Back acne, sometimes shortened to bacne, is a tenacious and often embarrassing condition that can leave you feeling reluctant even to bare your shoulders on a hot summer day. Because the skin on your back is thicker and even more prone to sweating than the skin on your face, back acne can be much more difficult to control, and it can also lead to extensive scarring if left untreated or picked at. If you are self-conscious about your body acne or worried about scarring, there are surgical steps you can take to reduce its severity through your local dermatologist's office.
Understanding the Difficulties of Controlling Back Acne
Contrary to popular belief, your hygiene habits are typically only a secondary contributor to acne problems. Hormones and the composition of your hair follicles are more likely to lead acne, particularly in areas of your body that are designed to sweat. Your back, which may often suffer from poor ventilation as a result of your clothing, is particularly prone to the bacterial infections responsible for acne, and it can be difficult to reach every spot during your acne regimen. Although bacne is most common in teenagers, it can persist into adulthood and become a lasting source of shame and discomfort if countermeasures are not taken.
Cleaning and Extracting Blocked Pores
A dermatologist can help you manage your bacne by combining prescription treatments with surgical interventions. During back acne surgery, clogged hair follicles are emptied and sterilized with a special tool called a comedone extractor. Blackheads are removed simply by exerting pressure around the edge of the follicle, while closed sores must be cleaned out with a needle. This procedure may take several sessions, depending on the severity of your condition, and it may need to be eventually repeated, but it can significantly improve your acne and make in-home treatments more effective as a result.
Reducing the Appearance of Scarring
Once your back acne is under control, your dermatologist should also be able to help you minimize the scarring left behind by pimples and any picking behaviors you may have engaged in. Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing are both proven techniques to smooth scar tissue, making it less noticeable to casual observers, and they can usually be completed right in your dermatologist's office. There is no reason to allow youthful scarring or lingering acne to dictate your self-esteem or what clothing you can wear. If you are tired of fighting your back acne on your own and want to look into professional treatment methods, schedule a consultation appointment today to get started.
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