Acne is a condition that affects everyone sooner or later. While facial acne is the most common form of the affliction, it can occur on other parts of the body and this is known as body acne. Back and body acne affects males and females, teens and adults. However it is usually most common (and most severe) in males.

Body acne is caused by the same factors as facial acne. These include overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. Oil and dead skin cells become trapped within the follicle, or pore, and create a blockage. This blockage can become a blackhead (a dark, non-inflamed acne lesion) and may progress further into a pimple (an inflamed acne lesion presenting as a red bump on the skin with a white top or head) if bacteria invade.

The first step you need to take towards curing back and body acne is to stay clean. Bathe or shower frequently using a gentle body wash to clean the affected parts of the body. Ensure that you use this at least twice a day and perhaps even more if you live in a hot and humid climate where you perspire a lot. Sweat can irritate body acne. When exercising or engaging in some other vigorous form of physical activity it’s important to shower as soon as possible afterwards. Avoid scrubbing the skin, even with a loofah. A thorough, but gentle cleansing, preferably with a salicylic acid wash, is better than a vigorous scrubbing.

If the outbreak is mild, back and body acne will often respond to over-the-counter treatments. Using a salicylic acid wash every day or wiping the affected areas with pads containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid will often do the trick. Another potential remedy is any lotion containing an alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic or lactic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids help to speed cell turnover, rapidly exfoliating the skin and reducing the number of pore blockages.

Moderate to severe forms of body acne can be more difficult to control, and need to be treated by a physician. Topical and oral medications are often prescribed. Common treatments include Retin A, oral antibiotics and Accutane (isotretinoin). Accutane is only used for very severe forms of acne, or after other treatment options have been exhausted. This is because it has a risk of potentially severe side effects.

One final thing to keep in mind when trying to heal body acne is to avoid sources of friction such as tight-fitting clothes, too-snug collars, backpacks, purse straps, and athletic pads or gear. Friction caused by certain types of clothing can aggravate existing cases of body acne. Rubbing or pressure on the skin can irritate already inflamed follicles and bring about breakouts or make existing ones worse.

Acne affects so many people these days, not just the stereotypical teenager. The good news is that, whether you’re looking for an acne home cure or are interested in laser treatment, there are many ways of curing acne.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.