What is Back Acne and What Can I Do About It?
Posted by Kayla Phillips on
Oil glands are constantly producing and secreting oil through the pores in the skin. When too much of the oil is produced the pores and hair follicles become clogged. The clogs obstruct the way that dead cells escape the skin, which in turn results in a mess of oil and dead cells plugging the hair follicle.
This attracts bacterium, which causes acne to be formed.
Back acne can be found on any part of the body and does not necessarily have to be on a person’s back. It can be very severe with large lesions and painful cysts. Back acne may just be something that certain people are prone to, or it could be caused by other things such as tight clothing or a heavy backpack. Not having anything in contact with the back is not a logical prevention step, as we all must sit down, and everyone must wear clothing.
Back acne comes in all sizes and forms of acne, ranging from mild forms like whiteheads to serious forms of acne including cystic acne. ‘Bacne’ as it is referred to in slang terms, can consist of pimples, pustules, and blackheads as well. Back acne affects people ranging from age ten to age forty or older yet. Understanding the causes of back acne and available treatment options are especially important in treating and preventing the condition.
There are some differences in back acne and acne located elsewhere on the body, however.
Back acne is not caused by genetics as other acne can be. Some severe cases of back acne may be genetically passed on, but it is just the individual’s body type or personal genetic makeup. People all over the world suffer from back acne at some point in their lives. Unlike other acne, food does not contribute to the formation or flare up of back acne. There is absolutely no evidence that foods cooked in grease, or high in fat content contribute to back acne.
It is also known that excessive oil production and dirt build up does not have a massive impact on developing back acne. Perspiring excessively and not washing or showering immediately has been shown to not increase the chances of developing back acne.
Back acne also does not seem to be affected by stress. There are some who think that facial acne is increased due to stress. However, stress can cause back acne to not heal. Oftentimes, stress causes people to pick and bother the pimples, which makes the condition worse.
It is easier to treat back acne than to try and prevent it because most people suffer from back acne at one time or another. Skin on the back is much thicker and therefore allows for stronger topical treatments, such as ten percent Benzoyl peroxide. This strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for other skin that is typically thinner and will not be able to sustain itself under harsh treatment. You can get all the same types of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and cysts, on your back just as you can on any other part of your body.
Taking some over the counter medicines may treat breakouts of back acne in conditions that are not complex. Some skin specialists or dermatologists should treat severe forms of acne on the back, such as cystic acne. Most of the simpler forms of acne might disappear with daily washing and cleansing routines but as cystic acne goes deep into the skin and can cause permanent scarring, it should be given more serious medical attention than simple pustules or blackheads on the back.
Always speak to your healthcare provider about treatment before starting a back acne treatment program. Never attempt to treat severe acne on your own or with an over-the-counter product without consulting a professional.
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