As if getting acne on your face weren't bad enough, you can get it just about anywhere else on your body as well, like your back and chest. Men and women of any age can get back and chest acne, but that doesn't mean it's any more tolerable. There are ways to treat these forms of body acne, but you will need patience and persistence to get the kind of results you want.
Step 1
Wash your back and chest twice a day. It's natural for oil and dirt to accumulate on your body, so take care to wash off these accumulated substances every morning and night using a gentle cleanser. This will prevent your pores from becoming clogged and prevent new blemishes from developing.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter acne cream or lotion to your chest and back. A treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is best. Use after cleansing each morning and evening, applying to towel-dried skin.
Step 3
Visit your dermatologist to discuss prescription medications. If your acne is very severe, a prescription-strength treatment might be necessary. A topical retinoid like Retin-A may be used to speed up the rate at which your skin sloughs off to help unclog pores, or a topical antibiotic can be used to kill surface bacteria. In case of nodular or cystic acne on the chest and back, you may need to use an oral antibiotic or even Accutane, which decreases the size of oil glands and prevents acne from coming back.
Step 4
Change your lifestyle. Wear breathable cotton fabrics to prevent the buildup of sweat and bacteria. Change your clothes after sweating and exercising, and try to shower as well. Don't touch your chest and back if you can help it, and change the pads on protective sports gear to prevent the introduction of bacteria to your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle cleanser
- Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cream or lotion
- Retin-A
- Topical antibiotics
- Oral antibiotics
- Accutane
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