Itchy Back Acne
Learn How To Get Rid Of Back Acne

Few problems are as inconvenient for springtime fashion as itchy back acne, which is also known as bacne! The unflattering red mountains cover backs and make spaghetti straps unthinkable.

On top of the unsightly appearance, they can certainly be uncomfortable! Ironically, itchy back acne becomes worse when one scratches it.

Acne-causing germs are present in the fingernails and can easily be spread around the back. Scratching zits spreads the breakout onto clean skin. Soon the acne will cover the scratcher from head to toe!

In addition, scratching the back acne in public is decidedly impolite! A lady or gentleman would never be caught scratching at such an awkward angle.

Imagine the disgust a potential love interest would feel at watching their crush itching and scratching at their nasty skin condition!


WHAT DOES ITCHY BACK ACNE LOOK LIKE?

Back acne that is itchy generally presents itself in the various acne forms like blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and cysts. It can certainly be more of a challenge to deal with than acne on the face, as it covers a larger area.

In addition to experiencing the various types of bacne, acne scarring is something that may happen to someone who is dealing with backne. However, it is hard to know whether your acne breakout may lead to skin damage, which turns into one of those deep cystic nodules that are painful and vulnerable to skin damage. In addition, acne scarring can leave a devastating effect, both psychologically and physically.


ITCHY BACK ACNE AND CAUSES

Itchy back acne takes place when the oil glands (sebaceous glands) generate an excessive amount of oil. Males generally are afflicted with back acne, especially during the teen years, namely puberty, in which their androgen levels increase, This in turn wreaks havoc with their sebaceous glands causing them to increase oil production, which ultimately clogs the pores. When the pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, the end result is back acne.

Some of the things that may exacerbate back acne are:

• Tight synthetic clothing that does not allow the skin to breathe.
• Detergents, especially those that contain fragrances.
• Medications
• Unhealthy diet
• Drinking an inadequate amount of water
• Stress
• Hormones
• Sweat

Synthetic fibers can often cause acne breakouts, and acne sufferers who refrain from wearing them will often lessen their itchy back acne. In addition, to help avoid the formation of acne on the back, wear natural, breathable fibers.

A buildup of sweat can also mix with sebum and dead skin cells to inflict the inflamed crimson hills. Therefore, after exercising be sure to thoroughly cleanse the back. Over time, this will assist in your endeavors to get rid of back acne.


NATURAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ITCHY BACK ACNE

Fortunately, there are measures that you can take in order to lessen or cure your itchy back acne.

Many people simply use the same acne treatment program on their backs as on their faces. Sometimes this works, however the skin on the back is different from the skin on the face. For example, it is much thicker. Because the catalysts of acne on the back are different from those that cause facial acne, the treatment should be different.

If you like to do things naturally, start by cleansing your bacne with products that contain the following natural ingredients:

Arctium Lappa - Arctium lappa is also known as burdock which has historically been used to heal rashes and burns, along with treating eczema, psoriasis, and acne, including the backne you might have.

Bulbine Frutescens - The bulbine frutescens leaf produces a juice that is jelly-like in substance. It is a wonderful natural ingredient that has been used to treat not only acne, but also rashes, cracked skin, burns, mouth ulcerations, and insect bites, just to name a few.

Helichrysum Oil - This oil not only has anti-inflammatory properties, but also provides pain-reducing benefits. This oil is also a great option for healing acne scars.

Lavender Essential Oil - This oil has great antiseptic and antifungal properties, both of which are important for the treatment of acne. This oil will not only assist in your endeavor to get rid of back acne, but it also helps to prevent scarring.

Tea Tree Oil - This oil is known for its antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, all of which are essential for the treatment of acne. This powerful oil kills bacteria, however, it should never be applied directly to the skin in full-strength, as it can burn. It must have a barrier oil applied first.


OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ITCHY BACK ACNE

If you are interested in working with some of the other ingredients on the market that are not categorized as natural per se, you might want to look for products containing the following:

Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide kills the P.acnes, which in turn reduces the bacteria. It also helps to eliminate the dead skin cells that accumulate in the hair follicles. This will then lessen the blockages you experience inside of the pores, along with helping to prevent acne breakouts before they erupt.

Unfortunately, all of these wonderful benefits do not come without a price, and I'm not talking about money. The side effects your skin might experience from using benzoyl peroxide can be excessive drying and flaking, a burning sensation, redness, inflammation, peeling, itchiness, and swelling in rare cases.

Hydrogen Peroxide - For very sensitive skin, hydrogen peroxide is best to use, as it kills the same acne-causing germs that benzoyl peroxide does, but it will do so with less irritation. Hydrogen peroxide is most useful when one applies it a few times a week. Just be sure to keep it away from your eyes, as it can cause a great deal of eye irritation. Also, do not allow it to touch your hairline as it can cause it to become lighter.

Salicylic Acid - Salicylic acid helps to slough away dead skin cells because of its exfoliating properties. Look for a wash containing salicylic acid, as it will help you shed those dead skin cells, which in turn will reduce the blockage of your pores. You could opt to use pads, gel, lotion, or a cream that contains salicylic acid, however, just remember, more is not better. Too much can cause excessive drying of your skin.

If your salicylic acid product fails, you might consider using a benzoyl peroxide cream or gel to treat your itchy back acne. Since the skin on the back is tougher than on the face, a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream might be a perfect choice. However, because of what I mentioned above, your skin might not be able to tolerate this concentration.

A back acne victim applies the cream 1-2 times per day. The amount and frequency with which it is used, will of course vary depending upon your skin's sensitivity. One should begin with a small amount of cream once a week. Then, slowing increase the amount of cream used until you are using it twice a day, which should start to bring results.


DIET, WATER & ITCHY BACK ACNE

For itchy back acne, sometimes the best cure starts from within. An unhealthy body results in unhealthy skin. Skin conditions often find aggravation in a poor diet and inadequate water intake. Stars such as Gwenyth Paltrow swear by whole foods and tons of water to prevent breakouts.

So, to prevent itchy back acne, one should consume a healthy diet and at least eight glasses of water each day.


BACIAL AND ITCHY BACK ACNE

As a licensed esthetician, I would be remiss if I didn't mention having back facials done, which are also known as bacials. If you can't afford to have these done professionally, enlist the help of a friend or loved one.

A bacial is a spa treatment that is designed to cater to the back. Although the process is very similar to having a facial, it is quite challenging, if not impossible, to successfully give yourself a bacial.

Basically, you need to start by thoroughly cleansing the back with a gentle cleanser. Follow it up with a full steam to open the pores. Massage an exfoliating scrub onto the entire back to remove all of the dead skin cells. Proceed with extractions. Apply the mask and leave on for 10-20 minutes according to the directions. Remove the mask with warm water. Finish with an application of a toner and a light moisturizer.


ITCHY BACK ACNE CONCLUSION

Touching the skin or scratching can also make itchy back acne worse. Salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide are useful in treating acne. For most, a combination of prevention and treatment works best to get rid of stubborn, itchy back acne!