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Back Acne Treatment in Singapore
Attain clearer skin on your back, shoulders and chest.
Get professional, clinically proven and effective back acne treatments today.
- Professional | Established | Trusted
- Eliminate Active Acne
- Get Rid of Acne Scars and Pigmentation
- Over 15 years of clinical experience
- Helping over 10,000 acne patients
What is Back Acne?
Back acne, commonly known as “bacne,” is a prevalent skin condition that affects individuals of various ages. It shares many similarities with facial acne but can present unique challenges due to the skin’s thickness and increased number of sebaceous glands in the back area. Back acne can range from mild comedonal acne to more severe forms involving cysts and nodules, often causing discomfort, irritation, and emotional distress for those affected.
OUR APPROACH
HOW DR.NG TREATS BACK ACNE
As a clinician with more than 15 years of experience, Dr Ng. understands the impact of how acne can affect an individual. Acne knows no boundaries, afflicting a wide range of age groups and affecting both genders for varying lengths of time. Dr. Ng provides a patient-centric approach that is backed by the latest scientific evidence as well as his own wealth of experience to create a care plan for the best back acne treatment that is unique to your skin type. Early intervention can help prevent acne scars, restore your skin and confidence.
Back acne (Bacne) or truncal acne despite being relatively common, is underreported and under-treated. Back acne can cause scarring and keloid scars.Therefore, prompt and early treatment helps to reduce further scarring.
Why do I get Back Acne?
Where is one of the first areas to produce sweat during a workout? The back of course! Back acne is common as the oil glands are larger and more concentrated over these areas.
Bacne, Back acne or Truncal Acne is a common form of acne that affects the back, shoulders and chest. It is seen in up to 50% of individuals that come to the clinic with facial acne.
Bacne tends to be more common in young males, individuals with severe acne and hormonal acne. Left untreated, back acne can progress to cystic acne, red marks, blemishes (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), keloids and permanent scars.
Truncal skin is more vulnerable to oil, sweat, friction and occlusion than facial skin. What causes back acne from one person can greatly differ from another. Therefore, it is important to try to uncover what may trigger your acne in the first place.
What does Back Acne look like?
The appearance of back acne can range from comedomes to inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules and cysts on the back and chest.
The most frequent areas affected are the upper back, chest and lower back. Shoulder and upper arm involvement can occur in some cases. Scarring, especially hypertrophic and keloid scarring often accompanies back acne.
The severity of back acne is dependent on certain factors that include:
- Area affected
- Number of inflammatory papules and pustules
- Presence of cysts and nodules
- Scarring: Atrophic & Keloid scars
- Impact of quality of life
What causes back acne?
1. Excess Sebum Production
- Hormonal Changes: Just like facial acne, back acne is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations that increase oil (sebum) production. This is common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or due to certain medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
2. Clogged Pores
- Sweat and Oil Buildup: The back has a high density of sebaceous (oil) glands. When these glands produce excess oil and mix with dead skin cells, it can clog pores, leading to the development of acne.
- Tight Clothing and Friction: Wearing tight-fitting clothes or fabrics that don’t breathe well can trap sweat and oil against the skin, leading to clogged pores. This condition, known as “acne mechanica,” is common in athletes or people who wear heavy backpacks.
3. Bacteria
- Cutibacterium acnes: This bacteria naturally lives on the skin but can multiply rapidly in clogged pores, causing inflammation and acne. The back, being less exposed to air and more likely to be sweaty, can be a prime area for bacterial growth.
4. Sweating and Hygiene
- Excessive Sweating: Sweat can mix with oil, dirt, and bacteria on the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. This is especially common after intense physical activity or wearing non-breathable fabrics.
- Poor Hygiene: Not washing the back properly, especially after sweating, can leave sweat, oil, and bacteria on the skin, increasing the risk of acne.
5. Hormonal Imbalances
- Androgens: These hormones increase during puberty and can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and acne formation.
6. Diet and Lifestyle
- Diet: Some studies suggest that a diet high in refined sugars and dairy products may contribute to acne in some individuals. Foods with a high glycemic index may cause spikes in insulin, which can increase oil production and potentially worsen acne.
- Stress: Stress can trigger hormonal changes that may increase oil production and inflammation, leading to acne breakouts on the back and other areas.
What are the benefits of treating bacne early?
Active acne that is deeply rooted within the skin can be painful and cause significant distress.
Left untreated, acne can progressively get worse with increasing inflammation and scarring.
Bacne is associated with atrophic acne scars and often keloid scars. Dr. Ng. believes that prevention of potential scarring is paramount in any acne treatment plan.
Clearer and healthier skin is associated with better sense of well-being, improved mental health and enhanced quality of life.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common complication of acne. It is always better to prevent PIH rather than to treat it.
Live the life you deserve whether in the social or professional setting. Many patients put off wearing clothes they love due to bacne but effective treatment can thankfully take care of that.
Different Back Acne Treatments in Singapore
First, we need to uncover the factors that relate to what causes back acne. The treatment of back acne depends on the severity of your acne, your medical history, allergies, skin type and skin sensitivity. Often, combining treatments are more effective at targeting the different processes of acne to give an optimum outcome.
- Topical Acne Creams
Prescription Acne creams containing a combination of a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-comedomal properties to provide a multi-prong approach to acne. Azelaic acid 20% cream used twice daily resulted in significant improvement after 12 weeks of back acne treatment. Topical acne treatments would be suitable for mild to moderate truncal acne.
Trifarotene cream, a fourth-generation retinoid is safe and effective for acne on the back, chest, shoulders and fast. Improvement can be seen in as little as 2 weeks while having good tolerability and minimal side effects.
- Oral Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a mainstay of treatment for moderate to severe inflammatory back acne vulgaris, and work by reducing bacterial load and inflammation. Antibiotics have proven to be safe and effective in many studies to treat acne. A course of treatment may last at least 3-4 months. However, there is an increasing trend of antibiotic-resistant acne worldwide.
- Oral Retinoids
Oral retinoids is a Vitamin A derived medication that works extremely well in acne and are currently the most effective treatment for severe recalcitrant acne. It reduces oil secretion by 90% within 6 weeks of treatment, reduces whiteheads and blackheads by 90% within 3 months and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
A consultation is necessary to discuss about the side effects, suitability and precautions before starting oral retinoids.
- Hormonal Therapies
Oral contraceptive pills and oral spironolactone for females work by suppressing the effect of androgen on the sebaceous glands and have benefited individuals who may be not suitable for other therapies.
- Anti-inflammatory Injections
If you develop a painful acne cyst on your back, an anti-inflammatory injection or cortisone shots can rapidly improve your symptoms in 2-3 days.
Bacne keloid scarring can also be treated with anti-inflammatory injections, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to reduce the scar thickness and volume.
Back acne scar removal treatments
Acne scarring is an unfortunate consequence of acne. It often results from acne that has been left untreated and resultant damage done to the dermal layer of the skin. Severe forms of acne such as cystic acne have a much higher risk of scarring.
There are many forms of acne scars, and acne scar revision undertaken will depend on the type or types of acne scar you have.
Our specialised back acne scar treatment approach is customised to your unique skin condition and scar type. Some acne scar treatment options include:
- Laser treatments: Laser systems such as Pico-second, vascular and CO2 lasers helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, redness and improve skin texture.
- Fractional micro needle radio-frequency: This procedure involves using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body’s wound-healing process and promotes collagen production, helping to improve the texture and appearance of atrophic scars. It can be particularly effective for widespread scarring on the back.
- Injection steroids: Treats hypertrophic and keloid scars associated with back acne.
- Subcision: This procedure involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up fibrous scar tissue, allowing the skin to rise and appear smoother. It is often combined with other treatments, such as microneedling or fillers, for better results.
Back acne treatment Singapore Price
TREATMENT | PRICE |
|---|---|
Oral Antibiotics | from $30 |
Topical Retinoid | from $40 |
Oral Isotretinoin | from $80 |
Injection Steroids | from $120 |
Drainage of cyst | from $150 |
Laser Acne Treatment | from $399 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Acne
Preventing back acne involves maintaining good hygiene practices such as showering regularly, wearing loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics, avoiding excessive sweating, using non-comedogenic skincare products, and avoiding picking or squeezing existing acne lesions.
Yes, certain lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and hormonal fluctuations can contribute to back acne. Eating a balanced diet, managing stress levels, and maintaining hormonal balance through proper healthcare can all help mitigate the risk.
If over-the-counter treatments are not effectively managing your back acne, or if you’re experiencing severe or persistent acne lesions, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized treatment options such as prescription medications or procedures like laser therapy.
Yes, severe cases of back acne can lead to scarring if not properly treated. It’s essential to avoid picking or popping acne lesions to minimize the risk of scarring.
Back acne can occur in people of any age, gender, or skin type, but it’s more common in adolescents and young adults due to hormonal fluctuations during puberty. However, it can affect individuals of any age group.
The timeline for improvement varies depending on the severity of the acne and the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. Generally, it may take several weeks to months to see significant improvements, and consistency with treatment is key. If there’s no improvement or the condition worsens, it’s important to revisit your treatment plan with a healthcare professional.
Back acne, or "bacne," is a common dermatological condition that can cause significant physical discomfort and psychological distress. Effective treatment of back acne requires a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual's specific skin type and the severity of their condition. Our treatment protocol for back acne focuses on both immediate management and long-term prevention. The initial phase involves topical therapies to reduce inflammation and prevent pore blockage. For more severe cases, we may incorporate oral antibiotics to address bacterial infection and systemic retinoids to regulate skin cell turnover.
schedule a consultation for back acne treatment in singapore
Back acne, while often less visible than facial acne, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. A proactive and individualized treatment plan, which may include both at-home care and professional interventions, is crucial for effectively managing back acne and minimizing its physical and emotional effects. Consulting with a doctor with an interest in acne is recommended for those experiencing persistent or severe symptoms to develop a tailored approach to treatment and prevention.
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Or give us a call at +65 6769 6007 | WhatsApp us +65 9855 3022
References:
- Lee JW, Yoo KH, Park KY, Han TY, Li K, Seo SJ, et al. Effectiveness of Conventional, Low-dose and Intermittent Oral Isotretinoin in the Treatment of Acne: A Randomized, Controlled Comparative study. Br J Dermatol. 2010 Nov 29.
- Collier CN, Harper JC, Cafardi JA, Cantrell WC, Wang W, Foster KW, et al. The prevalence of acne in adults 20 years and older. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Jan. 58(1):56-9.
- Woo YR, Kim HS. Truncal Acne: An Overview. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022 Jun 24;11(13):3660.
ABOUT DR MOSES NG
MBBS (London) with distinction
Dip Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) with distinction
Member of American Acne & Rosacea Society
Fellow of American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery
LinkedIn Profile 
Dr. Moses Ng is a distinguished professional in the field of aesthetic medicine, renowned for his expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures. With over 15 years of experience, extensive training and a keen eye for detail, Dr. Ng specializes in a wide range of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, and acne scar management.
Dr. Moses Ng’s commitment to excellence and patient-centric approach have earned him a reputation as a trusted clinician in aesthetic medicine. His continuous pursuit of the latest advancements in the field ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care and the most effective treatments available.