The genesis of the challenge could be having an oily skin, then it metaphors to blackheads or whiteheads, and it could still manifest in form of red spots, yellow pus-filled pimples, and scars. All of these are the symptoms of back acne, which is familiar with people prone to having oil-producing glands that are particularly sensitive to some hormones.
It is pertinent to mention that everyone has this bacteria Propionibacterium acnes living on their skin, and for many, it does not cause any problems. According to dermatologists, a build-up of oil on the skin experienced by people prone to acne creates the perfect environment for the bacteria to multiply. This can lead to inflammation and the formation of pus-filled or red spots.
Interestingly, there is a way out of this quagmire. Medical News Today in conjunction with the American Academy of Dermatology has listed some proven ways to treat and prevent this horrible condition.
How to get rid of back acne
There are several treatment options available to help people get rid of acne on their back.
Topical creams
Most treatments involve applying topical medications directly to the skin. These are usually the first choice to treat cases of mild to moderate acne.
For people with just a few spots, over-the-counter medications will often deal with the problem. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
People should apply the medication to the whole affected part of the back, not just the spots, usually once or twice and a day. This kind of treatment will usually result in clear skin within 4-8 weeks.
Pills
A doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe oral medication if a person has severe acne, including acne cysts and nodules. Treatment may include:
Antibiotics to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation: sometimes, doctors will prescribe these alongside a topical medication. A person may need to take them for 2 to 6 months.
Birth control pills and other medicines that impact hormones: these can reduce the amount of oil the skin produces but can take 3 to 4 months to take effect. This option, which interrupts ovulation, may not be suitable for young teenage girls.
Isotretinoin: this is a powerful medication that can benefit people for up to 2 years after treatment. It does, however, have the potential to cause side effects – it can harm unborn babies, meaning it is not suitable for women who plan to get pregnant. Before prescribing isotretinoin, doctors may order blood tests and continue to monitor people while they use it.
With some medications, notably isotretinoin, there are also concerns that it can cause depression and suicidal feelings. Isotretinoin can also result in dry skin, particularly around the lips, so a lip moisturizer is recommended.
Also, isotretinoin may cause joint pain issues secondary to the drying and decreased lubrication of the joints.
Skin procedures
Laser and other light therapies can reduce the levels of acnes on the skin, but there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of this approach. Dermatologists sometimes offer a chemical peel to treat blackheads and papules.
Drainage and extraction is a procedure to remove large acne cysts if they do not respond to medication. It will help ease the pain but will possibly leave a scar.
How to prevent it from coming back
Tight-fitting exercise clothing that traps sweat next to skin on the back and blocks pores may contribute to outbreaks. People should consider wearing loose-fitting clothes, especially during a heavy gym session.
Man showering.
Showering after sweating, and using gentle cleansers applied with the fingertips can help to reduce the risk of acne breakouts on the back.
Other tips for reducing the risk of back acne breakouts are:
washing after sweating
using fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser
avoiding products that irritate your skin
not scrubbing the affected areas
not popping, picking, or squeezing spots because this may lead to them spreading and scarring
staying out of the sun and avoiding tanning beds because damaged skin is more prone to acne
