Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacteria involved in acne. Home treatment is most suitable for a few spots or a mixture of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples without deep, painful lumps. Deep or painful back acne needs a dermatologist's help rather than a stronger home routine.23

How do you use Acnecide?

  1. 1Check whether you have a leave on gel or a wash, and follow that pack's directions.
  2. 2Wash your hands. For a leave on gel, gently clean and dry your back, then apply a thin layer to the affected area.
  3. 3For a wash, wet your back, wash with a small amount for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
  4. 4Wash your hands afterwards.
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Benzoyl peroxide is usually used once or twice daily; start with the lowest strength. A lotion applicator can help you reach your back, which is a sensible job to outsource to a stick.13

What helps back treatment work?

Wash gently and choose fragrance free, oil free skincare. Skip abrasive scrubs, loofahs and back brushes. A back brush is not a treatment upgrade, even if the handle makes it look more professional. Wear loose, breathable clothes, wash workout clothes after each use, and shower and change promptly after sweating. Avoid backpack friction and picking spots, which can cause scars.34

What should you be careful about?

Avoid broken or infected skin. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and fabrics and increases sun sensitivity. Protect exposed skin with oil free, broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Use other acne medicines alongside it only with a pharmacist's or doctor's approval.123

Dryness, peeling, redness or itching can improve with less frequent use. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about persistent irritation. Stop using it and call 999 for breathing difficulty or a swollen tongue or throat.1

Check with a doctor during pregnancy and a pharmacist or doctor when breastfeeding; avoid breast application. Most adults and children aged 12 or older can use benzoyl peroxide.1

How long should you give it?

Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within four weeks. For back acne treatment generally, visible improvement can take six to eight weeks and complete clearing three to four months. Seek help if there is no difference after six to eight weeks, or sooner for worsening acne, scars or numerous spots. If the bumps are not actually acne, they need a different approach: folliculitis, a skin infection, can look similar.1234

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Benzoyl peroxide: a medicine to treat acnenhs.uk
  2. 2Acne: Diagnosis and treatmentaad.org
  3. 3Back acne: How to see clearer skinaad.org
  4. 4Acnenhs.uk