Back Acne – Treatment and Prevention

Acne is a true annoyance. Not only is it aggravating to see on your facial complexion, but when it develops in other areas, it can become quite painful and oftentimes embarrassing to deal with. This is especially true when it comes to dealing with back acne, which is often referred to as body acne or in contemporary slang terms as “bacne.” Such terms don’t make it any more humorous or easier to experience, get rid of it or even prevent it from returning; however, it is something that can be treated and prevented if offered a little bit of patience and a proper methodology.

What Causes Back Acne?

Back acne is as simple to understand as acne that develops on the face. It develops from the same cause. Regardless of variables that can aid in its development, back acne comes from the combined forces of dead skin cells, bacteria from the skin’s surface (P. Acne bacteria) and sebum that is naturally secreted from the sebaceous gland. Every follicle possesses a sebaceous gland, so natural skin oils are continuously in production.

Beyond the three contributing factors that result in the development of a pimple or zit anywhere on the skin, there are variables that make back acne an even stronger possibility. Heavy or restrictive clothing can cause chafing, as well as excess sweat that can irritate skin and create an environment perfect for the development of acne.

Athletes and Back Acne

Many athletes suffer from back acne due to uniform related issues, as well as any necessary equipment that is in contact with the skin. Many football players, hockey players or athletes who rely on the use of heaving shoulder and back padding are even more susceptible to the development of back acne.

How to Treat Back Acne

Many people are confused as to the best way to treat back acne. Back acne can be treated as part of a daily cleansing and acne treatment regimen. A quality acne wash can be used with a specifically designed back scrubber, or can be applied with the hands if issues only exist around the shoulders. Cleansing the back with an acne wash will help to treat current acne, while also prepping the skin to fight future acne. The perfect time to offer this treatment is during a shower, or just after an athletic practice or event.

It is great to follow the acne cleansing with the use of a toner, or astringent to help constrict pores and prevent dead skin cells and bacteria from making their way into the follicle to cause problems. This can be done with a cleansing cloth, or with cotton pads. It is nice to have help for some of the hard to reach places, but it can still be managed without an extra set of hands.

Benzoyl peroxide acne cream will work wonders for back acne when used liberally, like a lotion, all over the affected area. Using such a cream will provide an oxidized environment on the surface of the skin, as well as in the pores, killing the bacteria that cause acne. Additional lotion or skin moisturizers can be used to combat any dryness from the potency of benzoyl peroxide.