Information and treatments for back acne


The Back Regimen

The skin of the back is thick and tough. It often requires the one-two punch of generous amounts of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide AND 10% glycolic acid. Follow this Regimen—precisely—using any of the recommended over-the-counter products. You can expect results in weeks and completely clear skin in 3-4 months (or faster for many people).

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As a rule, dermatologists view back acne as the same disease as facial acne since it develops in a similar manner and expresses itself in similar lesions. However, pores on the back are larger and produce more oil than those on the face. These larger pores can produce severe lesions such as nodules and cysts more frequently.

  • About 2/3 of people with facial acne have some amount of back acne. It's an often hidden but very common thing.
  • 20% of all healthy adult males have some amount of back acne.
  • Back acne tends to be more prevalent in men, but is evidenced in both sexes.
  • Other areas of the body, such as the chest, shoulders, arms, buttocks and legs also experience acne, but the back is more common than the other extremities.

No one is certain of the cause of back acne, or acne for that matter. We do know that maturation of oil glands is required. This is why we see face or back acne only after puberty begins. Beyond this, what leads to back acne is similar to what leads to facial acne. For some reason, acne prone individuals tend to overproduce skin cells inside of their pores. The walls of these pores stick together and ultimately create a clogged pore.

When speaking about back acne, a form of acne which dates back to the very beginnings of modern medicine deserves mention. Acne mechanica is the medical name for acne which is caused by irritation of the skin. Anything that repeatedly rubs against the skin, such as backpacks, rough massages, tight fitting clothing, weight lifting machines which press on the shoulder area, or anything else that rubs the back area and irritates the skin can aggravate acne in that area. Acne mechanica tends to be aggravated by moisture, so if you’re sweaty and combine that with the repeated rubbing that comes with your backpack, clothing, etc., that could make the problem worse. By simply existing as a human being, your back is going to be in contact with chairs, clothing, beds, and other people’s touch so no one will be able to remove all irritation of the skin of the back. Still, there are some simple ways you can help the situation and avoid irritation.

Treatment must continue until your body outgrows the disease, which the majority of people do for the most degree after adolescence.16-17 Aside from the oral drug Accutane, there is no other treatment for acne which produces long lasting remission of acne symptoms.18 However, ongoing topical treatment can get the skin completely clear and keep it that way for years if need be.


2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide The most effective treatment for most people aside from Accutane is benzoyl peroxide, which has been a mainstay of acne treatment since the 1930s, and for good reason. It is the only medication which can penetrate into the skin and deliver oxygen.19 Acne bacteria cannot live in the presence of oxygen, and benzoyl peroxide kills 99.9% of them almost instantly.20 However, for benzoyl peroxide to completely clear acne, it must be applied as outlined in The Back Regimenーgenerously, and in 2.5% strength. For many people, applying in this fashion allows them to suppress acne symptoms until their bout of acne naturally subsides. Learn The Back Regimen »

Accutane For severe, widespread, and potentially scarring acne, Accutane is an option. Isotretinoin is a systemic oral treatment which is taken for 15-20 weeks and produces long-term remission of acne symptoms in about 2/3 of people, but comes with a large range of side effects including causing severe birth defects, and must be administered in close partnership with your physician.21-22 Learn about Accutane »

† Women of Asian heritage and men and women of African heritage can respond to some antibiotics differently – if you fit into any of these categories, check with your physician if you decide to take antibiotics for your acne.

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