Like the other forms of acne, there is no one particular factor that may be associated to the formation of back acne. Certain studies found out that back acne, just like the other forms of acne, also appear when the sebaceous glands start working more aggressively around puberty. It is interesting to know that the sebaceous glands are actually situated just below the shell of the skin, and it persistently produce and emit oil through the pores.

Back acne is of course found on the back, but sometimes on the buttocks. Just like some forms, back acne can be severe especially when the lesions are large and painful. One of the major causes for the formation of back acne is tight clothing, which trap perspiration against your skin. Back acne may also be caused by heavy back packs. It is noted that heavy back packs rub on the upper shoulders or can cause irritation which then triggers the development of back acne.

In this kind of condition, especially if the inflammation is right near the surface, there is a great possibility that a patient can get pustules. If the infection is deeper, back acne can show up in the form of papule. It is worth noting that deeper acne actually causes cysts which are among the worst forms of acne. If such case occurs, the possibility of permanent scarring is pretty big. Moreover, if the extra sebum breaks through the skin in back acne, whiteheads will greatly appear, and if the head of the plug becomes dark because of the skin pigment known as melanin, the back acne then shows up in the form of blackheads.

One thing that sets back acne separate from the other forms of acne is the fact that food does not seem to play a role in the formation or flare up of back acne. Although you may have been told that fried or oily food or fat rich diet causes its formation or worsen its condition, there is actually no evidence to prove such claim. Most experts have noted that excessive oil production or dirt does not seem to affect the condition of back acne, even the excessive perspiration after workout.

The appearance of back acne in simpler conditions may be treated by over the counter medicines, the same as to that of the other forms of acne. Most probably it will just disappear with the daily hygienic routine. However, the severe back acne like the cystic one must be treated by certain skin specialist or dermatologist for it may cause further damage on the skin. And, since it goes deeper into the skin and causes permanent scarring, severe back acne must then be given more medical attention.

Speaking of tight fitting clothing, most of the experts have noted that tight fitting clothing like lycra leggings basically trap perspiration against the skin, which in turn mixes with the surface oils. If this happens, it will then result in a film that clogs the pores and causes the formation of some blotches ranging from whiteheads to blackheads and to inflamed papules and pustules, a sign of severe body acne.

The treatments for body acne are just the same as to that of facial acne. However, certain findings have shown that body acne tends to be more resistant to treatment for the reason that it is difficult to reach. Aside from that, body skin is much thicker than the facial skin, and with body acne, the blotches and lesions are constantly exposed to friction from those tight fitting clothing.

To care for your body acne, you must then wash the affected areas with salicylic acid-based cleanser and just make sure that you shower as early as possible after perspiring. Some of the experts also suggest wiping the affected areas with a benzoyl peroxide, a well-known treatment for body acne, or salicylic acid pad and follow with an alpha hydroxyl acid-based body moisturizer. The moisturizer will then help exfoliate your skin while preventing it from drying out. And, you try to apply a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment on the individual pimples at night for this may also help to reduce and prevent body acne from forming and spreading.

Today, most of the experts recommend the body acne patients to use a topical retinoid for severe body acne. A concrete example of this body acne treatment is the Retin-A. There is also a number of oral antibiotics like the tetracycline and minocycline that are deemed effective for the treatment of acne that most doctors prescribed them although it typically take anywhere from a week to a couple of months before you can see any results. And there’s also Accutane, considered as the last resort for treating body acne. This medicine is usually prescribed in higher dosages than for facial acne, and should only be taken if necessary.