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What's the Best Back Acne Treatment?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Esta Kronberg, MD
Question viewed 12,755 times
Tags: back, acne, pimples, zits

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?

4 answers to What's the Best Back Acne Treatment?

+3

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
Jordana Gilman, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

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
Esta Kronberg, MD

Houston Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

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
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

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
Lisa Benest, MD

Burbank Dermatologist

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