Back and chest acne requires different treatments

Nearly half of adults with facial acne also experience breakthroughs in their chest and back, but most treatments ignore key differences between these body areas. New research shows that truncated acne (impacting the trunk) operates through different mechanisms that require customized treatments.

Comprehensive analysis, published in the journal Dermatology Science and Cosmetic Technology, challenges common practices in applying facial acne treatment to body outbreaks. Although facial acne studies dominate the scientific literature, truncated acne affects up to 80% of adolescents and continues to adulthood and has more severe scar potential.

Hidden differences

Contrary to expectations, trunk skin produces less sebum than facial skin, but experiences a more severe microbial imbalance. A research team led by scientists from Shandong Huawang Biotechnology found that pH control plays a more critical role in truncating acne than sebum regulation.

The study showed that “the high sebum secretion zone of the face showed a higher pH (5.4-5.6) than the trunk (5.0-5.2).” This pH difference created an environment where different bacterial communities flourished compared to facial skin.

The microbial landscape is very different between the face and the tree trunk. Truncated samples showed higher colonization of Enterococci bacteria, while facial samples favored Staphylococcusaceae and Acetyl bacteria. Most importantly, the prevalence of cannabis fungi in acne lesions on the chest and back is significantly higher.

Gender factor

Compared with women, men develop more frequently, while women have different distribution patterns. Back acne is mainly dominated in men, while chest acne may affect more women, which may be due to bra friction and retained amount.

Clothing friction emerges as a key trigger, distinguishing truncation from facial acne. Continuous contact with the fabric, combined with sweat and heat, creates unique conditions that facial treatment cannot solve. Key findings include:

• Chronic clothing friction blocks sebum pipes through repeated stimulation
• Female breast acne is associated with ongoing fabric contact
• Thick stratum corneum on the skin of the tree trunk, but slow metabolic rate increases keratin accumulation
• Maracia infection rate in patients with truncated acne is more than 83%

Therapeutic significance

The study presented the Truncated Acne Severity Scale (TRASS), the first assessment tool designed for human acne. Unlike facial acne scaly patches, Tras recognizes that hidden bodies create unique psychological burdens, combining clinical marking with the effects of quality of life.

Commercial product analysis shows important trade-offs in treatment options. After 12 weeks, lotions containing active ingredients (such as tazarotene) showed a reduction in lesion count by more than 80%, but their prolonged skin contact may irritate sensitive individuals. Shower gel provides a gentler application, but requires continuous use due to shorter contact time.

Due to its fat-soluble properties and keratinizing fluid effect, salicylic acid is particularly effective in truncating acne. However, the study identified significant regional differences in formula demand – Asian markets usually limit fruit acid concentrations to 10% or less, while Western formulas usually contain 15-30%.

Cultural considerations

The study shows that thin layers and lower barrier strength of Asian skin require a gentler formula. “Asian keratinocytes showed the lowest degree of crosslinking and barrier strength in these three groups, thereby increasing sensitivity to sensitive skin conditions,” the researchers noted.

Consumer surveys show that nearly 25% of respondents experienced oily and acne problems in the anterior and postpartum body areas, indicating very unmet treatment needs.

Future research directions

The analysis identified key research gaps, including the impact of textile breathability on acne development and the psychological burden of hiding physical breakthroughs. The authors stress that many patients are reluctant to discuss truncation of acne during facial acne consultation, thus limiting the chances of treatment.

“Our research provides insights into future research and practical approaches to help select effective products to manage truncated acne,” explained corresponding author Fengwei Qi. However, there are still significant problems with the best treatment options and prevention strategies.

The study highlights that effective truncated acne management requires understanding of its unique pathophysiology rather than simply adapting facial treatments. As consumers’ demand for acne solutions in humans grows, this comprehensive analysis lays the foundation for developing targeted treatments that address the unique challenges of treating acne on the maximum surface area of ​​the human body.

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