Acne by location

Back and chest acne

Body skin is thicker and sweatier, so practical habits often matter as much as products.

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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

Related ingredients

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