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 serious about a back acne remedy, it is important to understand the causes of acne, the best prevention methods and the types of back acne treatments that are available.

Causes of Back Acne

Acne vulgaris, or simply acne, is an inflammatory response concentrated in the pilosebaceous units, or PSUs. A PSU includes the hair follicle with a fine hair, the attached sebaceous gland and sebum it produces and the pore. Sebum is a natural oil that lubricates and protects the skin. When the skin pore, the opening to the surface of the skin, is clogged, sebum is forced to collect within the hair follicle. The force of the sebum traveling through the follicle, in addition to this backup, damages the cells lining the canal. The common zit (redness and inflammation) is the manifestation of the body's immune response to the injuries caused to this canal.

Contrary to popular thought, the first and foremost cause of acne is the damage caused by sebum to the follicular canals (and not bacteria). 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.

The contributing factors that cause the blockage of skin pores also play a role, although less essential, in the appearance of acne. Sebum, especially hardened sebum due to a lack of essential fatty acids in the body, and excess dead skin cells are the main culprits.

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 conducive to bacteria growth and contribute to oil buildup.

Back Acne Prevention

Now, since you are better aware of acne causes, you can more effectively prevent back acne.

Although you can't physically control your own genetics or the onset of puberty, there are some ways to better get sebum secretion under control. Hormones signal increased sebum production when they are affected by high stress levels. There are many ways to reduce stress; some include breathing exercises and meditation, yoga, getting a restful night's sleep, exercise and improving one's time management skills to avoid stress.

To thwart the hardening of sebum (that so easily blocks pores), try increasing your daily consumption of essential fatty acids. If eating foods rich in Omega-3s is too difficult, look into purchasing a supplement of fish, cod liver or flax see. Additionally, you can decrease the probability of pores getting blocked with exfoliating scrubs or your normal body wash and a loofah sponge.

Additionally, you can manage the amount of P. acnes bacteria inhabiting your skin with proper cleansing. Always follow exercise with a shower and invest in a wardrobe of loose clothing that breathes well.

Back Acne Treatment

If you already have it, you can clear up back acne by following a regimen similar to that for acne of the face:

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the most common over-the-counter products recommended 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 been shown by research to cause skin-damaging free radicals.

Doctor prescribed retinoids, substances that activate the retinoid receptors, help reduce fine lines, shrink pore size, inhibit sebum production and minimize sebaceous glands. These products also cause drying of the skin and sensitivity to the sun. Isotretinoin, a retinoid known by the brand name Accutane, is often the last step for severe acne on the back.

Prescription antibiotics can be administered either topically or orally to manage bacteria levels. They also limit the amount of irritating chemicals released by the white blood cells involved in an immune response. The side effects of antibiotics include: possible skin discoloration, nausea, sensitivity to the sun and yeast infections in women, among others.

To better clear back acne, especially if severe, you should pay your dermatologist a visit. Even though you are better equipped to choose a bacne treatment after reading this article, we have only provided a general overview on the types of treatment available; by visiting your dermatologist, he or she will carefully review your symptoms, family history, skin type, etc. to best recommend a treatment for you.