Back acne is one of the most persistent skin problems you can have. Usually, it gets worse at the beginning, causing irritation and embarrassment. It is also notorious for “nighttime” breakouts, as the pores are opened up even more during sleep. Because back skin is such thick, breakouts often go very deep below the surface, creating long-term scarring.
For moderate to severe cases, back acne treatment involves treating the skin. Most conventional medications prescribed by dermatologists are benzoyl peroxide derivatives, which dry out the skin and kill bacteria. There are side effects and they wear off quickly. Moreover, benzoyl peroxide causes reddening and other changes that are not related to pimples, so people with a history of acne might experience them even with these prescriptions.
The most common type of back acne treatment, however, involves non-benzoyl-peroxide solutions that attack the root cause of pimples and painful lesions: inflammation. Inflammation is caused by bacteria that enter the hair follicles, causing a reaction that results in a release of chemicals that cause the area to become inflamed. These treatments can be uncomfortable and even painful for some people, as the inflammation is usually present on the shoulder area. Topical treatments are available that reduce inflammation and, if used in conjunction with antibiotics, alleviate pain.
Alternative back acne treatment options include antibiotics. These are prescribed by doctors and can be either topical or oral medications. Topical antibiotics work best for people with mild to moderate acne; however, they cannot work effectively for severely inflamed skin. Oral antibiotics are the prescription form of medication used by most dermatologists and almost all hospitals. Although they work well for many patients, they often come with some side effects like diarrhea and stomach upset.
A less commonly used form of back acne treatment involves detoxifying the body. In traditional body acne treatments, you get water and either a topical or oral antibiotic from a doctor or a holistic practitioner. This solution kills the acne-causing bacteria and clears the pores of blocked up pores. However, this solution is not appropriate for everyone. People with very sensitive skin and people with a history of allergies to acne medications may not be able to safely use this method.
Acne medications for blackheads are usually offered by dermatologists as a pill or a cream form. They are applied topically after washing your face and are highly effective in removing blackheads. Some of them also have a secondary action of drying the pore to prevent new ones from forming. If you’re going to use one of these creams to get rid of blackheads, it’s important to follow the directions carefully and use them exactly as directed.