Clearing Up Backne- The first thing to clear up about backne is what is and what it isn’t. The word “backne” is a take on acne; it refers to those pimple-like breakouts on the back. Although breakouts can also happen on the shoulders, arms, tush, etc.
Most people think the blemishes on these areas are the same as facial acne and caused by the same bacteria. Backne is actually a growth of a yeast bacterium, pityrosporum, and the condition is called pitsyrosporum folliculitis (backne…much easier to remember and pronounce).
It now makes sense why some people have bacne and no acne or facial blemishes, or why some have facial acne with no blemishes on the back or other parts of the body. And unfortunately some people have both.
Looking Similar Is Not Everything
It may look similar to acne or blemishes, but actually there are no comedones (black/white heads) as there are with facial acne, although there can be cysts. Yeast organisms feeding on the sweat and body oils cause pitsyrosporum folliculitis (PF). This is due to a bacterial imbalance in the body and skin’s flora that cause overactive sebum production.
Yucky, yes. But these organisms, malassezia, are on all of our bodies. For various reasons, however, people who have this condition have a more favorable setting for the spread of the yeast. Men more than women have PF (hmm…maybe it’s because men sweat whereas ladies glisten….). The condition is found at the hair follicles where they become enlarged and blocked with cellular debris that the yeasts nosh on. Hmmm…what’s for dinner?
Okay, we’re sorry if we are grossing you out, but we gotta share. This condition is also related to seborrhea and candidiasis, which are also a result of the body’s flora being out of balance in favor of yeast producing microorganism.
And The Reason Is…
This overgrowth of yeast organism on the body can have many causes. It can be caused by any one of these or a combination: medical (diabetes, autoimmune diseases, etc); changes in hormones (pregnancy, post-puberty); antibiotics can disrupt the skin’s flora; environment plays a role (high temperatures and humidity); not removing the dead skin through bathing (particularly after sweating), and diet (diet plays a large role).
Certain products that you put on your skin can cause the condition or worsen it. Lotions, cosmetics, and sunscreens mix with the sebum being released from the body to create a sympathetic environment for yeast growth. There can also be a genetic disposition that creates the right scenario for some people to get it (although not a reason that you have to just live with it).
Why Those Medications Didn’t Work
If you have tried the typical acne products for your backne and got no results, it’s because medications and products for facial acne typically don’t work on PF. PF and facial acne do not share the same bacterial organisms. Backne is a fungus and requires a different approach to improve or eliminate it. And remember that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the body and on the skin, so antibiotics that work for acne could exacerbate PF. Always check with your doctor before changing any medicines you are taking and evaluate/diagnose any skin conditions you may have.
Clearing Up Backne
- First, you need to keep the area clean, especially after an activity that makes you sweat. Remember the pityrosporum feed on sweat and sebum. Even if you can’t immediately shower after say–a workout, clean the area with a washcloth or a gentle cleansing wipe. Be particular in what wipes you use, some of them have ingredients that will aggravate the condition instead of helping it.
- Use a washcloth or even a hand towel to clean those hard to reach areas. You can also buy body sponges that have long handles.
- The skin on the back is thicker and denser so gentle exfoliation is beneficial because exfoliating removes the dead skin cells that block the pores.
- Wear clothes that breathe and can absorb sweat such as cotton, especially when you are doing sweat generating activities. Things that rub against the skin such as backpacks; tight clothes can aggravate the blemishes and cause the yeast to spread. Even an intense massage could irritate PF.
- Change your bedding regularly, especially if you sweat during the night. Unless you want to give those little buggers a bedtime snack! Consider changing at least your pillowcase daily. Instead of making your bed, pull back the top sheet and blankets to allow the bedding to get air and light.
- Harsh detergents (bacterial “soaps” and shower gels) can worsen PF because they strip the skin of the good bacteria and oils. Remember it’s a fungus. And while you want to be clean, being overzealous with scrubbing the skin will not improve it either.
- Changing your diet, especially if it’s high in carbohydrates and/or the wrong carbohydrates can make the biggest difference in PF. Sorry, guys…beer may give your more than just a belly…. Yeast feeds on sugar and unbalances the body’s flora. These sugars make their way to your skin. So, make sure each day you are eating fresh fruit and vegetables. Especially green leafy vegetables. See our blog from last Friday for skin healthy nutrients and a yummy salad recipe.
- Three of our products, Orange You Glad Salt Scrub, Argan Acne Serum, and Manly-Lavender Shave Balm will also help. The Dead Sea Salts in Orange You Glad… gently exfoliate and provide the skin with 21 minerals. You can also apply the scrubs to a washcloth for those hard to reach areas.
- The plant oils we use contain natural nutrients, such as vitamin E, that help nourish and balance the skin. Plant oils are not the same as oils produced by the body. Secreted body oils in these problem areas have dirt and bacteria mixed with it.
- Essential oils in the two above mentioned serums work on both acne and backne because essential oils unlike acne medications have multiple properties so they work on more than one condition. For instance, lavender is a fungicide (kills yeast and fungus), an antimicrobial, and an anti-inflammatory. If you have used lavender for aromatherapy, you know how calming it is; that’s because it also has sedative properties.
As always our products are guaranteed, or your money back.
Reference: Siobahn M Bower, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD; “Malassezia (Pityrosporum) Folliculitis:” Medscape Reference (WebMD) http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1091037-overview
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and entertaining purposes only; the information may not be complete. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or conditions.
copyright: Abhijit Chandra, LLC – 2011
