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Commonly associated factors
- Sweat trapped under clothing or gear
- Friction from backpacks, straps and tight fabrics
- Hair conditioner residue running down the back
- Sometimes a follicular condition that looks like acne but is not
Reasonable next steps
Shower reasonably soon after sweating, rinse conditioner off the back last, and consider a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid wash used as tolerated.
When it may not be acne
Uniform, itchy bumps across the back or chest are sometimes something other than acne. If a standard approach does nothing over a couple of months, a clinician's look is worthwhile.
Key takeaways
- • Sweat and friction are the usual suspects.
- • Itchy, uniform bumps may not be acne at all.
Consider professional advice if
- • Your breakouts are painful, deep or leaving scars
- • Things are getting worse quickly despite a reasonable routine
- • Your skin is significantly affecting how you feel day to day