As if acne on your face wasn't bad enough, acne can also form on other parts of the body--like your back. While the causes and treatments of bacne are pretty much the same as the face, there are some treatment tips that may help to rid you of this unsightly skin problem. Here's what you need to know about bacne:
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Try higher concentrations of acne ingredients - Concentrated benzoyl peroxide (10%) would be too irritating for the face, but not for the back (its skin is thicker and less sensitive). Salicylic acid is another common acne fighter; look for body washes that contain high levels of this ingredient. Since these ingredients are considered drugs by the FDA the ingredient concentration is required to be listed on the back label of the package. This will help you easily figure out what products have the highest levels of zit zapping ingredients.
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Watch your wardrobe - Tight clothing or chafing from a backpack or purse can irritate the skin and trigger a breakout, according to Physiology of the Skin, by Zoe Draelos, M.D. and Peter T. Pugliese, M.D.
Eliminate bacteria due to exercise - Exercising can also lead to acne flare ups. If you notice that your skin breaks out more after a workout, change your exercise clothes as soon as possible. Bacteria can thrive in sweaty clothes! Also, if you don't have the chance to shower right after exercise, try wiping your back and chest with cleansing wipes that contain salicylic acid to keep skin clean and free of acne-causing bacteria.
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Bottom Line
Body acne can be just as unsightly as facial acne so give these tips a try to help clear up breakouts. If your bacne persists, talk to your dermatologist who can help design a regimen for your unique needs.
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