Much of what causes bacne or acne on the back has to do with heredity. A hormonal imbalance causes an over production of oil on the skin which causes a chain reaction leading to skin eruptions.   Acne anywhere on the body is painful, but when it occurs on the back of the neck, the shoulders, and shoulder blades it can be difficult to treat.

Hormonal levels control or regulate many of the body’s organs and systems.  When there is a change or fluctuation in those levels then problems are seen often seen somewhere in the body.  This is the theory of what is the starting point of acne or bacne.  This condition can occur at any point in life, but is commonly seen in adolescence.  Adults are affected by acne as well.  Research shows that 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women at some point after maturity develop acne.

The skin is an organ.  In fact, the epidermis is the largest organ of the body.  Hair is found at various thickness and widths all over the skin. Most of the human body is covered with small fine hairs that act as protection for the skin.  Each hair follicle is connected to sebaceous glands, which are regulated by the hormone levels. These glands perform the function of producing sebum an oily substance, which lubricates the skin and hair.  Medical experts believe that at times when hormonal levels change the glands overproduce sebum.

Ordinarily sebum will travel up the shaft of the hair follicle and onto the skin’s surface in such small amounts where it only causes a protective element for the outer layer of the skin.  When the sebaceous glands overproduce this causes an irregular shedding of dead skins cells that irritates the hair follicle, and a buildup of bacteria. This situation of a collection of dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil clogs the pores. This blockage leads to eruptions on the skin.

This change in hormonal levels is mainly a factor of heredity and environmental stimulus such as stress.  Certain medications like cortisone and contact with chemicals or bacteria can also play a role.  Some research is ongoing into whether foods high in starch are a factor in the cause of acne, but there is no conclusive proof, as yet.  Those foods typically blamed for acne like chocolate, greasy hamburgers, or those snacks typically loved by teens are not the culprits of acne.  Research has shown no link between these foods and the overproduction of oil from the glands.

The risk factors for the cause of bacne can be increased by direct exposure of the skin to oily or greasy substances.  Heavy cosmetics, or wearing anything that puts pressure on the skin such as too tight clothing also raises the risks.  In bacne especially tight collars, low fitting helmets, or caps, tightly fitting or heavy backpacks are also likely to trigger outbreaks.

Showering after exercise, drinking plenty of water and seeing a doctor if acne persists longer than a few months or if the eruptions become severe is the best advice for anyone experiencing this problem.