Treating Back Acne
Many of us are plagued by some degree of acne on our facial skin. Struggle doesn't come close to encapsulating the pain many of those with more severe types of facial acne endure, being left to deal with nasty remarks and unfriendly glances. A person's self-confidence isn't necessarily enhanced by back acne as well. This type of acne appears on the back as well as the shoulder area. Unlike facial acne, back acne can be physically painful. One is often forced to lean their back against a chair or hard surface, putting pressure on the acne lesions. Those with inflamed lesions, such as cystic acne, can experience tremendous pain. The nice thing about this form of acne is that it is invisible for the most part. It is covered by our clothes. Regardless, most of us could due without it. There are no specific treatments you need to purchase in order to combat back acne. The same ingredients found in your facial acne medications can also be safely used on your back. A recommended treatment plan will be outlined below.
It's easy to imagine the sheer amount of sweat and bacteria that comes into contact with our shoulders and back on a regular basis. Our clothes don't help much when it comes to allowing these contaminants to flow downwards so that they don't cause problems. They instead trap the bacteria and keep it within close proximity to our skin. It is no surprise that we then develop acne. Excellent hygiene is the most effective way to eliminate backacne. This translates into daily showers that incorporate cleansing the back area with an special acne-formulated cleanser. You should stop using your current body wash or soap and switch to a product that contains benzoyl peroxide. Wash your skin without any special applicators and then rinse off any remaining cleaning solution.
Cleansing your back with acne-fighting ingredients is not enough. You will have to add some topical medications into the mix. A good choice for this is benzoyl peroxide. You will need to be careful as this can bleach your clothes. Most benzoyl peroxide creams come in ridiculous concentrations, often 10%. You don't need such a potent cream to treat acne. Studies have shown that the higher concentration doesn't not translate to better results, but rather more irritation. Get your hands on a 2.5% concentrated cream and apply it nightly. You will see a reduction in breakouts after a week or so. Keep consistent and do not skip applications.
Your favorite detergent, believe it or not, may be feeding your back acne problem. Those that are highly fragranced have been known to cause such problems. Switch to one that doesn't have such an overpowering smell, and do the same for other laundry product you are using.
Exercising is something many of us do on a regular basis. You need to change your clothes and, if possible, take a quick shower after you have concluded sweat-inducing activity. You do not want to let the sweat ruminate on your skin. Also, keep your hands off your bare back if they haven't been washed. That's an easy way to spread bacteria around.