According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, between 17 and 54 million people suffer with acne and that makes it a common skin problem. When your pores get clogged with dead skin cells and oil, acne may result. There are different forms of acne including mild and severe types. Acne appears on areas of your skin that have sebaceous glands, including your back, and it can be a challenge for both teens and adults. The treatments for back acne range from keeping your skin clean to very strong prescription medications.
Types of Back Acne
There are mild and severe forms of acne and you may develop different types of lesions such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples filled with pus, and large cysts that may be painful.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris results in pimples from clogged pores and when it's on your back, it can cover a large area that extends to your shoulders. Men experience back acne more than women. The pimples may be whiteheads, blackheads, small or large red lesions or contain pus. You may have a mild form of acne where there are only a few pimples or the acne can be more populated with many pimples connecting to each other.
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is produced from inflammation that is under your skin. It produces large pimples that may be painful as well. It is the strongest form of acne and the hardest to treat. You can have red bumps that are hard as well as pustules on your back.
Back Acne Treatment
Treating back acne is targeted at helping clear the pimples and preventing scars that may result. It is important to keep the affected area clean. Mild forms may respond to non-prescription treatments, but more severe forms of back acne often require a doctor's care and prescription medications.
Clean Skin
You should wash your skin with a cleanser that won't clog your pores or irritate your back skin. You should not squeeze pimples since doing so may make your breakout worse and may create scars.
Non-Prescription Treatments
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be used to treat a mild case of back acne. You can get both without a prescription and they will be labeled as acne creams. It may take up to 8 weeks to see improvement.
Prescription Treatments
If you have more than a mild case of back acne, you may need to see a dermatologist or your family doctor to get a prescription cream. There are also prescription pills that are subscribed to treat acne, such as antibiotics or birth control pills for women. Both topical and oral prescription medications need to be monitored by a physician.
Accutane
For severe cases of acne, a medication named Accutane may be prescribed. It can help address acne cysts better than regular prescription products because it is a stronger medication. However, there are serious side effects that may occur, especially if you are female. Thus, a doctor must closely monitor the use of Accutane.
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