Acne on back and the appearance industry

Acne on Back Logo Being preoccupied with appearance, the acne on back sufferer usually have a negative self image, and may develop psychological problems. Because the color, texture, and appearance of the skin, are important physical factors contributing to outer beauty; and when many people are more concerned with physical beauty, though inner beauty is more pleasing to the mind, real beauty would cease to matter. Needless to say that, it is not a person’s skin that makes them attractive but a combination of all the unique characteristics that they are. The media, and television in particular, actively promote levels of attractiveness related to appearance and particular physical properties. Attractiveness has thus shaped people attitudes in favor of physical beauty in many life aspects, such as employment, social opportunities, friendship, s*xual behavior, and marriage. The media transmit messages concerning physical beauty, perfection and disfigurement, and usually offer suggestions and practical advice as to how the influence of these aspects can be reduced or altered. As they are promoting certain products, they are creating markets for advertisers at the same time. the media have propagated the idea that perfection is a normal thing in society and that those who are unattractive can easily gain this supposedly ‘normal’ appearance. The concept of body image defined as our perception of the way that others see us, is therefore affected by any physical changes to the way that we look. As acne develops in adolescence, a time when people are generally most sensitive about their appearance; symptoms such as depression or social anxiety reflect their real concern over body image. The costs of treatment may also complicate the problem and can cause great distress. The visibility of acne on back may attract attention in certain social situations, thus making the individual feel that they can’t keep their condition private or personal.The sufferer may find that some people react negatively towards them or treat them differently because of the way that they look. Negative misconceptions about acne are still there; some people still think it is associated with a person’s inability to ‘properly take care of themselves or a lack of cleanliness and reactions to this can range from curiosity to rejection therefore, acne sufferers become socially withdrawn...to be continued.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

acne on back FAQs logoGet Rid of Your Back Acne

Get Rid of Your Back Acne in Time for Swimsuit Season

Look better than ever in your swimsuit by clearing up your back acne.

Is your back acne the only thing from standing in the way of looking great in your swimsuit this summer? You exercised and dieted so you would look great. You 'shopped till you dropped' to find the perfect figure-flattering suit. Now if you can only clear up your back acne, you will look drop dead gorgeous. Don't worry. This can be done. Follow these tips to get rid of your acne in time for summer.

Back acne tips

Back acne is a little trickier to treat because of its location -- but it can be done with just a few simple changes.

Tip #1 -- Buy a back scrubber

You can find a back scrubber in your local drug store or discount store in the health and beauty aids department. Back scrubbers usually come in two styles -- a long-handled brush (like a back scratcher) or long-mesh netting with a loop on each end for handles.

Your back has the same oil glands that you have on your face. When these glands get clogged, they form pimples. It's harder to clean your back simply because you can't reach it. But with one of these back scrubbers, you can.

Be sure and wash your back with the back scrubber at least once per day. It would be better and your back acne would clear up faster if you washed it twice a day -- once in the morning before you dress and once at night before you go to bed. This way, you wash off the oil and dead skin that has accumulated overnight and during the day underneath your clothing.

Tip #2 -- Use acne medication

Most people use acne medication on their face but it doesn't occur to them to use it on their backs. If you have back acne, after you scrub your back daily or twice daily, have someone rub your medication on your back. If you live alone, you may have to rig up your back scrubber and use it to apply your medication. You can do this by pinning a clean wash cloth on your back scrubber and putting the medication on the cloth. Then use the scrubber to apply the medication.

It's very important that you clean and apply medication to your back every day. By doing these two simple things, you can clear up your back acne and knock em' dead in that new summer swim suit.

Monday, June 15, 2009

acne on back FAQs logoAcne On Back

Acne on back
Because the back is covered with sebaceous glands (which secrete sebum to protect and moisturize the skin), it is as susceptible to acne as the face is. This is especially true during puberty, when sebaceous glands produce more sebum due to the hormonal changes of adolescence. Acne on back describes acne outbreaks on the back, although concealed by clothing, acne on back can cause emotional distress and lead to persistent scarring if left untreated.
What causes it?
acne on back is caused by the same chain of events that leads to facial acne.
An overgrowth of sebum in a clogged hair follicle causes inflammation. This results in bumps called comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). When the clogged pores become infected with a bacteria called P. acnes, the comedones become inflamed, red, and painful. This leads to the nodules and cysts of inflammatory acne. More commonly, these acne lesions are called zits and pimples.
How is it different than facial acne?
Although the causes of back acne are similar, the triggers may be different. For example, clothing that covers the body is more likely to trap sweat, oils, and other substances that can clog pores, creating an ideal condition for breakouts, especially after exercise or working in a warm environment, such as a kitchen. The treatment of acne on back is also different from facial acne. The thicker skin of the body can withstand medications that might be irritating to facial skin. The thicker skin also makes acne on back slower to respond to treatment. This makes it important to remain on therapy as recommend by your physician.

Reluctance to talk about acne on back
Over half of patients visiting their dermatologist for facial acne also had acne elsewhere on their body that they did not report to their physician. Not talking about body acne makes likely that it is not sufficiently treated.

How is acne on back treated?
acne on back can often be treated using the same methods as those for acne on the face, including:

* Over-the-counter medications applied on the skin, such as benzoyl peroxide (Proactiv) and Sensiclear.
* Prescriptions medications applied on the skin, such as topical retinoids and antibiotics. Topical retinoids are often used as the first-line of treatment for acne. These include (Differin, Epiduo, Retin A Micro, Tazorac, tretinoin, and Ziana)
* Prescription medications taken by mouth, such as antibiotics (minocycline), isotretinoin (Accutane), and oral contraceptives (Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen)

However, there are certain challenges that are unique to acne on back:

* Acne on large areas of the body or hard-to-reach spots, such as the back, may make it difficult to apply topical medications.
* Some topical treatments may discolor or bleach clothing.
* Left untreated, acne on back may lead to a type of scarring and pigmentation.

In choosing a treatment for acne on back, dermatologists will take into account several factors:

* Severity—mild or moderate cases may respond to topical medications alone, while more severe cases may require oral medications.
* Results of previous treatments
* Gender—some treatments are only available for females, such as birth control pills.
* Location—in a hard-to-reach area, a topical foam (such as clindamycin) may be easier to apply than a thick ointment or gel.
* Clothing—some patients with acne on back may have to try different topical treatments to find one that won’t stain clothing.
In some cases, dermatologists will combine topical and oral medications.

How can I prevent future outbreaks?
For all types of acne, follow these guidelines:

* Clean skin gently twice a day and pat dry.
* Do not pick at acne lesions, as this can cause scarring and other skin damage.
* Give your treatment time to work—your skin may look worse before it starts to improve, and stopping early can prevent you from seeing good results.

For acne on back, there are a few additional tips:

* Wear loose-fitting breathable fabrics (such as cotton or linen) to keep skin well ventilated and prevent clogged pores.
* After exercising, remove snug-fitting clothing that may trap sweat or dirt (such as a restaurant uniform, jog bra, or coveralls).
* Shower and gently clean your skin after exercising or any activity that makes you perspire.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

acne on back FAQs logoKnowing the Causes of Back Acne

Knowing the Causes of Back Acne

By Carolyn Anderson

Acne may be commonly experienced in the face or on the neck, but acne can occur in the chest, the forehead, the body and the back. At times, acne is specifically referred to depending on where it is located. It may be referred to as facial acne, body acne, neck acne or back acne. These parts of the body where acne usually appears are the parts that have the most sebaceous glands beneath the skin. The sebaceous glands are responsible for the oily secretion called sebum that helps moisturize the skin. Acne appearing in these different parts of the body is also treated differently as the skin can vary from the most sensitive ones to parts that have thick skin.


What are the causes of back acne, and how are they formed?

Back acne, or acne that appears on the back or on the shoulders, develops the same way as acne on the face or on any other part of the body. It develops when there is excess production of sebum in the sebaceous glands found in the skin. Acne starts to develop when excess oil in the skin clog up the pores and trap dead skin cells. When bacteria in the surface of the skin invade these clogged pores, skin infection can start and thus the development skin inflammation and acne.

The skin on the back is thick and tough, and it contains larger sebaceous glands thus it produces more sebum. The back therefore has higher possibility of developing more severe skin lesions than in the face or neck. Back acne is often prone to the formation of acne characterized by nodules and cysts - the more severe type of acne vulgaris.

The causes of back acne and other forms of acne have not yet been determined, but there are factors identified that said to cause flare-ups and worsen the existing skin condition. In the case of back acne, it is often aggravated by constant friction on the back, from clothing, backpacks or sports gear or any object that comes in frequent contact with the back.

Acne also tends to worsen when moist, thus sweat can also make back acne worse. Because the back is prone to frequent friction and irritation from clothing and sweat, extra steps should be taken to prevent the skin condition from getting worst.

Although we may not know the causes of back acne and acne in general, there are things we can do to prevent them from getting worse. You can carefully select clothing that do not irritate the skin, avoid tight clothing and if you are using backpacks, you may want to avoid it for the meantime to prevent friction on your back. Make sure also that you dry your back or take a shower after an activity of heavy sweating.

Diet and stress are also identified as triggering factors of acne. Heredity is also considered a contributory factor in acne breakouts, so if your parents have suffered severe acne during their teenage years, there are greater chances that you may also experience the same thing.

Back acne is most often difficult to treat, and of course, self-medication can also be difficult since it cannot be easily reached and seen, so it is always important to check your skin condition or seek dermatologist help if needed.

Carolyn Anderson has overcome severe acne in her teenage years. To learn more about natural ways of treating acne, check out Acne No More Another recommended resource is Acne Free In 3 Days a guide to eliminating acne permanently with natural cures.

Friday, June 12, 2009

acne on back FAQs logoWhat Causes Back Acne?

What Causes Back Acne?

By contributor1

Before looking for any type of back acne treatments and cures, it’s essential that you understand what causes back acne. If you clearly understand its causes and prevention, half of the battle is won!

Back acne is a very common skin disorder faced by people. It occurs in different forms, such as the pimples, blackheads, or pustules. Back acne can be really painful as it erupts in an area which you can’t see yourself. There are many myths related to back acne, so it is essential to clearly recognize what causes it.

Change in hormone leads occurrence of back acne:

Among the several factors that are known to cause back acne, the most important one is the change of male hormone in the body. The male hormones, also known as androgens, alter their levels in the body and this stimulates the sebaceous glands to secrete more oil. The excessive production of the oils leads to the occurrence of back acne.

As these oil glands are usually situated below the surface of the skin, the oils that are produced tend to get clogged with the dead cells to form a mass beneath the skin. Because of this, the dead cells get fixed under the skin surface and the mass blocks the hair follicle. This promotes the growth of the back acne producing bacteria in the area. Some people are prone to getting sever acne on their back. The bacteria also cause inflammation in the surrounding areas.

Things that aggravate back acne

Many things are known to worsen the back acne problem. One of them is the use of some particular clothing material. Such clothing materials when rub against the skin further aggravate the back acne. As soon as you feel that back acne has broken out, it is recommended that you consult your dermatologist.

When is a pustule formed?

In case of back acne, a pustule is usually formed if the inflammation is caused just beneath the surface of the skin. If the inflammation is caused deeper into the skin, then it forms a papule. Cystic back acne is that form of acne which is formed deepest below the skin surface. This type of back acne is the most painful one. It also tends to leave permanent back acne scars.

Back Acne Treatment

As the skin at the back is thicker than your facial skin, much stronger back acne treatments would be required to heal it. Benzoyl peroxide is used most frequently for the back acne treatments, because the medication is harsh and works well. Consult your dermatologist before it’s too late and get rid of the painful back acne.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

acne on back FAQs logoBack Acne - Different Than Facial Acne Or Cystic Acne?

Back Acne - Different Than Facial Acne Or Cystic Acne?

By Dr James Martin

Find out the difference between back acne and all the other types of acne and their differences in their treatment. If you have back acne, you may be wondering if it is different than regular facial acne or cystic acne or the eight other "types" of acne.

If you have back acne, you may be wondering if it is different than regular facial acne or cystic acne or the eight other "types" of acne.

The fact that there are so many websites I have reviewed that have great pictures of all the different "types" of acne is leading many people in their quest for a real and effective treatment to ask the wrong questions.

They look at all the pictures and compare to what their acne looks like, whether on their face, back, chest and bang! They now know what "type" of acne they have. Well, that's what I call tunnel thinking. Step back for just a few seconds and take a look at the big picture in terms of acne.

Traditional medicine has this funny way of grouping a bunch of symptoms and labeling them with some name of a condition or disease and then the person suffering with the disease or condition somehow feels better.

Needless to say, that DOESN'T mean they have a real or effective treatment or idea of even WHAT causes that condition. Medicine has one small flaw in the fact that just because you can put a label on it and tell the person they have xyz condition that that will help them.

On the contrary, then the person looks up their condition and is led down the wrong road totally...looking for a cure or treatment to a LABEL.

You have acne. It's on your back...Back Acne. Now you have your label, but I don't care and neither should you. What you SHOULD care about is...what is really causing pus to build up in all the pores all over your back making whiteheads, blackheads, cystic painful acne lesions, etc.

ALL acne is just that...ACNE. Pus emerging from inside into your skin causing zits, pimples, acne and scarring. Acne is caused my a few internal metabolic health disturbances that CAN be corrected to help you not have ANY "type" of acne.

So remember, it doesn't matter what "type" you of acne you've been labeled with or think you have. What matters is what the real underlying cause of your acne is (because it's not an acne cleanser deficiency) and how can you correct the underlying health problem that causes excessive pus and acne production and oily blocked pores.

And now I would like to offer you free access to more information on the exact cause of acne and specifics on how to eliminate it quickly and effectively at http://bestacnetreatmenttips.com and http://www.squidoo.com/BestAcneTreatmentTips from Dr. James Martin at bestacnetreatmenttips.com.

Friday, June 5, 2009

acne on back FAQs logoAcne - Back Breakouts

Acne - Back Breakouts Whats The Deal With Acne On Your Back?
Back acne comes in all sizes and forms of acne, ranging from mild forms like whiteheads to serious forms of acne including cystic acne. "Bacne" as it is referred to in slang terms, can consist of pimples, pustules and blackheads as well.



Back acne affects people ranging from age ten to age forty or older yet. Understanding the causes of back acne and available treatment options, are very important is treating and preventing the condition.



Like all of the other forms of acne, there is no one thing that causes back acne. As far as the medical community stands, back acne also happens when oil glands start functioning more rapidly around puberty. The hormone group androgens, found in both females and males, get overactive which in turn causes a reaction in the oil glands, which make extra oil.



The oil glands are located just underneath the skin surface. Oil glands constantly are producing and secreting oil through the pores in the skin. When too much of the oils are produced the pores and hair follicles become clogged. The clogs obstruct the way that dead cells escape the skin, which in turn results in a mess of oil and dead cells plugging the hair follicle. This attracts bacterium, which causes the acne to be formed.



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 very severe with large lesions and painful cysts. Back acne may just be something that certain people are prone to or it could be caused by other things such as tight clothing or a heavy backpack.



Not having anything in contact with the back is not a logical prevention step, as we all must sit down and everyone has to wear clothing. It is easier to treat back acne than to try and prevent it because most people suffer from back acne at one time or another.



Skin on the back is much thicker and therefore allows for stronger topical treatments, such as ten percent Benzoyl peroxide. This strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for other skin that is typically thinner and will not be able to sustain itself under harsh treatment. You can get all 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.



There are some differences in back acne and acne located elsewhere on the body however. Back acne is not caused by genetics as other acnes can be. Some severe cases of back acne may be genetically passed on but most likely it is just the individual's body type or personal genetic make up.



People all over the world suffer from back acne at some point in their lives. Unlike other acne, food does not contribute to the formation or flare up of back acne. There is absolutely no evidence that foods cooked in grease, or high in fat content contribute to back acne.



It is also known that excessive oil production and dirt build up does not have a huge impact on developing back acne. Perspiring excessively and not washing or showering immediately has been shown to not increase the chances of developing back acne. Back acne also does not seem to be affected by stress. There are some who think that facial acne is increased due to stress. However stress can cause back acne to not heal. Oftentimes, stress causes people to pick and bother the pimples, which make the condition worse.



Taking some over the counter medicines may treat breakouts of back acne in conditions that are not complex. Some skin specialists or dermatologists should treat severe forms of acne on the back, such as cystic acne. Most of the simpler forms of acne might disappear with daily washing and cleansing routines but as cystic acne goes deep into the skin and can cause permanent scarring, it should be given more serious medical attention than simple pustules or blackheads on the back.



Always speak to your healthcare provider about treatment before starting a back acne treatment program never attempt to treat severe acne on your own or with an over the counter product without consulting a professional.
Article Republished From: Liberated Press Releases


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