Acne vulgaris means the common form of acne, which makes 'zits' sound like the informal dress code. The name covers a mixture of clogged pores and inflamed spots, rather than one particular kind of pimple. You can describe the affected area separately, such as acne vulgaris on the back, because apparently the formal name also needs an address. 'Pimples', 'spots' and 'zits' are everyday names for acne, while acne vulgaris is the version dressed for paperwork.3

What is the medical term for back acne?

Back acne is acne vulgaris affecting the back. The upper back is a common location because it has many oil glands. The location alone does not tell you how severe the acne is: doctors also look at the kinds of spots present and how many there are.13

What is the medical term for chest acne?

Acne can involve the chest and back as well as the face, and several types of spots can appear together. A description such as 'chest acne with blackheads and pustules' tells a clinician both the location and the kinds of blemishes.3

What do the names of the spots mean?

Medical names describe individual blemishes as well as the condition itself.4

  • Comedones are plugged hair follicles. This group includes blackheads and whiteheads.
  • Whiteheads are plugged follicles that remain closed and form small bumps.
  • Blackheads are plugged follicles that open at the surface. Their dark colour comes from exposure to air, not dirt.
  • Papules are small, inflamed bumps that can feel tender.
  • Pustules are bumps with a white or yellow pus filled top.
  • Nodules are large, painful, solid lumps deep within the skin.
  • Cystic acne describes deep, painful lesions containing pus.
4

Why does acne appear on the body?

Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles. Bacteria can grow inside the blocked follicles and contribute to inflammation. Pressure from tight clothes, backpacks or sports equipment can make acne worse. Body acne is not evidence of dirty skin, and scrubbing harder can worsen it rather than clear it.245

Are all body breakouts acne vulgaris?

No. Folliculitis, a skin infection involving hair follicles, can look like acne. Hidradenitis suppurativa is another condition sometimes mistaken for acne; it is also called acne inversa, but needs different treatment. A dermatologist can examine the breakouts to distinguish acne from another condition. Describing bumps as body acne is useful shorthand, not a diagnosis.6

What should you do about body acne?

Wash affected skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser, without scrubbing. Wear loose, breathable clothing, especially during exercise or sweating. Avoid picking or squeezing spots because this can cause scars. For mild acne, a pharmacist can help you choose a treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Follow the product directions rather than applying extra.56

Acne treatment takes at least six to eight weeks before you start seeing fewer breakouts. Treatment choice depends on the type and severity of acne, not just where it appears. Persistent acne can need prescription treatment; deep nodules and cysts need a dermatologist's help because they can leave permanent scars.167

See a doctor if self treatment is not helping, you have many spots, or the spots are deep, painful or causing scars. Also seek medical help for hot, swollen skin with redness, or if acne is affecting your mental health. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.5

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment & Preventionmy.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2Acne | Blackheads | Pimple | Zitsmedlineplus.gov
  3. 3Acne Vulgaris: Features, Types, and Treatmentsdermnetnz.org
  4. 4Acne Types, Causes, & Risk Factorsniams.nih.gov
  5. 5Acnenhs.uk
  6. 6Acne: Diagnosis and treatmentaad.org
  7. 7How to treat different types of acneaad.org