Simple ways to prevent back acne

  Bacne is another term for back acne or body acne. It tends to form on the back, upper arms and the buttocks and can take several forms: pimples, blackheads, pustules and cysts, which are painful and form deep under the skin’s surface. Body acne is caused by the same factors that trigger facial acne: overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. Oil and dead skin cells become trapped within the follicle, or pore, and create a blockage. This blockage becomes a blackhead and may progress to a pimple, if bacteria invade. Body acne is generally confined to the back and upper torso. Like the face, these areas have more sebaceous glands per square inch than other areas of the body, so the follicles are more likely to become plugged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. Sweat can also irritate body acne. To minimize irritation, shower as soon as possible after exercising. Do not scrub the skin, even with a loofah or body puff. Remember, you want to avoid friction. A thorough, but gentle cleansing — preferably with a salicylic acid wash — is better than a vigorous scrubbing. Like facial acne, body acne can fill its sufferers with a sense of shame and embarrassment. Many patients take great pains to cover affected areas. Clothing is chosen so as to reveal as little breakouts as possible. Tank tops and sleeveless shirts are passed up. Women may take special care to make sure their shirts aren’t cut so low as to reveal acne on the chest. Men with back acne will often avoid taking off their shirts altogether. Here some simple ways to treat mild back acne: 1.Wash the back with an anti-bacterial cleanser formulated for the face, such as Cetaphil. Stay away from regular soap. Let skin dry. 2.Follow with a 10 percent benzyl peroxide gel or cream. These are available over-the-counter or via prescription. 3.Some experts suggest using the benzyl peroxide in tandem with an alpha hydroxy treatment such as Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion is optimal. 4.For severe back acne, consult a dermatologist for prescription treatment. Cysts can be treated in the office. You also need to be changed regularly and wash cloths in your sleep, such as sheets, pillowcases and blankets. This will contribute to a healthy environment for the skin and contribute to the treatment of back acne. Exfoliation is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells that tend to build up on the back, buttocks and back of the arms. Use a sugar scrub (milder than salt scrubs) in the shower on a weekly basis.