finally, gentle chemical exfoliation keeps pores open and clean, reducing flare-ups.

You can also lower the risk of getting back acne by:

• Wear moisture-wicking material while working out
• Showering quickly after exercise
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that can cause friction
• Use oil-free skin products that are labeled “non-comedogenic.”
• Avoid wearing a backpack or carrying heavy items that rub against your skin
• Do not use loofahs or abrasive scrubs that can irritate bacne
• Using topical acne treatments to alleviate inflammation
• Moisturize the skin to prevent excess sebum production
• Do not pick

Specific skin care products and lifestyle changes can be beneficial for treating mild bacne. However, if it worsens or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter products over a period of two months, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your dermatologist.

When to see your dermatologist

There are many causes of breakouts on the body and back, and some cannot be effectively managed at home. However, a dermatologist can diagnose and prescribe treatments that clear up severe breakouts, whether caused by environmental factors, changing hormones, or other causes.

The goal of acne treatment in Dallas is to reduce sebum production, exfoliate the skin and eliminate pimple-causing bacteria. A personalized treatment plan may involve a short-term prescription for oral antibiotics, Isotretinoin, hormonal therapy, concentrated topicals, a series of chemical peels, and laser treatments.

Bacne treatment in Dallas

Waiting for stubborn bacne to clear on its own can be trying. Without intervention and dermatologist-guided treatment, back acne can lead to embarrassment and scarring in more severe cases.

Our board-certified doctors can tailor a Dallas bacne treatment that targets the causes of your breakouts and suits your unique needs. You don’t have to live with painful and unsightly acne anymore. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation.

Painful pustules, blackheads, and deep cysts that develop during adulthood are often attributed to hormonal and genetic factors. Hormonal acne is more predominant in women, thanks to fluctuations in estrogen, androgens, and progesterone during monthly cycles and pregnancy. These breakouts are usually inflammatory in nature and can be challenging to treat with over-the-counter products.

Causes of hormonal acne

Fluctuating hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This oily substance accumulates with environmental pollutants and bacteria, clogging the pores. Typically, breakouts occur on the lower third of the face and are most prominent just before the menstrual cycle, when testosterone levels rise.

Another culprit of hormonal acne is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This condition is most common during a woman’s reproductive years. It causes a hormonal fluctuation that increases the intensity and duration of menstrual cycles, resulting in painful breakouts along the chin, cheeks, and jawline.

Worsening of hormonal acne can also occur during perimenopause and in women taking progestin-based oral contraceptives. This adult-onset acne takes many forms and can develop as papules, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and deep cysts.

Treatments for hormonal acne

There are a variety of options for treating hormonal acne. Dermatologists may recommend any of the following therapies to get periodic breakouts under control:

• Reduce stress as it triggers the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is usually the root of most hormonal acne
• A healthy sleep routine is important as it helps the body restore and ensure hormonal systems are properly functioning
• Use a preventative skincare routine that incorporates retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids to promote skin cell turnover and prevent pores from being clogged with dead skin cells, sebum, and debris.
• Take oral contraceptives that work to balance hormones and decrease androgen levels or prescription medications that mitigate the effect of androgen hormones on the sebaceous gland
• Consider dietary changes. Research has shown that dairy products and refined foods that are high in sugar can cause androgen or insulin levels to spike, resulting in inflammation and excess oil production
• Pay attention to gut health by taking a quality prebiotic or probiotic supplements

When to see your dermatologist

If at-home regimens have failed to produce any measurable improvements or your breakouts are getting worse, it’s time to see a dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and determine the best acne treatment options.

Our doctors will assess numerous factors to formulate a personalized treatment plan, including the severity of your acne, reactions to previous treatments, skin type, and candidacy for prescription medications. Some patients may also benefit from chemical peels and phototherapy to curb hormonal acne.
Ready to discuss hormonal acne treatment options that are tailored just for you? Schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment today.

Acne is typically not something individuals outgrow. In fact, many people are blemish-free during their teenage years, only to develop painful breakouts as adults. Many factors can cause adult acne, and the quickest way to resolve it is by consulting with a skilled adult acne dermatologist.

Dallas Dermatology Partners can prescribe a personalized treatment plan to manage severe adult acne. After a thorough evaluation to determine if your breakouts are caused by fluctuating hormones, stress, medication, or genetic predisposition, we can recommend a therapy tailored to your needs.

Types of Adult Acne

Adult acne tends to affect women more than men and can manifest in any of the following ways:

• Papules and pustules – inflammatory lesions that result in scarring if picked at.
• Blackheads and whiteheads – hair follicles that are clogged with dead skin and oil. Whiteheads are closed comedones while blackheads are open. Comedonal acne usually results from an overproduction of sebum.
• Cystic acne – a severe type of acne characterized by tender pus-filled cysts deep under the skin–also prone to scarring
• Nodules – solid, hard pimples that form under the skin. Nodules can become inflamed and very painful.
• Acne rosacea – red, inflamed bumps are the hallmark of acne rosacea

Any adult acne can negatively affect confidence and self-esteem. It’s best to consult with our dermatologists to determine the most appropriate acne treatment in Dallas.

Adult Acne Treatment Options

Adult acne treatments are designed to address the underlying problem, whether it’s excessive sebum production, inflammation, bacterial infection, or a lack of skin cell turnover. The following are some of the acne treatments offered in our Dallas practice:

• Topicals – Medical grade skincare products containing tretinoin, AHA, Vitamin C, and other potent ingredients can prevent occlusion of pores, minimize inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and support healthy exfoliation
• Prescriptions – Oral antibiotics and prescription medications may be indicated in severe acne cases. These aim to reduce oil gland production while reducing bacterial infection.
• Chemical Peels – A chemical peel for acne exfoliates the outer layer of skin and reduces the appearance of superficial scars. Peels can deliver impressive results in improving skin elasticity, texture, and tone.
• Glycolic Peels – These gentle peels use a mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Peels for post-inflammatory pigmentation – A custom chemical peel accelerates the skin renewal process and eliminates dark spots caused by acne lesions.
• Diamond Glow Facial – The Diamond Glow microdermabrasion for acne is the gold-star treatment for smoothing texture, improving clarity, and reducing skin congestion. The Diamond Glow device extracts, buffs away dead skin cells, and delivers medical-grade products into the skin.

Adult Acne Dermatologists in Dallas

Improve your complexion, stop breakouts, and prevent scarring from adult acne by booking your Dallas Dermatology appointment today.

Cystic acne can seriously impact self-esteem. Characterized by inflammation deep in the skin, these large cysts are painful. If ignored, it can take weeks to disappear and may even leave behind scars. If you’re looking for effective cystic acne treatment, read on to find out what dermatologists recommend to target the cause and prevent future breakouts.

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne that causes tender, fluid-filled cysts to form deep under the skin. Unlike pimples that contain a core of dead skin cells and pus, cystic acne cannot be popped, and any picking will usually cause trauma, more inflammation, and scarring.

Cystic acne typically shows up on the face but can also develop on the shoulders, chest, back, and neck. An acne cyst starts as a tender bump under the skin and may resemble a boil. These oil and bacteria-filled cysts will grow bigger and more inflamed over time. Therefore, early treatment is crucial when it comes to helping the skin recover.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

There is no single cause of cystic acne, but like all types of blemishes, the problem starts with a clogged pore. When dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils get trapped in the sebaceous glands, the result is inflammation and a tender, infected lump. In addition, certain cosmetics and skincare products can clog pores, increasing the chances of a flare-up.

Genetics is another factor to consider. If your parents and older siblings had cystic acne at some point, there is a high likelihood that you will also develop it.

Perhaps the biggest culprit for cystic acne breakouts is fluctuating hormones. Surges in testosterone and estrogen during puberty can cause cystic acne, as can hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) creates excess androgen hormones that can also cause it.

It is not caused by poor dietary choices, though some foods may trigger inflammation more than others. If you notice a link between certain meals and acne breakouts, let your dermatologist know.

How to Treat Cystic Acne?

Home remedies and over-the-counter products are rarely effective for managing cystic acne. So, if you’ve tried everything and are wondering how to get rid of it, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist who can prescribe a personalized treatment plan.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for it. Instead, your dermatologist will determine the best course of action after determining the underlying causes of your acne.

A cystic acne treatment plan may incorporate one or several of these therapies:

• Prescription antibiotics such as doxycycline taken orally to address infection and inflammation
• Corticosteroid injections that quickly shrink cysts
• Spironolactone oral medication to clear up hormone-related cystic acne
• Oral retinoids to reduce oil gland secretions
• Birth control pills to regulate hormones that trigger acne cysts
• Topical retinoid creams or gels to encourage skin exfoliation

Acne Dermatologist in Dallas

If you’re suffering from under-the-skin cystic breakouts, an acne treatment dermatologist can prescribe a treatment plan that works. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we are dedicated to providing quality patient care in a caring and supportive environment. Contact us today for an appointment.