At the present time the public can find information on bullet proof back packs. Unfortunately, such backpacks offer no help to any student or hiker with back acne. The weight of such a back pack manages to further irritate the cells on the back. A student who suffers from back acne might show little interest in the possible protection afforded by a bullet proof backpack. In any case of back acne two types of acne lesions are seen at with the greatest frequency-nodules and cysts (Cystic Acne). Both nodules and cysts form deep in the skin. Since the skin on the back is thicker than the skin on the face, acne treatment can pose real challenges.

Treatment of back acne requires the application of strong lotions, lotions that one would never want to put on the face. The treatment of choice for back acne is glycolic acid. One commercial lotion that contains glycolic acid is Alpha Hydroxy Enhanced Lotion.

A person with back acne should not expect that the application of glycolic acid can guarantee the removal of all his or her back acne. Such an application needs to be aided by application of a second acne-fighting chemical. Yet the two important acne-fighters should not be applied to the back in a manner that allows them to mix on the surface of the skin.

A treatment for back acne should begin with a thorough cleansing of the skin on the back. Then the lotion that contains the glycolic acid should be used to cover the affected area of skin on the back. The glycolic acid must be allowed to dry before acne treatment can be completed. The final step in the treatment process calls for the application of benzoyl peroxide.

As indicated above, no treatment for back acne will prove successful, if the back is subjected to repeated irritation. A backpack can certainly irritate the skin of the back. The parent of a student with back acne should plan to look for some type of carry-all that can replace the problem-causing backpack.

Getting a teen to use something other than a backpack can invite loud objections from that same teenager. The parent needs to explain completely the extent to which a back that has felt the rubbing action of a backpack can demonstrate a marked increase in acne flare-ups. The student might be encouraged to think about possible plans to wear a swimsuit during the summer months.