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What's the Best Back Acne Treatment?

I HATE the back acne (backne) breakout i've had for too long. What really works best to get rid of back acne? Is the back acne treatment the same as for facial acne?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (1)

Acne on the Back

Acne on the back can be difficult to treat with just topicals although most topical antibiotics and comedolytics (retinoids) do work for mild back acne. However, it is very difficult to consistently apply the medicine to the back and be weary as some topicals that contain benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothing and sheets. Regarding backne, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist since over the counter medicine will typically not do the trick either. Prescriptions consisting of orals and... more

Treating acne on the back

Acne on the back is difficult to treat because of the problem of physically reaching the affected area. It's impossible to reach all of the affected areas to apply a cream or lotion. That is why I always choose cleansers first in treating back acne. I like cleansers with glycolic or salicylic acid. These help unclog the pores by exfoliating the top layers of skin, releasing the oil and debris that is trapped in the pores and also decreasing the likelihood that new clogged pores will form... more

Best back acne treatment

My favorite treatment of back acne is to start with a Benzoyl Peroxide wash. It can be 2 1/2%, 5% or 10% on the back .The skin is pretty tough on the back so any of the strengths should be tolerated. Because it is a wash you rinse off it should not bleach your sheets. My next choice to add to this would be a topical antibiotic wipe such as one with Clindamycin on it. This does take a perscription from a doctor. I find these steps will control a lot of back acne. You will need to be... more

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Acleara procedure may help you

You may try Acleara treatments for your back acne. It combines a vacuum with pulses of specially-filtered light to help clear your pores and treat acne breakouts. The Acleara device is cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat a wide range of acne in all skin types. You may immediately notice that your skin is drier, less oily, and feels fresher. Current acne breakouts usually will begin to clear up over the next two days. You may also... more

Acne - The perfecta laser can be a wonderful treatment for acne

The ideal acne treatment may be different depending on the individual. In my Raleigh, NC medical spa and laser center we incorporate a combination of treatments including the perfecta laser which is a wonderful treatment for acne. It can quickly heal acne and the redness and irritation that accompanies acne. Peels or microdermabrasion can help with acne and of course the correct home care products. Visit a plastic surgery medical spa with multiple lasers, including the... more

Michael Law, MD

17 reviews

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Best Back Acne Treatment

Treatment of back acne utilizes some of the same medications and procedures that we use to treat face acne, including topical prescription creams, oral antibiotics, and laser acne therapies. However, because the back is such a difficult to reach area, there are some therapies that we commonly use on the back in particular. These back acne treatments include anti-acne sprays (often containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid), oral antibiotics, chemical peels, and in-office... more

My Favorite Recommendations

For back acne I like to recommend topical retinoids, such as Retin A or Differin, amongst others. These are by prescription. I also like to have people do at-home peels. We sell peel pads in our office with 3 fruit acids that our patients find useful. They are not expensive. Also, you should cleanse your back with an anti-acne regimen, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or even a sulfur based wash. If the acne is severe and unresponsive, then you... more

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Comments (1)

Anique
2 Feb 2013

I had horrible back acne that would sometimes also affect my bum and chest - then I got a delayed onset allergy blood test done (mine was at Elisa labs but there are many out there) and to my shock I showed up as very sensitive to casein and whey - basically soft dairy. Upon eliminating over the course of a year my skin completely cleared up. I had this acne since puberty until 33 yrs old. Now, completely gone. Until I have something like mayo and then I get a spot. I thought I really need to share this as I wished someone had told me when I was struggling and out of hope. Very much worth trying at least to rule out. I think you can also do an elimination diet for dairy as that seems to be a common culprit for acne and cheaper than an allergy test. Good luck and have hope!!!

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