Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

Truncal Acne: A Practical Guide to Treatment

Sporty & Rich Wellness - Truncal Acne: A Practical Guide to Treatment

 

By: @dermahealthnutrition 

 

Truncal acne, acne involving the chest, back, or shoulders, is frequently overlooked, although present in more than half of patients with facial acne. According to previous studies, males are more prone to this disease compared to females.

 

Although the pathophysiology is considered to be the same as facial acne, the clinical presentation and treatment response may differ. Truncal, as well as facial acne, are associated with an imbalanced skin microbiome and a strong predominance of Cutibacterium acnes. Furthermore, increased proliferation and reduced shedding of skin cells (keratinocytes) block sebum outflow of skin follicles. As a result, sebum accumulates and may lead to visible black heads (open comedones) and inflammatory lesions. Additionally, tight-fitting clothing, sweat, warm climate and mechanical factors can trigger and aggravate the disease. It is worth noting that deep, inflammatory truncal lesions can be very painful and far worse than those of facial acne.

 

Truncal acne may persist for years and heavily impact the quality of life of affected individuals. Disfuring skin formations can also occur. Early treatment is therefore recommended. Although several treatment guidelines for acne are available, none specifically provide guidance for the treatment of truncal acne and treatment remains challenging. In Western medicine, topical treatments with salicylic acid, benzolyperoxide wash, or retinoid are recommended for milder forms. However, for patients with more severe forms, Western medicine recommends systemic treatment with antibiotics or vitamin A derivatives.

 

Lately the impact of nutrition on truncal acne has been investigated in clinical trials. Notably, whey protein and over supplementation with vitamin B12 may worsen the disease and should be considered to be potential triggers in therapy-refractory cases.


See below for the best approach for truncal acne.


- Cleanse your back with a mild cleanser at least once a day to lower sebum production and consecutively, the occurrence of comedones 

- Avoid physical trauma. Contrary to common believe, exfoliating, back scrubs and dry brushing may worsen the appearance if inflammatory lesions

-  Avoid over supplementation with vitamin B12

- Avoid whey protein supplementation

- Shower after sports activities as sweat may cause irritations

- Consult with a dermatologist to initiate topical and/or systemic treatment (especially to avoid scar formation). Or consult with a functional or naturopathic doctor to explore alternative, individualized treatment options

 

 References:

Tan, J.K., et al. Prevalence and severity of facial and truncal acne in a referral cohort. J Drugs Dermatol 7, 551-556 (2008).

Del Rosso, J.Q., et al. A closer look at truncal acne vulgaris: prevalence, severity, and clinical significance. J Drugs Dermatol 6, 597-600 (2007).

Poli, F., Auffret, N., Leccia, M.T., Claudel, J.P. & Dreno, B. Truncal acne, what do we know? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 34, 2241-2246 (2020).

Del Rosso, J.Q., Stein-Gold, L., Lynde, C., Tanghetti, E. & Alexis, A.F. Truncal Acne: A Neglected Entity. J Drugs Dermatol 18, 205-1208 (2019).

Tan, J., et al. Impact of facial and truncal acne on quality of life: A multi-country population-based survey. JAAD Int 3, 102-110 (2021).

Tan, J., et al. Randomized phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 mug/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne. J Am Acad Dermatol 80, 1691-1699 (2019).

Tan, J.K.L. & Dirschka, T. A New Era for Truncal Acne: Emerging from a Legacy of Neglect. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 11, 665-668 (2021).

Veraldi, S., Benardon, S., Diani, M. & Barbareschi, M. Acneiform eruptions caused by vitamin B12: A report of five cases and review of the literature. J Cosmet Dermatol 17, 112-115 (2018).

Malgotra, V. & Singh, H. Malassezia (Pityrosporum) Folliculitis Masquerading As Recalcitrant Acne. Cureus 13, e13534 (2021).

 

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Sporty & Rich Wellness

Adverse Reactions to Food: Allergies versus Intolerances

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition Many food-related symptoms are mistaken for "allergies" when in fact they may be food intolerances. Food allergy and food intolerance are two distinct reactions with unique characteristics in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Accurately distinguishing between the two conditions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately for improving the wellbeing of those affected.

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness

5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates Many of us know about the physical benefits of exercise, but what about the psychological benefits of exercise? Exercise can help ease anxiety and depression, improve your sleep and keep your memory in check. Here are five benefits your mental health will get from regular exercise. Better Sleep - E

Read more
Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co A woman’s period is a vital sign. Just like your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breath rate, a woman’s cycle is indicative of her health overall. An imbalanced period indicates suboptimal health.  The menstrual cycle is incredibly complex and requires a constellation of factors to align for it to occur at regular intervals. Factors that can delay a period or...

Read more
Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Micro-Needling with PRP for Facial Aging

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co Facial treatments that slow and treat the signs of ageing have become increasingly popular as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, more invasive methods like injectables and surgery. Micro-needling is one I am frequently asked about, as it can benefit the skin’s appearance, soften fine lines and improve overall texture and plumpness — but

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

A New Way to Navigate Break-Ups

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy As a society we have historically romanticized long-term relationships and marriages even if they are totally unhealthy. All of us have likely applauded the model grandparents who stuck it out in their marriage for fifty-plus years, without thinking to inquire about how they both truly experienced the relationship throughout that time. When it...

Read more
Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Sulforaphane: The Powerful Nutrient in Broccoli Sprouts

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @emma.walsh Broccoli sprouts might be small, but you likely know that this tiny green superfood is packed with health benefits. This is thanks to the high concentration of an antioxidant called sulforaphane. It’s a sulfur-rich phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, but is most potent in broccoli sprouts. You might not have heard...

Read more
People Pleasing: What Causes It and Strategies To Stop

People Pleasing: What Causes It And Strategies To Stop

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy Do you often confuse ‘being nice’ with doing things out of fear of being disliked or rejected by others? In my therapy practice I commonly work with individuals who struggle with people pleasing tendencies. People pleasing is not a formal mental health condition, rather a set of behaviors that involve placing the needs of others above one’s own needs. This excessive wish...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Treating Acne: which blood tests can be helpful

Treating Acne: Which Blood Tests Can Be Helpful

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co When one of my patients presents with skin concerns, a component of my plan is always testing, particularly when it comes to acne. Acne is a concern that can arise for a variety of reasons and bloodwork is a helpful tool in understanding its root cause. Without understanding the cause of breakouts,...

Read more
The Energetic Properties of Foods

The Energetic Properties of Foods

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

  By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Nutrition extends beyond just the nutritional content of a particular food by focusing on specific medicinal properties as well as the energetic properties each food holds, and how these energies interact with the body. Foods are categorized as cold, cool, neutral, warm or hot.  In TCM, maintaining a predominantly warm diet...

Read more
Microneedling with Exosomes: The Benefits and the Science Behind It

Microneedling With Exosomes: The Benefits And The Science Behind It

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @snatchedbh In recent years, microneedling has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive skincare treatment for a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation. But what if we told you there's a way to enhance the benefits of microneedling even further? Enter "microneedling with exosomes" a cutting-edge skincare technique that's been making waves in...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Why Cold Water and Smoothies are Making you Bloated

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

    By Dr. Natazia zu Stolberg, L.Ac, DACM In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the stomach is seen as a pot, with the fire under it being our metabolism. This digestive fire is crucial for the efficient breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients and smooth flow of Qi...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - 10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

10 Ways To Calm Anxiety

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @curanaturopathy Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted emotional and physiological response to perceived or anticipated threats, which we commonly refer to as stressors. This response is characterized by various cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and physical symptoms.  It’s no doubt that anxiety serves a true purpose as a natural and adaptive reaction to prepare us to deal with challenges...

Read more