Acne could form anywhere on the body. While it frequently shows up in the face, it can also grow on your shoulders, arms, and back as well. Body acne is normally addressed in the same way as facial acne, as there’s little difference between the lesions it creates on the body and on the facial area.

Back acne could range from mild to severe. Many lesions forming on the skin can be a sign of severe back acne. And those lesions could sometimes be painful to the person who has it. Most doctors prescribe the application of good acne topical creams on the milder cases of back acne. But for severe flare-ups, a more complicated regimen might be necessary.

To treat severe back acne, the simple application of topical creams is not sufficient. First, the area has to be cleaned from dirt and other substances that could possibly cause further infection. A mild cleanser, preferably the one recommended by your dermatologist, can be used to wash the area, then left to dry.

Once the cleanser has dried, an alphahydroxy lotion should be applied. And just like the cleanser, it has to be left there until the skin had fully absorbed it. Alphahydroxy could be harsh to sensitive skin areas like the armpits. Make sure you avoid those areas when applying the lotion.

The next step is to apply a benzoyl peroxide solution to the infected area. Benzoyl peroxide is still the best treatment therapy for acne. Most commercially available acne topical creams are created from it. After applying benzoyl peroxide, moisturizer may be applied to the area to prevent dryness and chaffing.

Besides knowing how to treat acne, it is very important that one learns how to prevent it. Flare-ups are common to those who are susceptible to acne allergens. Regular exfoliation is a good practice to ward off acne. Getting rid of one’s dead skin cells on the back, shoulders, and arms could almost assure you of an acne-free body. To exfoliate the skin, enjoy a mild sugar or salt scrub while in the shower once a week.

Back acne often times grows on people who frequently carry heavy backpacks. Backpacks rub on the shoulders and the back, causing skin irritation. If this causes your back acne, it is important that you switch to handheld bags for the time being; at least until after the acne had subsided.

The back is not as sensitive as the skin when it comes to treating acne. But still, you should try your chosen topical medication therapy on a small, sensitive part of your body before using it. The inner side of the elbow is a good place to try it out. If you get irritated from using the cream, check with your doctor if you should continue it or not. Patients are strongly advised against self-medication.