We often ignore small things because each one seems unimportant on its own. But small things have a way of adding up until they become impossible to ignore.
The upper back is a good example. One blocked pore turns into a few, a few turn into a cluster, and before long the skin is covered with blackheads and small bumps.
Blackheads form when a pore fills with oil and dead skin cells. The top of the plug darkens when it meets the air, which is why it looks black.
When pores close over completely, the trapped material can turn into small cysts. These sit just under the surface and can become red and sore.
The back is especially prone to this because it has large oil glands, sweats easily and is often covered by tight clothing for many hours a day.
