Bacne, Never Heard of It
“Bacne”, slang for back acne, comes in all sizes and forms of acne, ranging from mild forms like whiteheads, pimples, pustules and blackheads, to much more serious forms of acne including cystic acne. Back acne affects people of all ages, ranging from preteens to teens, young adults to adults, and the elderly as well; race and ethnic backgrounds are equally impacted too! Understanding back acne causes and available treatment options are critical components in treating and preventing your “bacne” condition from getting worse.
Oil, Death, Bacteria Equals Back Acne Cause
Like most other forms of acne, there is no single cause of back acne. From a medical community standpoint, back acne happens when oil glands start functioning more rapidly, usually around puberty. The hormone group androgens, found in both males and females, get overactive and in turn cause the oil glands to make extra oil. These oil glands, also known as the sebaceous glands and located just underneath the skin surface, constantly produce and secret oil through the pores of your skin. When too much oil is produced the pores and hair follicles become clogged. These clogs further obstruct the way dead cells escape the skin, resulting in a mass of oil and dead cells plugging hair follicles. All of this mess attracts bacterium, causing acne to form.
Back Acne
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 minimal, just a few small pimples or very severe with large lesions and painful cysts. Back acne may be something that certain people are prone to, however it may be caused by outside factors like tight clothing or a heavy backpack.
Treating back acne is probably easier than preventing it. Most people suffer from some form of back acne at one time or another. Skin on the back is much thicker than on other areas of the body and therefore allows for stronger topical treatments, such as ten percent Benzoyl peroxide. This strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for other skin areas that are typically thinner and would not sustain themselves under such harsh treatment. You can experience 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.
Few Acne Differences
There are few differences in back acne and acne located elsewhere on the body. Similar to facial acne sufferers, individuals suffering from back acne often feel shame and embarrassment. These individuals go to great strides to over their backs and hide affected areas. Lose clothing that drapes and hangs on the body are preferred over sleeveless shirts and tank tops.
Excessive sweat can cause back acne to become rather irritated. Showering soon after activities that cause sweating can reduce irritation. When cleaning affected areas of the back, try not to scrub excessively, whether using your hands, brush, loofahs or other cleaning accessories; avoid friction as much as possible as this will cause further irritation. A gentle cleansing is preferable over all other methods.
Back Acne Treatments
Minor cases of back acne might disappear with daily washing and cleansing routines. In cases that don’t, these minor cases, including moderate back acne as well, often respond well to over-the-counter items such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Make sure to always following directions carefully when using over-the-counter treatments. Typically these are applied to the infected area once or twice daily. Use care when using these products, as some may case skin dryness, flaking, and bleaching of items they come in contact with. Discontinue use of these products, if you notice or experience any problems.
Severe cases of back acne are more difficult to control and treat, usually requiring the care of a physician or dermatologist. Topical and oral medications are prescribed in most instances. Work closely with all medical practitioners when treating the most severe cases of acne, due to the fact that some medications carry significant side effects. In some instances, such as cystic back acne, surgery is even required.
Luckily, most “bacne” or back acne cases can be cleared successfully, with patience and time; daily washing and cleansing for minor cases and healthcare assistance for more severe cases. Remember to keep clothing loose to limit friction and reduce irritation. Like most acne the cause of back acne has many variables, but there is no reason to suffer the embarrassment of it. Take care, seek treatment, rid yourself of back acne and enjoy more beautiful skin.
