Back Acne Treatment

Back acne, also known as 'bacne' is similar to the acne that appears on the face, except for the fact that back acne can be a bit more difficult to get rid of. The skin on the back is tougher than the facial skin, for which acne on the back responds slowly to treatment. Both back and facial acne develops due to clogged pores. Skin pores can get clogged due to over production of sebum or oil by the sebaceous glands, and presence of excess dead skin cells. Blocked skin pores provide a favorable environment for the growth of acne causing bacteria, which cause skin inflammation and redness. Factors like, fatty or oily foods, stress, heredity and excessive sweating are the factors that are believed to play an important role in acne breakouts. Getting rid of back acne demands a lot of patience, as such it can take time to respond to medications.

How to Treat Back Acne?

For mild to moderate back acne, salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids can be used. On the other hand, for moderate to severe acne, you can try benzoyl peroxide along with alpha hydroxy acid. Usually, creams or acne skin care products with 10% alpha hydroxy can help to get rid of mild back acne. Even products with salicylic acid can prove effective for this purpose. For moderate to severe case, acne cream or gel with 10% benzoyl peroxide can prove immensely helpful.

If breakout is too severe and widespread, then antibiotics and accutane can be required for its treatment. These medications however, should be taken only after consulting a physician. Along with such medications, it is also important to maintain personal hygiene and exfoliate the skin on a regular basis. People with back acne can find considerable benefit by using an anti-bacterial soap or cleanser to wash the affected area twice daily. For exfoliating the skin, you can use a soft loofah or washcloth to gently scrub the back. This would help to remove dirt and dead skin cells.

Exfoliation should be followed by the application of moisturizer. Use a water based moisturizer instead of an oil-based one for this purpose. This is because, excess oil can clog the skin pores and aggravate the acne problem. After taking bath, do not forget to pat your skin dry with a soft and clean terry cloth towel. Then you can apply the benzoyl peroxide cream or gel on your back. Let the cream sit for a few hours, after which wash it off by using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Follow this treatment for back acne for a few weeks. At the same time, be sure to avoid wearing tight-fitting garments, rubbing the back against the bed while sleeping, and keep your clothes, bed sheets, towels and everything that may touch your back clean.

Back Acne Remedies

• Tea tree oil, known for its antibacterial properties can help a lot to get rid of back acne. It can help to prevent the rapid proliferation of the acne causing bacteria on the skin.
• Mix lemon juice with some rose water and soak a cotton ball in it. Now, apply it on the lesions with the cotton ball. Let it sit for a while before washing off with water. You can also keep the mixture of lemon juice and rose water overnight, and then rinse it off in the morning.
• Aloe vera gel is another effective natural product for acne treatment. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is also an antiseptic that helps to kill the bacteria.
• Mix cooked oatmeal with honey to make a homemade mask. Apply this mixture on your back and wait for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with water.
• Take a ripe tomato and crush. Apply the pulp of the tomato on the affected area of the back. Let it sit on the lesions for about half an hour, and then rinse off with clean water.

If all these treatment options fail to provide any relief, then consider visiting a dermatologist. It would also help to determine the best treatment for the pimples, as each individual has different skin types. Many times, the back acne can leave behind some really unsightly scars. Most of the home remedies explained above can help you to remove such acne scars. But if they fail to do so, then you can talk to your dermatologist about an appropriate acne scar treatment. Usually, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, chemical peel, fat transfer and laser skin resurfacing are other treatment options. Lastly, along with medications and home remedies, treatment for back acne should also incorporate a few lifestyle changes. People suffering from frequent acne breakouts should drink plenty of water throughout the day, avoid too much of fried and processed foods and caffeine, along with including more fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet.