Acne can appear almost anywhere on the body.  When it appears on the back it is unofficially termed bacne. Acne vulgaris is the most common form of this type of skin problem, but there are other forms of skin eruptions that can appear usually in the areas of the face, upper shoulders, shoulder blades, and neck.  Occasionally, eruptions can spread to the upper arm, and extend to the mid and lower back.  Any type of acne that appears on the face and neck is difficult to treat, but when it appears on other parts of the body as well, it can cause even more pain, psychological distress, and larger areas of scarring.  Several types of acne are the real causes of bacne, from moderate to the more serious form of cystic acne.  Treatments are available that can relieve the symptoms and the duration of breakouts.  Some of these treatments are available over the counter, while for serious cases treatment by a doctor is required.

In most forms of acne, oily secretions causing inflammation clog the follicles of short, fine hair growing near sebaceous glands. Even though acne vulgaris is typically seen in adolescence, this type of acne can demonstrate later in life too. This condition can range from a few whiteheads to large clusters of various skin eruptions. Blackheads appear as a black or yellowish bump on the surface of the skin. Inside these bumps is an oily mixture of keratin and sebum from the sebaceous gland, which takes on a dark coloring when exposed to oxygen.  Whiteheads are filled with this material as well, but it has not oxidized.  Blackheads, and whiteheads aren’t painful. Papules, nodules, and pustules are often very uncomfortable and these can cause scarring.  Nodules extend down under the skin, and come to a point on the surface.  Papules are slightly smaller than nodules, and do not extend as deep. Pustules are filled with a cloudy fluid, but shouldn’t be confused with the more serious type of eruption called a cyst.

This type of acne can cause scarring, but even in the case of nodules and papules which extend under the skin these scars are usually not deep, and unless infection is involved will not cause deep pitting.  If the acne is repeated often in the same area over a short period of time keloid scars, which appear as a thickening of the skin, are a risk.  The cause of acne vulgaris is thought to be genetic predisposition triggered by hormones.

Acne on the face and bacne on the neck and shoulder area do not occur only at one time in a person’s life.  Acne Conglobata is the most severe form of acne vulgaris.  It most commonly strikes young males, but it can occur later in life, and sometimes occurs in females.  This form manifests with large, numerous lesions which are often interconnected and form sinus tracks under the skin.  This form is disfiguring in both scarring and damage to the skin especially if the same area is affected frequently over a short space of time.  It is often seen as a type of bacne, but can spread or appear in multiple areas of the body including the buttocks, upper arms, and thighs.  This condition is very painful, and the damage to the skin of such a degree that seeing a doctor if this form of acne appears is advised. Successful treatment of this type of acne is most usually seen with the use of isotretinoin.  Commercially, this is found in drugs such as Accutane.  Aggressive treatment is often required.
If acne conglobata appears abruptly with nodulocystic or ulcerating acne, it is referred to as acne fulminans.  This type can also cause a fever and aching in the joints as with a flu. This type of acne does not respond to antibiotics, oral steroids, and commonly isotretinoins are needed as prescribed by a doctor.

Often seen as bacne gram-negative folliculitis is a bacterial infection in which cysts and pustules form in multiple places on the body including back, shoulders, and under arm.  It is rare, and like many forms of acne is more commonly found in males than females.  The cause is unknown, but it is thought that long-term use of antibiotics for acne vulgaris might trigger this condition.  Isotretinon in combination with steroids is often used to combat this painful condition.

The skin on the back, upper neck and shoulders is thicker than it is on the face.  While these areas are usually less exposed than on the face friction from clothing, contact with sweat, and the difficulty with reaching certain spots make treating bacne more difficult.  During a breakout, the condition can be aggravated by clothing that does not give the skin some exposure to air, and by heavy backpacks.  Wearing lighter clothing when indoors if it is possible is a good idea when experiencing an outbreak of acne or when waiting for a recent eruption to heal, and so is refraining from carrying hefty packs.

Keep the back as clean as possible.  If areas are hard to reach, try taking a warm bath with an antibacterial soap, which can make reaching these tough spots easier.  For mild to moderate acne using a cream with at least 25% Benzoyl peroxide directly on the area of the breakout is often very successful in treating acne. For those who are seeing a doctor and using other medication for the acne ask the physician before using this over-the-counter cream.  It is very effective for all but severe acne types, but it can be drying to some skin types.  Benzoyl peroxide will also bleach anything it meets as it dries including hair and clothing.  After first applying this cream it is a prudent idea to wait a few minutes before styling hair or getting dressed.  Acne suffers are often confused by the number of very expensive creams on the market, but the only factor that counts is that the product should contain at least a 25% solution of the peroxide itself.

Salicylic acid is another over-the-counter acne remedy that is effective especially if used between breakouts to reduce the number of abnormally shedding cells.  In other words, Salicylic acid can help reduce the number of future breakouts since it will keep pores from becoming clogged.  This product then should be used between breakouts, and as a breakout heals.  Salicylic acid should not be expensive, and can be found in lotions, topical creams, and pads.

Treatments that are less effective include resorcinol, and ultraviolet light therapy.  There is little research into resorcinol having effect on acne.  Ultraviolet light therapy has not been proven to help acne in studies conducted on it.  In fact, while the tanning reduces the appearance of acne it might cause more harm to the skin.

Some supplements such as vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, Echinacea, and Chromium are known to boost the immune system.  These can’t cure acne, but anything that helps the immune system along can lessen the effects of acne.

When it comes to diet as a treatment for acne it should be understood that this condition, as already stated, is regarded as genetic.  Diet does not cause acne.  There are however, certain foods to avoid when experiencing breakouts since it is known they can worsen the condition.  A lowered immune system makes treatment more difficult for acne just as with any other condition affecting health.  Eating a healthy diet free of junk food can speed healing with any condition.

Some advice given to acne suffers, especially teens, is not factual, and should be avoided. It is a natural instinct to want to ‘pop’ or squeeze a nodule or other types of eruption. This can cause the spread of infection and worsens the risk of scarring.  Friendly advice that an eruption should be popped needs to be ignored.

Cosmetics and other similar aids are often promoted, as covering up acne, but not only is this seldom effective it can further clog pores making the condition harder to treat.  So too, is the advice to wash the face repeatedly though out the day.  Use of a mild soap and washing in the morning, afternoon, and evening is beneficial, but over washing causes the skin to dry out.  Dry skin sheds more cells further clogging pores.  The same is true of advice to scrub at the area of skin eruption.  This will open the skin and allow more bacteria to enter the pores.

Tanning is not good for acne. Staying out in the sun for long periods especially when using over-the-counter products or prescription medication for acne is, in the end harmful to your skin, and can cause future breakouts. Tanning also speeds the skin’s aging process.

Understanding how stress plays a role in raising the level of certain hormones is also necessary when treating acne.  Prolonged periods of stress or tension can promote the secretion of cortisol and other so called “stress hormones”. Prolonged stress can affect the body in other ways such as digestive problems.  For many in this position there is no way to eliminate stress in their environment.  Learning methods to reduce stress on a personal level such as meditation, positive imagery, or other relaxation techniques can reduce the impact of prolonged emotional tension on the body.

When bacne is in the form of cystic acne the condition is very painful, and hard to manage.  Cystic acne is a form of nodulocystic acne and it is seen in breakouts on the face, back, shoulders, neck, and underarms.  These are large blemishes at times, and these are frequently deep.  Cysts are soft to the touch, and are filled with fluid.  Formed under the skin’s surface cysts can spread out several inches across or form tracts under the skin.  What makes this a difficult form to treat is not only the extreme discomfort a cysts causes, but also the deep scar or pit left behind when a cysts heals.  These pits in turn can become collection places for more bacteria and shed skin cells cause yet another cyst to form.

Cystic acne is a condition believed to be caused by overproducing oil glands. Whether this over production causes a larger number of acne causing bacteria, know as Propionbacteria acnes to appear is not know, but these are usually present.  The final culprit is thought to be excessive dead cells around the hair follicle.  This type of acne will need the treatment of a doctor to reduce the chances of infection, and scarring.  Doctors can excise, and then drain the cysts, which reduces pitting and scaring.  Topical retinoids are often effective in treating cystic acne on the back or elsewhere on the body.  Retinoids can be taken orally by prescription.  These types of drugs work by reducing the production of oil from the glands. There are some side effects with this type of medication that should be discussed with a physician. A serious side effect is the possibility of birth defects if taken while a woman is pregnant. Cosmetic laser therapy is often used when acne scars are of the pitted type. Using lasers can prevent future breakouts since the pit itself becomes a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria.

Stress can play a part of cystic bacne breakouts just as it often plays a part in other forms of acne.  Since there is the added stress caused by the pain, appearance, and scarring seen in cystic acne finding a dermatologist who can treat the condition is necessary.  An added reason to see a doctor is that cystic acne is more prone to infection than other types of acne and this can affect general health.

When acne is mild finding a doctor might not be necessary, but if breakouts are frequent or last for prolonged periods of time seeing a doctor is recommended.  Typically in cases of mild or moderate acne, a doctor will prescribe either an antibiotic or retinoids to stop the cycle of breakouts.  Doctors might also prescribe tetracycline, as this is a very successful antibiotic treatment for acne.

Quick action whether by the use of over-the-counter acne treatments or by seeing a doctor can help reduce the pain, and scarring that acne can cause. As with all matters of health acne should be taken seriously.

References:
<a href=”http://www.acne.org/body-acne.html”>http://www.acne.org/body-acne.html</a>
<a href=”http://www.stress-free-mama.com/stress-acne.html”>http://www.stress-free-mama.com/stress-acne.html</a>
<a href=”http://www.acnegroup.org/trtmnts.php4″>http://www.acnegroup.org/trtmnts.php4</a>
<a href=”http://acne.about.com/od/acnesymptoms/a/cystic.htm”>http://acne.about.com/od/acnesymptoms/a/cystic.htm</a>
<a href=”http://www.cysticacneguides.com/cystic_acne_treatment.htm”>http://www.cysticacneguides.com/cystic_acne_treatment.htm</a>