The mechanically stressed back
There are many daily activities that would aggravate acne on back. These practices are considered irritative as they inflict local repetitive minor trauma to the back on a daily basis. Examples of these mechanical stresses include: sitting in a chair for a long time, such as when driving or while working. Also when carrying a heavy backpack, the straps of which would cause friction by rubbing the back region therefore contributing to the condition of back acne.The back is also in constant contact with clothes and especially when tight, might irritate the skin, which can further aggravate the condition. Tight clothing badly interact with the mechanics of breathing in such a way that when the chest expands involuntarily against the tight non expanding especially synthetic clothes, it results in friction that irritates the back and initiates outbreaks of acne.
Some of these factors are inevitable because we all must sit down such as sitting while working or driving. However, such measures as changing posture and moving around to avoid prolonged sitting and driving for short distances and having some rest before resuming driving in long journeys would help. Another non preventable factor is the effect of contact with clothing as everyone has to wear clothing, this can be diminished by avoiding tight or heavy clothing or wearing a cotton T-shirt underneath. It's clear that all these factors comprise reasons for why acne on back is more difficult to treat than facial acne.
Other alternatives for carrying heavy packs include trying a hand held bag or a shoulder bag.
This type of acne on back caused by these friction mechanisms is sometimes called acne mechanica.
