Symptoms Of Acne On The Back And Shoulders
Most people with acne see lesions on the face, but many will also experience shoulder and back acne symptoms. These areas develop acne for a variety of reasons. Often covered by clothing, they can be susceptible to friction, heat, and sweat, all of which can cause acne lesions. Like facial acne, a number of factors can predispose a person to developing shoulder or back acne, but lifestyle factors are typically the driving force behind these lesions. Tight-fitting clothes, insufficient hygiene, and picking at pimples can all lead to the development of severe acne.
Shoulder and back acne do not always require a visit to the dermatologist. That said, you should consider making an appointment if the lesions are widespread, painful, and/or chronic. Our Minneapolis-area clinics are uniquely equipped to help diagnose and treat your acne, no matter its location or severity. If youre interested in visiting one of our offices for a consultation, try tracking the location of your acne in the days and weeks prior to the visit. This can help use better determine the acnes cause and severity.
Pimples Under The Chin In Men
Another target for neck acne in men is under the chin, especially on areas of the neck that are shaved every morning. Many men develop a form of acne called acne keloidalis nuchae where they shave their necks every day. This kind of acne is not triggered by clogged pores. It forms around ingrown hairs, which are attacked by the immune system. The immune system tries to destroy the hair with inflammation, and the skin seals the hair into the skin under raised, pink scar tissue.
Cleansing the skin wont get rid of neck acne that shaving causes.
It usually takes tretinoin topical to open up the hair follicle so the hair can come out, and careful treatment with antibiotics if the pore gets infected. The antibiotics used to treat common acne wont usually work in hair follicles, because they are more likely to be infected with staph or strep than with acne bacteria. Neosporin, however, will usually cause the bacteria in pimples under the chin.
It is important not to try opening up pimples that form over ingrown hairs on your own. They can cause serious infections that affect larger areas of skin than common acne, and the bacteria inside the pimple can even get into the bloodstream. If self-treatment doesnt work in 4 or 5 days, see a doctor.
The way to prevent this kind of neck acne is always to use a fresh safety razor. Dull edges trap hairs beneath the skin.
Acne Mechanica On The Shoulders
The easy-to-treat form of shoulder acne is a condition known as acne mechanica. In this form of shoulder acne, the initial cause of irritation to the skin is the accumulation of sweat underneath shoulder pads, brassiere straps, or tight-fighting clothing. The skin responds to irritation by creating more sebum. The oily sebum builds up in pores that become clogged, resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
It is important to distinguish this form of shoulder acne from folliculitis, which occurs in hair follicles, especially after shaving the shoulders.
It can also occur after use of a hot tub or by wearing a wetsuit. Folliculitis is more likely to be painful than acne and is caused by a different microorganism. Folliculitis causes raised swellings with a yellow center, and acne does not. Consulting a doctor is usually necessary for treatment of folliculitis.
The treatment for acne mechanica on the shoulders is uncomplicated. All that is necessary is to stop the accumulation of sweat on the skin. This can mean placing cloth over shoulder pads or buying a better-fitting brassiere.
The best acne product for treating breakouts on the shoulders is benzoyl peroxide. Since the skin on the shoulders is tough and thick, benzoyl peroxide is less likely to cause inflammation or irritation, and more likely to kill the acne bacteria in pores. Just dont begin benzoyl peroxide treatment before changing the wardrobe malfunction that is keeping the skin of the shoulders irritated.
Don’t Miss: Why Am I Getting Acne On My Chest
Types Of Forehead Acne
Because acne is the result of clogged pores, acne symptoms can show upanywhere on the face where a pore can be found. “During adolescence, the forehead is often one of the first areas to develop acne,” says Kraffert. “It is also often one of the first areas to clear up as adolescence progresses too.” Some types of acne, however, tend to appear on the forehead more often than others.
- Comedones: Read: those small spots known as blackheads and whiteheads. Acne comes in many flavors, and the type of acne you see depends on the persons ability to produce oil,” says Patel. “Usually the type seen on the forehead is caused by occluded pores, so more whiteheads are seen there.”
- Pustules and papules: While whiteheads are by far the most common acne symptom seen on the forehead, raised red pimples are also know to pop up in the area. “Inflammatory papules and pustules are less frequent than comedones,” says Kraffert.
- Milia: Not technically acne although often mistaken for it, milia can sometimes take shape on the forehead as well. The difference between acne and milia? Acne forms when excess oil and dead skin cells clog a pore and create bacteria. Milia is seen when keratin becomes trapped under the surface of the skin to create little bumps that resemble whiteheads, most commonly found on women and babies.
Not Showering Promptly After A Sweaty Gym Session Might Be Causing Back Pimples
It can be tempting to skip your gym’s grimy showers and head home for a soothing soak in the tub instead. However, waiting too long to rinse off after working out can actually lead to a case of back acne.
Allowing sweat and dirt to hang out on your skin after exercisingcan be a major cause of pimples on the back and shoulders, according to Stylecaster.
Don’t delay showering after any situation that gets you hot and sweaty, including a sweltering day at the beach or a jog around the neighborhood.
You May Like: Where Does Cystic Acne Come From
Reducing Your Risk Of Butt Acne
You may be able to lower your risk of developing pimples on your butt by:
- Changing out of wet or damp bathing suits and workout clothes right away. Be sure to wash these items after each use.
- Making sure hot tubs are properly maintained before using
- Using proper technique if you shave or remove hair from your butt cheeks
- Wearing loose clothing, especially when its hot or humid
If you are concerned about your risk of butt acne, talk with your doctor about strategies to keep your skin clear.
How To Prevent Shoulder Acne
You can be proactive in preventing shoulder acne by making some simple changes to your daily routine.
- Choose noncomedogenic skin and hair products to prevent your pores from clogging
- Add a gentle exfoliating body wash to your shower several times a week to slough off dead skin cells and excess oil
- After any strenuous activity, shower and change into fresh clothes made of breathable fabrics
- If your hair tends to be on the oily side, choose a hairstyle that keeps it off your shoulders to avoid exacerbating your acne
- Change sheets and pillowcases weekly as they can accumulate dirt, oil and dead skin cells
- Avoid picking at or touching any lesions as doing so can spread bacteria and worsen your acne
Recommended Reading: What To Do Cystic Acne
Here Are A Few Tips On How To Get Rid Of Back Acne:
Change your sheets
Try your best to change your sheets about once a week or so. “Changing your sheets frequently is beneficial because dead skin cells and bacteria can easily accumulate on them throughout the night and irritate skin,” says Dr. Chimento.
Make over your morning routine
Your conditioner, your sunscreen , your body cream can all clog pores, causing you to get zits on your back. Luckily, a few easy tweaks to your get-ready routine can help slash your chances of one popping up.
When washing and conditioning, flip your hair to the front and rinse forward to avoid leaving shampoo and conditioner residue on your back and rinse your whole body thoroughly before stepping out of the shower. In summertime, it’s better to use lotions rather than creams because they have less oil content and rely more on water to hydrate the skin, so they’re less clogging. “Only use non-comedogenic creams and lotions: these products are specifically formulated with ingredients that won’t block pores,” Dr. Chimento says.
And when it’s time to apply sunscreen, choose one that is labeled “ultra-light” or “quick-dry” like La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid.
Swap out your clothing
Choose the right cleanser
Eat skin-friendly foods
Give your back extra love
See a dermatologist
Why You Get Acne On Your Shoulders
Acne develops on the shoulder for the same reason it does elsewhere. When pores become clogged with dead skin cells, sebum and other debris pimples, blackheads and whiteheads form. These are all symptoms of noninflammatory acne.
If lesions are left untreated, inflammatory acne can develop when Cutibacterium acnes bacteria become trapped within pores. The bodys immune system reacts and sends an inflammatory response to the area. This causes pus-filled pustules nodules and cysts to form.
As with all acne, shoulder acne is thought to have a genetic component which can impact the effectiveness of the immune system in fighting P. acnes bacteria. There are two types of acne that can develop on the shoulder and these can be exacerbated by certain lifestyle and habits.
Recommended Reading: When Does Teenage Acne Stop
Swap Out Your Current Body Wash
That ultra-creamy, coconut-scented shower gel may feel seriously luxe, but if it doesn’t contain zit-zapping ingredients such as salicylic acid , glycolic acid , and lactic acid , then it might not be doing your body acne any good.
‘Acids like these prevent dead skin cells from building up and blocking your pores,’ explains London-based consultant dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk. ‘And remember, cleanse your skin thoroughly in the shower every day.’
What Are The Potential Complications Of Butt Acne
When butt breakouts are due to keratosis pilaris, its harmless physically. However, it can be embarrassing and make people self-conscious. With folliculitis, physical complications can be serious. When an infection is present, it can go deeper, forming boilsor furuncles. The infection can also spread, causing clusters of boils called carbuncles. This can permanently damage hair follicles and the skin, resulting in scarring or dark spots.
Read Also: How Do Acne Patches Work
Acne Products For Acne On The Neck
If you have acne keloidalis nuchae, chloracne, cystic acne, or sports acne on the neck, you probably need specialized skin treatment. However, most people just have mild to moderate common blemishes on the neck. Lucky for most of us, this type of neck acne is easy to treat. The solution is usually just in keeping to a consistent and proven acne routine.
Start with the Basic Kit, which gives you a 3-step morning routine and 3-step evening routine.
Morning Routine:
Shoulder Acne: Causes Treatments Similar Conditions And More
- Shoulder acne is a common skin disease that occurs when pores become clogged with oil, debris and dead skin cells
- This disease can be either noninflammatory or inflammatory, and ranges from mild to severe
- Shoulder acne can be treated and managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication as well as simple lifestyle changes
Acne is a very common chronic disease that typically affects both adolescents and adults. It develops primarily in those areas that contain the most oil glands, such as the face, back, chest and in this case, the shoulders. Symptoms of shoulder acne can range from mild to severe and fluctuate in severity.
While acne cant be cured, it can be managed with a range of over the counter and prescription topical and oral solutions. Combination therapy not only targets the multiple factors that cause acne but achieves higher efficacy when used together rather than individually.
Contents
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Acne For Good Naturally
How To Treat Bacne
If you have acne on your back and shoulders, don’t suffer in silence. Focus on treating the source of the problem.
‘Body acne can be difficult to treat. The first step is to determine the root cause of the problem,’ says Dr Perry.
Body acne can be difficult to treat. The first step is to determine the root cause of the problem.
‘If there is an obvious cause then that it may be possible to address that problem, such as stress or diet, and hope that the acne also improves. Otherwise I would recommend seeing a dermatologist for treatment. Medication is generally the best option for treating severe body acne.’
Dr Mahto recommends topical washes containing glycolic and salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, zinc and niacinamide. ‘If bacne persists, then prescription topical or oral medications may be required from your GP or a dermatologist on the General Medical Council specialist register,’ she adds.
Visiting The Doctor For Shoulder And Back Acne Treatment
If youre struggling to find a shoulder or back acne treatment that works for you, make an appointment at one of our Minnesota dermatology offices. Seeking medical attention can help to quickly treat the acne while also preventing it from recurring. Regardless of the acnes type or cause, a dermatologist can help. Shoulder and back acne may be easy to hide, but it is often uncomfortable. Schedule a consultation with us to start on a treatment plan designed for your acne and lifestyle. Contact us today.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Back Acne In Female Adults
Is It Acne Or Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, commonly caused by yeast or fungus. Folliculitis has symptoms similar to acne, with small bumps appearing on the skin of the affected area.
A person may mistake folliculitis for acne. Often, they may not suspect folliculitis until after traditional treatments for acne have been unsuccessful.
Folliculitis, unlike acne, may lay dormant for several months or years before flaring again. Also, folliculitis is often itchy, whereas acne is not.
People with folliculitis may experience outbreaks during hot and humid periods. Some other potential causes include:
- having oily skin
Acne may not require a doctors care.
A person can often self-treat acne at home with over-the-counter washes, wipes, lotions, and creams.
Some people who have experienced acne may be able to prevent future outbreaks by avoiding potential triggers that may cause their acne.
A person who develops cysts or nodules or who has a family history of them forming should see a doctor as soon as acne starts to develop, as these types of acne can cause permanent scarring.
Early treatment can help prevent the damage to the skin. Also, a person whose acne does not seem to clear may also wish to seek a doctors help.
People who experience flares of acne that come and go should see their doctor. When blemishes appear on and off, a person should seek medical attention as it may be folliculitis.
Mild To Moderate Common Acne On The Back Of The Neck
Mild to moderate common acne, a condition also known as acne vulgaris, usually occurs on the face. However, about 15% of people who have common acne get blemishes on the neck. Whiteheads and blackheads on the neck are caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells, acne bacteria, and excess oil in pores on the skin of the neck. Reducing any three of these components of a clogged pore can reduce the number of blemishes on the neck.
Moms advice to wash your neck and to wash behind your ears is sometimes all you really need to do. Since the skin on the back of your neck is a little tougher than the skin on your face, it also responds well to benzoyl peroxide.
The one-two punch of salicylic acid plus benzoyl peroxide will also be very effective, which is why we love combining a salicylic acid body cleanser like this Body Wash from Exposed Skincare with a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment like this Acne Treatment Serum. The combo together will unclog and shrink pores, then kill acne bacteria to prevent new blemishes. Get the kit, which comes with two serums, a Body Wash and a special exfoliating cloth, to see the most bang for your buck.
Read Also: How Do You Get Rid Of Red Acne Marks
How Can I Prevent Back Acne
You may not be able to prevent back acne. But ask your healthcare provider if any medications you take may be causing back acne. You can also lower your risk of getting back acne by:
- Changing your clothes after you sweat.
- Keeping your skin clean.
- Wearing loose-fitting, sweat-wicking or cotton shirts.
How Is Back Acne Treated
For mild or moderate back acne, OTC products may effectively control breakouts. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a benzoyl peroxide foaming wash. It works by killing bacteria and is most effective when you use it every day. Because the skin on the back is thicker than the face, neck and chest, let the wash stay on the skin for up to five minutes. This will help the benzoyl peroxide penetrate better. Then, rinse it thoroughly to prevent the product from bleaching your towels, sheets or clothes.
The ADA recommends starting with a wash containing 5.3% benzoyl peroxide. This strength is least likely to cause irritation and dryness. If it doesnt seem to be effective, try the higher 10% strength. The ADA also recommends using the OTC retinoid adapalene 0.1% if you need additional acne control. It works as an exfoliant to unclog pores. Use it daily after you shower or before going to bed. Special lotion applicators for the back are available to help you get the medicine where you need it. If back hasnt improved after eight weeks of OTC treatment, see a dermatologist.
Read Also: Which Is The Best Birth Control For Acne
