Treating Back Acne
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Topical Treatments
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The most popular treatment for mild and moderate cases of back acne, often referred to as "bacne," is to apply a topical cream featuring active ingredients that will cleanse and dry out the affected area. For over-the-counter remedies, choose a wash or cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Note, however, that these non-prescriptive cleansers, such as Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, contain much lower doses of the active ingredients than a prescription formula.
Prescription Treatments
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Dermatologists can prescribe numerous medications that contain higher doses of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, like Differin, Azelex, Retin-A and Renova. They may also prescribe medication that can be taken orally, which may include antibiotics like erythromycin, birth control pills for females or Accutane. Weekly cortisone injections are sometimes used to treat severe cases of back acne in which an individual has multiple large cysts all over the affected area.
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Preventative Measures
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The easiest way to prevent acne from reoccurring is to keep your back free of sweat. This may mean wearing looser-fitting clothing, changing clothing--including undershirts--more frequently, showering more frequently, sitting in a way that does not push one's shirt against the affected area or refraining from participating in activities that produce excessive sweat. Sugar scrubs and other exfoliants can rid the back of dead skin and excess moisture as well. Note that sweat and excessive moisture is not the culprit in every case of back acne, however.
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