Anywhere you have pores, you have oil, dirt, and dead skin cells to clog them. Back Acne, also known as Bacne or Body Acne, refers to the same type of lesions on the skin as occur in Acne Vulgaris, or facial acne.
However, the pores on your back and the rest of your body are larger, produce more oil, and the skin is thicker, making back acne more difficult to treat.
Back Acne ranges in severity and duration, and may occur only during puberty or may remain throughout adulthood. It is more prevalent with men, but both men and women suffer from Back Acne. Like other acne-prone spots, the condition often results from an overabundance of oil, or sebum, dirt and bacteria on your skin. You have sebaceous glands all over your skin, the producers of sebum, but on your back these glands are more abundant and sometimes more active than elsewhere on your body.
In addition to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples—partial to complete blockages and inflammation of your pores—back acne often includes deep and painful cysts which can be difficult to treat and are the most likely to leave scars. If you have back acne and haven’t addressed it, you’re not alone. Many people who have back and body acne don’t treat it, but leaving it alone means that it might get worse and you will get scars.
Managing or Treating Back Acne
There are many things you can do to prevent or manage acne on your back:
- Try to limit your stress and maintain a healthy diet.
- Shower after physical activity—any time you sweat.
- Exfoliate on a weekly basis, at least twice a week with an exfoliating body wash.
- Wash your body with a mild soap. Try to find one for Sensitive Skin.
- Don’t wash your clothes with a strong detergent and try to avoid ones with perfumes.
- Take warm showers. Hot water irritates your skin.
- Avoid Loofas and Scrub Brushes. They’re too abrasive and cause inflammation.
- Pat-dry with a towel after a shower, scrubbing irritates your skin and causes more breakouts.
- Keep your fabrics clean. Change your sheets often.
Talk to a dermatologist. He or she may prescribe an acne product or medication such as an antibiotic. In more severe cases, s/he may recommend a medicated cream such as Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid.
