If you get pimples on your back, shoulders, trunk or anywhere else on your body, you're probably aching to make them go away. Treating body acne can be difficult because the affected areas are harder to reach, and it's made even more difficult by skin sensitivity. Following a program of good hygiene and diet can make a big difference in your acne, and gentle treatments can make your pimples much less common.
Prevention
Step 1
Wash your hair daily if it's oily. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, recommends combing or pulling hair up to keep it off your skin, though you should also avoid tight headbands.
Step 2
Avoid touching problem areas with your hands and fingers. "Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick or rub" your existing pimples, which, the UMMC advises, can lead to skin infections and even scarring.
Step 3
Use oil-free or noncomedogenic sunscreen, body and hair products, which won't clog your pores.
Step 4
Wash your clothes after wearing them. Shower and change into clean clothes after exercising or sweating.
Treatment
Step 1
Wash your skin twice daily with a mild cleanser. Do not scrub or use a harsh cloth, as this can make acne worse. Acne.org recommends washing for no longer than 10 seconds.
Step 2
Pat your skin dry with the towel. Do not rub.
Step 3
Apply a small amount of benzoyl peroxide lotion directly to your skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends using just enough to cover the problem areas. Acne.org adds that you should not rub it in, just "allow your fingers to glide over your skin."
Step 4
Let your skin dry for five to 15 minutes, then apply moisturizer over the benzoyl peroxide lotion. After a few minutes, if your skin still feels dry, add more moisturizer.
Step 5
Repeat this process daily, observing its effects. If your skin becomes very sensitive or dry, stop using the benzoyl peroxide or use it once a day. If your acne doesn't improve in two months, the Mayo Clinic recommends talking to a doctor or dermatologist.
Tips and Warnings
- Soap will dry your skin. Cetaphil, Basic, Dove or Neutrogena make cleansers that are safe for sensitive skin. For hard-to-reach areas, you may need to use a washcloth or a spray bottle to gently cleanse and treat your skin.
- Benzoyl peroxide can cause skin dryness, and can bleach fabrics. Be sure to wear color-safe fabrics after using benzoyl peroxide, and stick to the lowest possible potency, 2.5 percent, to avoid damaging sensitive skin.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle, nonsoap skin cleanser
- Towel
- Water-based, noncomedogenic moisturizer
- 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide acne cream
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