What causes back acne and what can I do about it?

Hello, hormones. It's bad enough that they're causing problems on your face, they're also doing a number on your hard to reach places like your back. 

In an episode of PinoyMD, Dr. Rolando Balburias explained that in addition to factors we have no control over like genetics, back acne — or bacne, as they are "fondly" referred to — may be caused by dirt and "debris" build up in our sweat glands.

"Nag-uumpisa sa blackhead or whitehead, tapos magiging inflamed or mamumula, and then magkakaroon ng nana," Dr. Maria Mercedes Cancio-Cruz added in a separate interview with PinoyMD.

"'Yong iba, namumula tapos nagiging malaki at malalim na masakit. 'Yon 'yong tinatawag nodular cystic acne. 'Yong ang mas grabeng mag-scar."

The skin on our back has a lot of sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily or waxy matter called sebum as a lubricant. While this is good for keeping us moisturized, excessive secretion of sebum causes skin problems such as acne. 

So what can you do? Here are Dr. Cancio Cruz's quick tips:

1. Avoid sugar.

Dr. Cancio Cruz said that "sugar induces inflammation, so puwedeng mag-trigger or mag-worsen [ng acne]." Avoid eating food items which have a high glycemic index like potatoes, white rice, and white bread. 

2. Stay in the shade and /or  wear sunscreen.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause a lot of damage to the skin because of UV rays and it can also cause acne to appear all over your back. "Kung may acne ka diyan, puwedeng lalong 'magalit'" 

3. Stop touching existing acne.

You've probably heard this before, but we'll say it again: Don't prick your pimples, whether it's on your face or back. You risk infecting it and spreading it.

It also goes without saying that you shouldn't scratch your pimples and it's best to also stay away from the panghilod. 

4. Resist the urge to self-medicate

Do not experiment with different cosmetics or peels that you can buy over the counter, Dr. Cancio-Cruz stressed. There are products out there that might make the problem worse by blocking your pores.

Your best bet is consulting with your friendly neighborhood dermatologist, who can assess the problem and apply the effective treatment like a chemical peel (with Glycolic Acid).

— Aya Tantiangco, GMA News