Pimples are a big deal, especially for teenagers. The ones that pop up on your face are bad enough, but what about the ones that pop up where you cannot get to them, on your back.

This ‘athletic acne’ comes easily because most of the time your back is covered and receives a lot of physical pressure as you sit; this allows pores to easily become clogged with dirt and sweat.

Pimples cannot only be unpleasant to look at, when they show up on your back they can even make it painful to sit or sleep. There are a lot of reasons for back pimples. Normal clogging of the pores from dead skin and dirt can cause them but so can hormonal changes and even strenuous physical activities, like playing sports.

So it is almost impossible enough to keep the body clean and dry enough to avoid them entirely and constantly popping them is not advised because it can leave scaring and unhealthy sores.

The first step to reducing these zits is to change your food habits. The food you eat affects the health of your skin and the oils it secretes. Avoid fast food, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

Plenty of regular exercise will keep your pores cleaned out and rid your body of toxins and extra hormones. Exercise also provides better circulation and increased oxygen which will make your skin cells healthier.

Strenuous exercise, like with athletes, can play a huge role in back acne. So for those of you who are athletes, be sure to wear loose fitting, breathable clothes while working out.

Bathing, or a steam filled shower, is the first step to unclogging those pores and getting excess oil out. Never allow dirt or sweat to remain on your body for a long time.

Use an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and a quality soap to remove excess oils and kill bacteria. Sunscreen is also good for acne prevention when your back is exposed to the elements. But for stubborn or reoccurring zits, your doctor may recommend antibiotics, retinoid or cortisone.

Things to avoid

In order to prevent all pimples you should avoid things like hot, sweaty environments where you are trapped in your clothes. Avoid things like cooking with hot grease; as it vaporizes it will stick to your skin and harden to clog your pores. Also avoid applying high pressure to your back over longer periods than you need to, like with book bags or shoulder pads.

One thing to try

Try an oil massage. Apply warm oil or specially prepared home mixture. Use a loofa and start scrubbing in a circular motion over your back, work the oil well into your skin. After a half an hour massage, get a warm shower with a mild soap and pat towel dry. Your skin will feel soft and rejuvenated.