I didn't know it was there for so long.
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| | | | When we talk about acne, our minds typically focus on the face. But our backs? That area tends to get less attention — at least that was the case for me. | | One night after showering, I looked at the top of my shoulder and saw a dark zit. As I turned to see more of my back, I realized that a large area was covered with acne and lingering acne scars. In a panic, I sent an urgent care message to my doctor to see what was happening. They recommended an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment but I didn't see major changes after about a month of regular use. | | It wasn't until I saw a dermatologist for an in-person consultation that I received a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan. While my back hasn't completely cleared up yet, I've noticed significant improvements in its appearance over just a few weeks. | | Below, I share more about how I'm treating my back and what you can do if you're dealing with a similar skin issue. | | | | Hope you find this helpful!
Kenny Thapoung
Managing Newsletter Editor | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Kenny Thapoung
June 21, 2024 • 4 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | How I'm treating my back acne — and what you should consider | | I have a pretty good idea why I developed back acne. For one, I don't remove my tight clothes or shower immediately after a sweaty workout. I usually run errands, meet friends, or lounge on the couch before I finally rinse off. I also don't sleep with a shirt on and I definitely don't wash my bedding often enough. Please hold your judgment — I know I'm a gross person!️ | | In general, acne forms when oils and other gunk (dead skin cells, dirt, etc.) mix with skin cells and bacteria, which can clog pores and lead to pimples. Other causes might include hormones, stress, diet (looking at you, sugar), and certain medications. ️️ | | Some sneakier reasons could be having longer hair that rests on your back (where oils can transfer to your skin), using greasy sunscreens, and rinsing shampoo and conditioner down your back. ️️ | | As a first line of treatment (for mild cases), you can try some OTC topical cleansers and treatments. There are three common active ingredients you should look for: ️️ | - Benzoyl peroxide: This dries out existing pimples, prevents new ones from forming, and kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Salicylic acid: This exfoliates your skin to prevent pores from getting clogged.
- Sulfur: This also dries out skin cells to unclog pores.
If you don't notice a difference in your skin after a few weeks, consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist — you might be dealing with moderate or severe acne, which may require stronger treatments. In many cases, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin), retinoids (retinol), oral medications (isotretinoin, formerly known as Accutane), or perhaps some sort of procedure like a chemical peel. | | I'm currently washing my back with prescription-strength topical treatments. Once a day, I wash my body with a cleanser made with 10% sodium sulfacetamide and 5% sulfur. I was also prescribed a gel made with clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide for the occasional spot treatment. Beware: This gel will bleach your clothes! ️️ | | So far, so good. I haven't noticed any breakouts and my scars are definitely becoming much less noticeable. ️️ | | The right course of action for your specific needs should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Not to sound like a broken record, but personally, I think seeing a specialist like a dermatologist is your best bet to find out what's really going on. I'm so glad I found mine! ️️ | | | | | | | |
| | | | Back it up | | | | | | |  | | EcoTools Shower Loofah with Ergonomic Handle | | I'm pretty flexible, but not enough to reach all the areas on my back where my acne is hiding. A body brush helps ensure that I'm applying my prescription-strength body wash to all the right places. This nifty option has a loofah to scrub the entire surface of my back without me having to contort my body into an uncomfortable knot. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Thanks for reading! Keep your eyes peeled for Friday's newsletter. | | | | | | |
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