Overview
The American Academy of Dermatology characterizes acne as the most common skin condition in the United States. It often affects teenagers and young adults as they go through hormonal changes associated with puberty, menstruation and pregnancy, but anyone can suffer from periodic breakouts. While many people associate acne with the face, it’s just as common on the shoulders and back.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, the acne that develops on the back and shoulders is the same as the acne that develops on the face. It manifests as blackheads or whiteheads as well as papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. They’re often red, raised, tender and sometimes filled with pus.
Development
Much like face acne, both back and shoulder acne develop as a result of excess oil and dead skin forming a soft plug that clogs the affected pores. This triggers inflammation of the hair follicles, resulting in the formation of bumps. The depth of the blockage dictates the severity of the acne. The deeper the obstruction, the greater the inflammation you’ll experience, which leads to more severe breakouts.
Other Factors
But dead skin and excess oil aren’t the only factors that cause acne. With back and shoulder acne, friction and pressure from collars, backpacks and even tight clothing can contribute to its development. Friction from collars and backpacks irritate the follicles while pressure from tight clothing traps heat and moisture next to the skin. Not only does dead skin and excess oil collect within the pores, but possibly dirt and bacteria, which can cause further inflammation of the follicle as well as infection.
Treatment
Treatment of back and shoulder acne relies heavily on topical medications. Creams containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, resorcinol, retinoids and antibiotics can all help to clear acne on the shoulders and back, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. A dermatologist can best recommend which treatment is best for your skin.
Self-Care
Besides topical medications, self-care practices can also help to manage the acne on the shoulders and back. The Mayo Clinic recommends washing problematic areas at least once a day as well as following exercise. Keep hair off the shoulders and back, especially when dirty or covered in products. It’s also important to wear loose, breathable fabrics while dealing with this skin condition, and make sure to wash exercise apparel after each workout.
