Back Acne
Causes and Treatment of Back Acne

 What is Back Acne?

Although acne is usually thought of  as a condition whose main symptom is pimples on the face, many people suffer with acne on their back. Back acne is common enough to have its own nickname -- "bacne".

Back acne affects all ages, genders and races, but is most often seen in men. The back has thousands of sebaceous (oil) glands, each producing its share of oil.

Causes of Back Acne

Like acne found in other places, back acne occurs when hair follicles in the skin on the back become clogged. Each follicle contains sebaceous glands that secrete a fatty oil called sebum. The sebum's function is to lubricate the hair and skin.

In back acne, the sebum and dead cells are produced faster than they can move from the pores. This is what causes either a whitehead or a blackhead. Whiteheads are the result of a pore closing off. If the pore stays open, the top darkens causing a blackhead. Blackheads are neither caused by or colored by dirt. Both of these kinds of acne eruptions are seen in back acne.

Clothes that fit tight and clothes that are made from materials that don't let the skin breathe are two of  the most common causes of back acne. Even wearing a backpack has been cited as contributing to back acne. Acne on the buttocks in included in the back acne category. It can also be noted that most people do not wash their backs as thoroughly as they should, which is certainly a contributing factor to back acne.

A variety of types of acne pimples compose back acne including whiteheads, blackheads, surface type pustules or papules which are deeper.  As in other types of acne, back acne can form deep in the skin and cause cysts.

Back Acne Treatment

Because the skin on the back is much thicker than skin covering others parts of the body, the treatment for back acne is different.

To eradicate back acne, it is essential to keep the back clean by bathing or showering frequently. Be sure to shower or bathe after working out. Use a cleasing product that has salicylic or glycolic acid as one of its  ingredients. It would be a good idea to use a loofah to gently scrub your back to remove the dead skin of back acne. This process is known as exfoliating, and should be thorough but gentle.

After cleansing, dry the skin and apply a topical lotion, ointment or cream that contains benzoyl peroxide to the areas where the back acne is located. Allow the medicine to absorb completely before dressing because it can stain clothing.

Also, take care that you apply the medication to the back acne pimples only, and not the entire back. Since most back acne medications cause some drying of the skin, you would not want the skin on your back to become excessively dry. This would require moisturizing which could trigger more back acne. It could become a vicious cycle. It might be necessary to have someone apply the medicine to your back acne for you -- to be sure it is done properly.

For more information about back acne and acne treatment, see:

Adult Acne - Causes and Treatment
Acne Facts and Treatment - What You Should Know
Acne Home Treatment - Using Basics and Herbs
Natural Acne Cures - From Kitchen or Health Store
Helpful Information Source for Acne