Acne occurs when excess sebum oil combines with skin cells on your body to create plugs. These plugs block the follicles of your skin, resulting in acne comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) that can further progress into other cases of acne, such as pustules or cysts. Acne can occur anywhere on the body within the vicinity of sebaceous glands, and one area in particular that is prone to acne is the back.
Step 1
Try a home natural remedy. For example, tea tree oil may be used to help control acne outbreaks as it is an effective antibacterial agent against the acne-related Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter acne treatment product. When natural products are unsuccessful, many over-the-counter products with active ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may be helpful. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, salicylic acid works by breaking down acne plugs and reducing the rate at which skin cells shed in the follicles. Benzoyl peroxide works as an antibacterial agent, killing the P. acnes bacteria upon application to the acne lesion.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor about prescription back acne treatment products. There are multiple topical and oral back acne prescriptions ranging from antibiotics to retinoids. For example, the antibiotics erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline can be used both orally and topically to reduce P. acnes bacteria, and in some cases they control inflammation. Retinoids, such as adapalene and isotretinoin, can be used to unclog pores and prevent future outbreaks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Other prescription acne treatments include corticosteroid injections and oral contraceptives.
Step 4
Have the back acne treated through a physical procedure. Physical procedures, such as laser therapy, light therapy and lesion draining can all be used on back acne. Laser therapy uses laser energy to target and damage sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production. Light therapy can be used to target and kill the P. acnes bacteria. Drainage can be used to relieve pressure behind acne lesions, helping reduce the chances of scar tissue formation.
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