How to get rid of body acne

Why does body acne happen?

Acne starts when a hair follicle, the opening containing a hair and oil gland, becomes blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria trapped inside can trigger inflammation. The result can be whiteheads, blackheads, raised bumps or spots containing pus. Deeper acne can form hard, painful lumps beneath the skin. Acne can affect the trunk, arms, legs and buttocks as well as the face and shoulders.4

Hormone changes, family history, heavy sweating and rubbing can contribute to breakouts. Greasy skin or hair products and certain medicines can also trigger acne. Trapped sweat beneath clothing or sports equipment is especially relevant on the back: the fabric rubs against sweaty skin and can worsen spots. If breakouts began after starting a medicine, ask the prescriber whether it could be contributing.14

Can you treat body acne at home?

Home treatment is reasonable for a few recent back spots, or a mixture of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples without deep pain. Widespread acne or acne that keeps returning deserves a medical appointment. A clinician can examine the bumps and confirm the diagnosis; acne usually does not need testing, although persistent large spots containing pus sometimes need checking for infection.45

How to use a benzoyl peroxide wash

1. 1Check that the product is suitable for your treatment area. Some benzoyl peroxide products are for the face only. Start with the lowest available strength and follow the packet.
2. 2Wash your hands and wet the affected skin. Apply the amount directed without scrubbing.
3. 3Follow the product's contact time. For a benzoyl peroxide foaming back wash, two to five minutes can help treatment work. Some gel washes direct one to two minutes instead.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly, pat dry and wash your hands again. Keep benzoyl peroxide away from hair and fabrics because it can bleach them.
5. 5Use the wash consistently. Daily use can help control back acne, but reduce frequency if irritation develops and seek advice if symptoms persist.

Which other treatments can help?

Treatments applied directly to the skin include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin. Mild back acne can sometimes clear with these alone. Body acne treatments come as creams, lotions, gels and cleansers, so the bathroom shelf has several ways to acquire the same job.6

Adapalene 0.1% gel helps unclog pores and can improve results alongside benzoyl peroxide. Apply daily after showering or before bed when that combination is suitable for you. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining acne medicines, especially if you already use a prescription treatment: combinations can increase dryness and irritation.35

Alternatively, ask someone you trust to help apply treatment to difficult spots.6

What should you change after exercise?

• Wear loose cotton or sweat wicking workout clothes, and wash them after each use.
• Shower and change into clean clothes as soon as possible after sweating. If a shower is unavailable, gently use an oil free cleansing wipe and change clothes.
• Reduce rubbing from bags and equipment where possible. A handheld bag avoids backpack friction.
• Use clean towels, sheets and pillowcases. Wash sheets and towels at least once a week.

Clean linens are part of back acne care, which gives the laundry basket an unexpected position in the skincare department.1

Should you scrub or exfoliate the spots?

No. Scrubbing and repeated washing can irritate skin and worsen acne. Cleanse gently once or twice daily, including after exercise. Avoid abrasive scrubs, loofahs, back brushes, astringents and harsh antibacterial soaps. Picking or squeezing can cause infection, slower healing and scars.45

Use warm rather than hot shower water and a mild cleanser. Moisturizer helps prevent dry skin. Choose oil free or noncomedogenic skincare, meaning products formulated not to clog pores, and gentle, fragrance free products for acne prone areas.257

Do not use tanning as treatment. Sun exposure can darken acne and make it last longer. On uncovered skin outdoors, use an oil free, noncomedogenic, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.5

How long does clearing body acne take?

Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within four weeks. For back acne, visible improvement can take six to eight weeks, and complete clearing can take three to four months. Arrange a dermatology appointment if there is no difference after six to eight weeks. Breakouts can flare again even after responding to treatment.345

When should you stop or get advice?

Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, peeling, redness or hot, itchy, painful skin. Use it less often if these develop; get advice for bothersome or persistent effects. Avoid broken or infected skin and do not use it after a previous allergic reaction. Stop using it and get emergency help for throat or tongue swelling or difficulty breathing.3

If pregnant, check treatment choices with your doctor. Benzoyl peroxide can usually be used during pregnancy, but check first. During breastfeeding, ask a pharmacist or doctor and avoid applying it to the breasts. Oral isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes severe birth defects.34

What can a doctor do for stubborn body acne?

Get medical help for numerous spots, deep painful lumps, scarring, worsening acne or acne affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen skin or fever also needs assessment for infection. Widespread acne or acne that does not clear with skin treatments can need tablets, including antibiotics, an appropriate combined contraceptive pill or isotretinoin.126

Prescription options target different parts of acne. Retinoid creams and gels reduce inflammation and oiliness and help prevent spots. Antibiotics target bacteria involved in inflammation and pus. Hormonal treatment can help when hormones contribute. Isotretinoin is an option for cystic acne and scarring, with close monitoring and regular blood tests.24