Bacne is a term commonly used to describe acne on the back. The back is a prime place for acne breakouts because of its tendency to secrete a large amount of oil. Although back acne and other types of body acne typically begin during puberty and often last until sometime during the mid-twenties, bacne can be experienced at any age. Body acne, like other types of acne, is genetic. Those individuals whose parents have experienced body acne are likely to experience it, as well.
Body acne breakouts can appear worse than facial breakouts because the skin on the rest of the body is usually thicker than facial skin and has bigger pores. This allows for larger pimples to develop. Sometimes, cystic bacne can form.
Cystic acne, also known as nodulocystic acne, is an abscess that develops when oil ducts become both clogged and infected. This type of acne is deep in the skin tissue, and each cyst can be up to several centimeters in diameter. Since cystic acne destroys skin deep into the tissue, it tends to cause prominent scars. These are exacerbated by picking at the cysts and trying to pop them.
The risk of experiencing body acne can be reduced by wearing clothes made of a breathable material such as cotton and changing wet or sweaty clothes right away. Individuals should shower right away after heavy perspiration. Gentle skin exfoliation to remove dead skin cells can reduce the risk of clogging pores. Sheets and towels should also be changed and washed frequently, because they harbor bacteria that can clog pores and cause acne.
Bacne can be treated in a number of ways. While many over-the-counter treatments are available, prescription medications and professional dermatology treatments are preferred for serious cases of body acne. Most body acne treatments must be used for at least a few weeks before results begin to show.
For mild bacne, thorough daily cleansing with regular soap and water to remove oil and get rid of dead skin may be sufficient. Additional products with chemicals such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may also be used. For stronger cases of bacne, prescription antibiotic medications like tetracycline and ointments like tretinoin topical may be used. Professional skin care treatments may also assist with the reduction or elimination of body acne breakouts. A cosmetic dermatologist can drain the glands of the fluids and materials causing the acne. In cases of cystic acne, a dermatologist may also inject cysts with cortisone to relieve inflammation.