Back acne is basically the same as the acne on the face: it has the same causes, develops in the same way and manifests itself in the same kind of eruptions and lesions. The main difference is that pores in the back are larger than those on the face and therefore produce more sebum. The larger pores result in larger and more serious lesions. Statistics show that more than 65% of people with facial acne have some back acne. One-fifth of healthy adult males experience back acne at some time. Back acne can affect both men and women, although more men suffer from it. Other parts of the body like the chest, arms and legs also get acne but it is more common in the back. Back acne can be caused by a special form called “acne mechanica” which happens when skin is irritated. So anything that rubs against the skin like backpacks, rough fabrics and even the backs of chairs can irritate the skin and cause this particular type of acne. Treating back acne, therefore, has to address two areas: the usual causes of acne and the problem of irritation, both of which overlap in many instances.

Keeping the back clean at all times is a pre-requisite for treating back acne. Washing the back after exercising or doing strenuous work which causes excessive perspiration is necessary. In doing so, use of harsh soaps, and those with strong perfumes should be avoided because they can irritate the skin. Using loofas and brushes to scrub the back can also make the acne worse. In drying the back after a bath, care should be taken not to towel the back too harshly.

The next step in treating back acne is to avoid irritation. Some ways to do this are:

• Wear breathable cotton clothing instead of clothes with rough and starched fabrics
• Use a bag instead of a backpack while the acne condition is present. If after the acne subsides but recurs after using a backpack again, try giving up the backpack altogether.
• Be conscious of things that touch and might irritate the back, like leaning on the back of a seat. Then make adjustments to avoid contact with the back.
• Adjust your schedule so that you can always take a shower after exercising or engaging in any activity that causes perspiration.

The other phase of the treatment of back acne involves the standard treatment of all forms of acne. Applying acne medication like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid solutions, hormone-based creams and other compounds is one way. Another treatment is to shift to a healthy diet which reduces the stimuli that produce excess sebum. And still another way is to minimize stress by getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.

Treatment of back acne should also minimize the chances of leaving acne scars on the back. Back acne is susceptible to scarring because it is itchy and can get easily irritated. Care should be exercised in the treatment of back acne never to pick or squeeze back acne because doing so will irritate it further and cause the acne to spread.