Although the name might seem amusing, bacne (medically coined acne vulgaris of the back), isn't a skin ailment that is funny or fun to deal with. If you are dedicated to finding a back acne remedy, it is essential to first understand acne causes, prevention methods and the different types of back acne treatments.

Causes of Back Acne

Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is an inflammatory response concentrated in the pilosebaceous units, or PSUs. PSUs consist of the hair and the hair follicle, a sebaceous gland and the corresponding sebum it manufactures and the skin pore. Sebum is a natural oil that lubricates and protects the skin. When the pore, the opening to the skin's surface, becomes blocked, sebum cannot exit the follicle and begins to collect. The force of the sebum traveling through the follicle, in addition to this backup, damages the cells lining the canal. The body's immune response to this injury causes the inflammation and redness that is commonly associated with the zit.

Contrary to traditional thought, the main cause of acne is not bacteria but the injury caused to the follicular canals by sebum. Hormone imbalance is the main reason for increased production of sebum and, therefore, the damaging force of sebum flow to the skin surface.

Although not the main cause of acne, bacteria do participate in the manifestation of acne. P. acnes, a naturally found bacteria in the skin, is the type of acne that contributes to acne. It is when the follicle is ruptured that bacterium, along with sebum and dead skin cells, pours into the dermis, causing infection.

Other lesser contributing factors are those that cause the clogging of pores. Sebum (especially sebum that has hardened due to the body's deficit in essential fatty acids) and excess skin cells are the major offenders.

Additional contributors to the appearance of acne on the back are the use of tight clothing and not showering after exercising or other sweat inducing activities. Both create an environment especially favorable to rapid bacteria growth, in addition to oil buildup.

Back Acne Prevention

Now that you are aware of the causes of acne, you can better prevent back acne.

Even though we can't control the onset of puberty or our genetic makeup, there are ways we can better control sebum production. Hormones signal increased sebum production when they are affected by high stress levels. Finding a stress reduction method that works for you is most important, however, some include exercising, meditation or yoga, deep breathing exercises, and simple improvement of one's time management skills.

To thwart the hardening of sebum (that so easily blocks pores), try increasing your daily consumption of essential fatty acids. You can easily do this by purchasing Omega-3 supplements, which include fish, cod liver or flax seed. You can also decrease the chance of clogging pores by exfoliating the back with light scrubs or a loofah sponge.

Lastly, by regularly cleansing the back, you can manage the amount of P. acnes bacteria living in your skin. Never skip out on the shower after exercising and it is worth the money to have clothes that breathe well.

Back Acne Treatment

To clear up back acne once you have it, a regimen similar to that for facial acne can be followed:

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are typical over-the-counter products utilized to get rid of back acne. Both these ingredients dry the skin of the oil found superficially and can be the cause of further irritation. Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide has recently been discovered to cause damaging free radicals.

Retinoids, prescriptions that activate the retinoid receptors, eliminate fine lines, shrink the size of pores, decrease sebum production and reduce the size of the sebaceous glands. These prescriptions are known to cause excessive drying of the skin and sensitivity to the sun's rays. Accutane, or the retinoid Isotretinoin, can be prescribed for sever acne on the back if all other methods go unsuccessful.

Topical or oral antibiotics are also prescribed by doctors and dermatologists to reduce the P. acnes bacteria. Additionally, they reduce the amount of irritating chemicals produced by white blood cells in the immune response. Some side effects include nausea, sun sensitivity, skin discoloration and also vaginal yeast infections in women.

To clear back acne, especially severe cases, you should see a dermatologist. Above, we have provided a general overview of types of treatment but your dermatologist, after review of your symptoms and skin type, will help select a solution catered to you.

Even if you deal with unsightly acne scars, bacne, or face acne, look no further. Biocutis' broad line of acne treatment products can treat a wide variety of acne skin needs. The line of acne products contain the skin rejuvenating base of snail serum extract that also consume dead skin cells and moderate the body's immune response. Whether you need a microdermabrasion treatment for acne scar removal, a back acne treatment, a mild acne cream, or something strong for cystic and other severe forms of acne, Biocutis has you covered. For stubborn acne of the back, look to BIOSKINFORTE, specially formulated to address the root causes of severe acne breakouts and acne cysts.