How to Get Rid of Acne on Your Back

Although doctors aren't certain why acne occurs, they do know some key factors that make a person more acne-prone [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. As we mentioned previously, hormones can be a big cause of acne. When puberty hits, a teenager's androgenic hormones, which include estrogen or testosterone, can go into overdrive and cause the sebaceous glands to pump out excess sebum. The follicles can't handle it all, so clogged pores result. Adult women may also experience breakouts during hormonal changes that occur just before their menstrual cycle begins.

Heredity may also be a factor in how acne affects you. If one or both of your parents had acne, you're at a greater risk for inheriting the triggers that cause overproduction of sebum and lead to clogged follicles [source: Fulton].

Environmental and situational factors may also trigger a condition called acne mechanica, in which acne occurs on areas of the body where the skin's more susceptible to aggravation by heat, pressure or friction. Pollution and high humidity can also be factors in back acne because they create the perfect conditions for clogged pores and breakouts.

If you participate in sports, you can get acne mechanica along your hairline from wearing a helmet. Tight uniforms that put a lot of pressure on the skin can also be a cause of acne mechanica. But athletes aren't the only ones prone to this condition. Musicians who play string instruments can develop acne around the chin area from having to hold their instruments underneath their chins.

From these examples, it's easy to understand how acne mechanica can manifest itself on a person's back. Students toting around heavy backpacks can develop acne on their backs from the pressure of the straps. People who work outside in hot weather can develop acne from too-tight clothing. People who drive a lot can be prone to back acne from the pressure of the seat on their backs.

Some people believe that stress or certain foods, such as chocolate or fried food, play a role in acne development. However, scientists have not discovered anything to prove these myths correct [source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research].

Now that we know a little more behind the causes of back acne, let's take a look at how you can control it.

Bacne can sometimes be alleviated through home treatments. Some home remedies also stoke a lot of old wives' tales, so steer clear of these so-called "remedies":

Some home remedies, such as gels made with 5 percent tea tree oil, zinc supplements and glycolic acid, may relieve the pain caused by back acne [source: Gibson]. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing will also relieve some pressure and friction on your back and allow skin to breathe properly.

Over-the-counter topical and oral medications may further help treat acne. Cleansers containing 2 percent salicylic acid and spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide will help dry excess oil. Apply them to clean skin and cover the entire affected area. Continue using, even if your breakouts appear to have disappeared. If you find it difficult to reach your back, you may want to go to a spa for a back facial. You can also get similar results at home with a loofah sponge or back brush and specialized acne body wash made with salicylic and glycolic acid.

But sometimes home treatment isn't enough to clear up stubborn acne. If OTC treatments don't help after four to 12 weeks of usage, if your skin is scarred or if the acne affects your self-esteem, you should seek help from a dermatologist. A dermatologist can thoroughly examine your skin, diagnose the problem and prescribe the proper medicine for your situation.

With proper care, you can diminish the embarrassment of back acne and enjoy beautiful skin. Read on for more information about acne.