Acne 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.