- Dr. Charles Puza gave tips to his 1.7 million followers on TikTok
- He recommended cleaning surprising areas of the body, as well as 2 products
- READ MORE: Little-Known $10 Ingredient That Can Cure Adult Acne
A dermatologist has revealed three surprising tips to get rid of bacne (pimples on your back).
Dr. Charles Puza, a board-certified dermatologist, gave tips to his 1.7 million followers on TikTok, including using two little-known products — and, oddly enough, attempting to rid the body of the bacteria that causes the pimples.
“Step one is to remove the bacteria that have colonized your nose, behind your ears and your belly button,” he said.
The insect in question is staph bacteria, which is known to cause large, painful bumps, especially on the back and chest.
This bacteria, full name Staphylococcus aureus, is on us all the time – on our skin, in our noses, on surfaces.
“Mupirocin ointment can remove these,” said Dr. Puza.
This cream is used to treat bacterial skin infections, by preventing the growth of bacteria and killing existing bacteria on the skin.
Common brands include Centany and Bactroban Nasal.
Dr. Puza said, “On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, use a benzoyl peroxide wash like this one from CeraVe or Hibiclens on the body to decolonize the staph bacteria.”
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication that treats mild to moderate acne.
It is an antiseptic that reduces germs on the surface of the skin. Brands include PanOxyl, PanOxyl-4 and Persa-Gel.
“If you’re a sweaty person or exercise regularly, make sure you get out of those sweaty clothes as soon as possible and use a hypochlorous acid spray like these options from Amazon or Tower28,” said Dr. Puza.
They will prevent bacterial buildup, he added.
Hypochlorous acid is an acid formed when chlorine dissolves in water, but it is gentle enough to use on the face.
You spray it on your skin after washing, instead of a toner, but before a serum or moisturizer.
It has anti-inflammatory properties making it good in treating acne. It also reduced the bacterial load on the skin surface.
Bacne occurs when sweat, oil, dead skin cells and bacteria become trapped in the small pores of the skin.
Backpacks and sweaty clothes can cause friction on your back and worsen back acne.
Anyone of any age can get bacne, but it is most common in teenage boys, research shows.