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Q: Back acne ( Answered,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: Back acne
Category: Health
Asked by: gail-ga
List Price: $5.00
Posted: 25 Sep 2002 08:22 PDT
Expires: 25 Oct 2002 08:22 PDT
Question ID: 68896
There is a person who has acne on back of neck, upper arms,and upper
back.  What is the cause?  What is the cure?  There isn't any acne on
the face.  The person is 53 years old and this has been going on for
25 years.
Answer  
Subject: Re: Back acne
Answered By: england_ali-ga on 25 Sep 2002 09:37 PDT
 
Hi and thank you for you question,

'Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the
skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and
outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions
usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17
million people in the United States have acne, making it the most
common skin disease. '
http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/acne/acne.htm#acne_a

The Causes of acne:

There can be many different causes of acne (genetic, hormonal or
environmental), however the main reason is hormones. More specifically
androgens (male sex hormones) which stimulate the sebaceous glands
(which produce an oil called sebum) and cause them to enlarge. If the
sebaceous glands within the pores of the skin (hair follicles) become
blocked, sebum builds up and whiteheads/blackheads form. If these
whiteheads/blackheads rupture they can form a pustule which is
basically an infected/pus filled area of skin.
Heat and friction can be causes of back acne, so it's best to avoid
tight-fitting clothing and to wear natural materials.

Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne, although there are many
different types, see 'Types of Acne' at
http://www.about-acne.com/html/types_of_acne.php3 .

Useful information about the causes of acne can be found at the
following websites:
http://mimi.essortment.com/whatisthecaus_rrzz.htm 
http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/acnepamp.html from the American Academy
of Dermatology website.


The Cure:

Acne can be treated to clear it up, but there is no total cure for it.
Treatment aims to heal old lesions and prevent the formation of new
ones. There are many medications available, both oral and topical
(apply to affected area).
Topical medications aim to 'dry-up' the oil and often contain benzoyl
peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or Vitamin A derivatives
(retinoids).  You can buy some topical treatments over the counter at
a pharmacy for treating milder cases of acne.
In many cases it is best to visit a dermatologist who can advise the
most appropriate course of treament upon the individual circumstances
and suggest the best combination of medication. A dermatologist may
prescribe antibiotics if the skin appears to be infected.
'Stubborn back acne is a hereditary problem that often requires oral
prescription antibiotics, says New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo'
http://www.gloss.com/gls/index.jsp?page=psbackacne
There are also natural homeopathic/herbal remedies available to buy
from specialist shops/suppliers; Garlic may help alleviate symptoms as
well as taking Vitimin B regularly.

At home:
Wash the affected area with an anti-bacterial soap and gentle-bristled
scrubbing brush. Do not pick/squeeze the spots.

Useful Websites:
You may find the following websites useful for more information:
Information about acne in general:
http://www.about-acne.com/
If based in the USA, the following website will help to locate a
dermatologist in your state:
http://www.aad.org/DermSP/DermSearch/ 
Article about back acne:
http://www.absoluteacneinfo.com/backacne.html
For alternative remedies & links:
http://www.healthatoz.com/atoz/centers/alternative/acne.html

Search Strategy:
The following search terms were used in Google:
"back acne"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22back+acne%22
"adult acne" causes
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22adult+acne%22+causes+
acne cause adults back
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=acne+cause+adults+back&btnG=Google+Search
acne treatment adults
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=acne+treatment+adults

I hope that this helps.
Kind regards,

Ali
Comments  
Subject: Re: Back acne
From: dwc-ga on 11 Oct 2002 04:37 PDT
 
Consider also pityrosporum folliculitis, bacterial folliculitis,
neurotic excoriations and keratosis pilaris.

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