“Backne” is street slang for back acne. And while the contraction’s definite origin is unknown, it can be said that it comes from the fact that nearly everyone in the world has, at one point in his or her life, experienced having back acne. Indeed, back acne is universal enough to merit its own term.

Back acne knows no specific target. It afflicts people from ages ten to forty; sometimes even years after that. A lot of theories have been introduced as to why back acne happens. Sadly, however, none have been proven to be the direct cause of back acne. But, before we get into that, let’s see first what constitutes back acne.

Back acne happens when so-called sebaceous glands (or the glands that create oily substance) produce an excess of oil. Commonly, males suffer from back acne, particularly during puberty, where shooting androgen levels interfere with the sebaceous glands and cause them to overproduce, clogging skin pores. Such clogging attracts bacteria; hence, back acne is born. And, mind you, back acne does not only appear on a person’s back; it can also surface on the buttocks.

Some believe that back acne is aggravated by wearing tight clothes and constant heat exposure, which disallows the skin to breathe. However, since we are fully clothed most of the time and it is inevitable that we sit, it is impossible for us to prevent back acne consciously. Therefore, it would be better if we just focus on ways to control them.

The skin on our back is thicker than anywhere else in the body; so back acne is more stubborn than facial acne and is more resistant to treatment. Simple back acne problems can be treated using medication sold over the counter. Try a cleanser that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. A light coat of benzoyl peroxide with between 2.5% and 5% concentration may also help address back acne problems. In cases where pus has formed, see a dermatologist immediately. Your doctor will prescribe the right treatment for your back acne conditions.

Contrary to facial acne, back acne is not generally acquired via heredity. No definite cause for back acne has been proven to date, but, just to be on the safe side, try to avoid using irritating detergents and fabric softeners with your clothes, maintain a healthy diet and keep yourself clean and feeling fresh always. Remember: back acne does not choose its target. Young or old, male or female, Black, White or Asian, no one is spared from the havoc back acne is bound to spread. It’s best to be cautious than sorry.

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Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about acne, please go to: http://acne.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

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