Pimples On The Back of Your Neck? Here's Why You're Getting Them
We all know about maskne and how everyone’s talking about it in the skincare community right now. But have you heard of back neck acne? Yup, that’s acne or pimples located at the back of your neck.
In all honesty, the back of our neck is something we really don’t pay attention to. But we should, since it can experience the same pesky issues our faces do. So what’s the deal with back neck-ne anyway? Continue reading below to find out.
The types of back neck acne that can occur are similar to those that usually appear on the face. These are:
- Papules: small red bumps that are less than 5 millimeters in diameter.
- Pustules: occurs when a papule becomes infected.
- Nodules: hard and painful lumps that develop deep within the skin.
- Hormonal Cystic Acne: breakouts that result from hormonal changes.
However, back neck-ne can potentially develop into something a lot more severe. Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, also known as keloidal folliculitis, is a chronic skin condition that you shouldn’t neglect. Although uncommon and unrelated to Acne Vulgaris or common acne, it often initially appears as acne-like lesions of inflamed hair follicles on the nape of the neck. Eventually, if left untreated, it can lead to large scars or keloids.
Why does it occur?
Back and neck-ne is caused by the same occurrences that cause facial acne. Mainly, due to the overproduction of oil. Here are other possible causes:
- Using a product such as your favorite leave-in conditioner, gels, hairsprays, and other styling products that might have blocked your pores, plus the failure to fully wash-off any trace of it left at the end of the day.
- Not washing the back neck regularly, especially after excessive sweating and wearing clothing or using equipment that came in contact with the neck.
- Aggressive treatment or exfoliation using harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.
- Stress that leads to an increased production of sebum.
- Regular shaving or cutting the hair very low which pricks the scalp thereby causing irritation.
How should you treat it?
There is an overwhelming amount of pimple treatments available on the market. But it may be treated by a combination of these lifestyle and skincare methods.
- Consult with a dermatologist
It’s important to determine if what you’re experiencing is common acne and not Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. Doing so can help prevent the formation of large scars and permanent hair loss to the involved areas. Skin experts can also help specify the root cause of the problem as well as prescribe topical or oral prescription-strength retinoid or meds. - Never pop the pimple
While super tempting, one should never pop a pimple no matter where it’s located on your body. Doing so can actually make the affected area worse as bacteria on your hands may transfer. This eventually leads to scarring which is a lot more difficult to treat. - Regularly wash your fabrics
The neck often comes in contact with clothing, so one should take precaution when choosing the fabric of their clothes. Always go for breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. If you exercise frequently, look for moisture-wicking gym clothes that can repel sweat from the body. Other items like pillowcases and bed sheets should be sanitized frequently as they accumulate dirt and oil. With this, reach for laundry detergents that are free from additives that might cause pimples like dyes and fragrances. - Keep your general neck area clean
As mentioned, back neck-ne could just be a result of comedogenic products that were left behind. If you are coming from a workout, make sure to use anti-bacterial wipes to help clear sweat and oil from the pores. Ensure to also wash your neck with gentle products that contain good-for-you ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and cucumber. - Consider laser hair removal
Hair removal is a popular remedy for individuals who suffer acne from the neck. If you are noticing any breakouts along the hairline on the back of the neck, they might be linked to ingrown hairs. Although pricey, this can remove the hair follicle in the targeted area. It can also close the skin pore so infection and breakouts are reduced as a result. - Treat pimples at the back of the neck from the inside with anti-acne medications like Lactezin!
Over-the-counter acne medications like Lactoferrin + d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate + Zinc (Lactezin) can help lessen pimples and give clear skin in as early as 2 weeks.
It uses an iron-binding protein called Lactoferrin that helps fight pimple-causing bacteria and reduce sebum and inflammation. It also has Vitamin E that helps fight free radical skin damage and Zinc which has oil-regulating properties to help improve skin appearance.
Lactoferrin + d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate + Zinc (Lactezin) is available in all leading drugstores nationwide. You may also purchase online through Lazada and Shopee.
SOURCES:
https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/adult/acne-keloidalis-nuchae
