Back Acne

Back acne can be a problem that many athletes have to deal with because one of the major causes is sweat. The more a person works out the more they will sweat. If they also wear tight fitting clothing then there is little doubt that they will develop some degree of back acne. This condition is also hereditary, so if one of your parents has suffered with this problem you likely will too. When it’s caused because of heredity it is more likely a hormonal problem. The term “bacne” has been coined to describe this

There are some things you can do to keep this under control and make it less uncomfortable. First, when you are feeling sweaty take a shower — more than once a day will not hurt you. When you shower use some type of back scrubber to help remove dead skin. Be careful when using the back scrubber not to rub too hard and accidentally rip open the acne.

Make sure to wear loose clothing which allows the skin to breathe. Additionally, changing your shirt frequently will help keep bacteria buildup under control and minimize the outbreak. Other useful tips include powdering your back after showering with unscented baby power which helps keep the skin from sweating. Some people even go so far as to spray their backs with antiperspirant. But this can have adverse effects if you sweat a lot.

Wearing clothing made from cotton is an advantage because it will also help your skin breathe. Although it is common sense to keep yourself clean and to change your clothes daily, if you have back acne you must make sure you put on clean clothes each day. This should include changing bras daily. Another point to remember is that when using exercise mats you should put a towel under your back to help absorb the sweat.

Another thing that might help treat back acne is a mixture of lye soap and tea tree oil. This ointment softens the skin, and helps to control oil production in the skin of the back. People who suffer with back acne should not sleep on waterbeds. The heat of the mattress irritates the skin and causes the sleeper to sweat which only causes more acne.

Acne on the back is more much difficult to treat than acne on the face. Often it requires prescription antibiotics from a dermatologist. Either minocycline or tetracycline may be suggested. Additionally, there are prescription washes that will help control bacteria that is causing the acne. After using the wash follow it with a prescribed cream or lotion. Given time and care an episode of back acne can be brought under control.