Most people think acne is something that you can get on the face, but a lot of us know that is not the only place. Many of us have some degree of acne on our neck, shoulders, chest, or back.  If your acne is severe enough in these areas to leave behind scars or long-lasting discoloration, please come see us at Summit Dermatology.  We can help!  When body acne is this bad, we often have to use prescription medications to help keep it clear.

A lot of us have acne on the back, but it may not be bad enough to require prescription medication. Some of us may be using medication for back acne but also want to make sure we are doing everything else we can to keep it clear.  If you have been wondering how to get rid of back acne, we have some helpful tips for you.

Consider adjusting your daily routine.

• Avoid any products that can clog pores (ointments or oils)
• Wear more loose fitting clothing over the affected areas
• Shower after workouts or sports to remove sunscreen and sweat
• Wash sheets regularly
• Use a loofah or body scrub to exfoliate weekly

You may also want to consider using a body wash that contains ingredients that help to treat back acne.

• Salicylic acid can be helpful as an exfoliating ingredient.
  • Choose this type of wash if you have a lot of whiteheads and blackheads
  • Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash is a great option (also available in grapefruit)
  • CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin is another good option.
• Benzoyl peroxide can be helpful for more inflammatory acne
• Acne Free Oil-Free Acne Cleanser is our first choice
  • Largest quantity at the best price
  • 5% benzoyl peroxide with ceramides is gentler on the skin
• PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash is a slightly stronger option with 4% benzoyl peroxide
• CeraVe has a new Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser that has 4% benzoyl peroxide. This comes in a smaller quantity and may be more appropriate as a face wash than a body wash
• We recommend leaving the medicated wash on the skin for longer than a minute before rinsing

Sometimes adjusting your daily routine is not enough. In these cases, we recommend looking into medications for your body acne treatment.

• The over-the-counter retinoid is Differin Gel (adapalene 0.1%)
• Prescription topical retinoids (tretinoin or tazarotene) may be used for more severe back acne, but often these medications are dispensed in small amounts that can be difficult to use on the back. Fabior Foam is a strong prescription retinoid (tazarotene 0.1%) that may be easier to apply
• Prescription topical antibiotics which are available as solutions, lotions, or gels
• We can also use oral medications for more severe cases of back acne

Back Acne & Body Acne Treatment

We hope many of the above recommendations help. However, if you’re tired of dealing with back acne or have been unsuccessful in keeping it clear, let the dermatologists at Summit Dermatology in Colorado Springs and Monument, CO help. Call us to schedule an appointment for body acne treatment today.

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