Unless you are in that small percentage that never had any acne problems, you know that acne is a drag. It is unsightly and often painful, resulting in lower self-esteem and confidence for the acne sufferer. While many people would agree that getting acne on their backs is not as bad as getting it directly on their face, it is still an uncomfortable and unpleasant trial to go through. Although acne on the back is easier to cover with clothes, it is not always possible to be completely covered, such as when you want to go to the swimming pool or the beach and must wear a bathing suit. Back acne, or “bacne”, can make even the most physically fit person in the world very conscientious about themselves and their condition.
Bacne is caused by the same principles that form acne on other parts of the body. The back contains that secrete a fluid known as sebum. If too much of this oil is produced by the body and left on the skin for too long, a person’s hair follicles and pores will become blocked up, thus exposing the area to bacteria that clogs and inflame the skin tissues. Back and chest acne are more commonly found in males. Often on the back area blemishes will run more deeply, making them painful and more difficult to treat.
One of the most important aspects of acne prevention is to keep the back clean at all times or as much as possible. Regular bathing is essential. While bathing, be sure to scrub the back until it is well exfoliated. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this may irritate and dry out the skin, leading to more outbreaks. You may be better off getting a gently exfoliating product, such as ProActive solution when washing to prevent over exfoliation. The back must remain as dry as possible and not be exposed to excessive perspiration. If you participate in strenuous activities, you will want to remove a sweat soaked shirt after you are done. There is also the factor of what clothes you wear in regard to back acne outbreaks. Tight clothing or carrying heavy materials such as backpacks will chafe and irritate the pores and lead to flare-ups by rubbing across the hair follicles. It is advisable to alternate tight fitting clothes with loose fitting ones occasionally and to try alternating backpacks with side packs or handle bags.
For milder cases of back acne there are over the counter treatments and other skin care solutions that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. There are also a variety of on-line ordered products that are very effective, such as ProActive solution. Remember, pregnant women should avoid products that contain salicylic acid, as it can possibly lead to complications during pregnancy or even birth defects. These are to be applied normally after washing, just like with facial acne solutions.
For more advanced cases of back acne, a physician or dermatologist may need to be consulted to get the desired effects. This is when smaller blemishes develop into pustules or cysts. If the back acne is reoccurring, a dermatologist may prescribe some oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or minocycline. If deep blemishes or cysts are left untreated, they may develop into scars that are visible on the back.
For a natural way to prevent back acne, try using a mixture of lye, soap, and tea tree oil. All three ingredients contain antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that will not only help clear up and prevent other outbreaks, but can also restore the skin’s suppleness. There are also a number of creams and soaps that contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, neem, and basil that are effective in maintaining and restoring the skin’s natural appearance.
Whatever treatment you choose, remember, back acne can be overcome. If you find that one solution does not give the desired effects, there are always other alternatives. Taking the time to prevent back acne is a good idea for your health and self-confidence, so don’t get discouraged and keep trying.