You can also use dandruff shampoo to treat this type of bacne — yes, seriously. “Using things that are antifungal on the back, like shampoos with selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione, which are used for dandruff, really helps this too because it targets the same type of yeast,” Talakoub says.
"Yeasts are a form of fungus, which can cause dandruff, as well," Gohara says. Because of this, dandruff shampoos can help treat fungal acne better than cleansers formulated with standard acne ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, because you need to treat the yeast instead of bacteria, Gohara says.
To treat back acne, incorporate an acne-specific body wash to your shower routine. Dr. Marcus' favorites include Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash with Glycerin ($7; target.com) and PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide ($10; amazon.com).
If traditional acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid don't seem to be making a dent in your bacne, that could be an indication it's yeast folliculitis, says Dr. Bhanusali. In that case, he recommends using a dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders as a body wash.
“Back acne is the result of an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil [sebum] within the pores in the skin, combined with an overgrowth of a common skin bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, which triggers an inflammatory response,” says Kara Shah, MD, a board-certified general and pediatric dermatologist with Kenwood ...
Back acne, or backne, occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the sebaceous glands block pores, causing inflammation. It can be harder to see and reach acne on the back in order to treat it. However, a range of effective OTC and prescription treatments are available, and using an applicator can help.
Every day, or every other day, for two to three weeks, in which time you should see improvement. If your condition clears up, use it twice weekly as a maintenance medication. If you haven't seen changes in two to three weeks, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Don't shower in water that's too hot.
Cold water tightens your pores and reduces the overproduction of sebum and excretion of acne-causing bacteria. In contrast, hot water opens them and does the complete opposite, leaving your skin more prone to irritation.
Lisa Zogalis: It's not a myth, it can definitely be a factor in your skin breaking out. Greasy hair, buildup of hair products, pollution from being outside, and temperature are all causes. People with long hair can even get breakouts on their back, or those who have greasy fringe can get breakouts on their foreheads.
Oily and flaky scalps cause dandruff which is one of the most common reasons behind acne on the forehead, shoulders and back. If you're struggling with dandruff, chances are you also have back acne, as excess oil from the scalp transfer to your back through your hair and clog pores.
Have you noticed tiny bumps along the back of your neck? The culprit may be your hair care products. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can cause whiteheads and other types of acne in these areas. The bumps can be so subtle that you can feel but not see them.
Rinse your skin several times a week with these dandruff shampoos while you're having a breakout. You may also consider using it regularly, about once a week, to help maintain a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria on your skin. Let the shampoo sit on your skin for several minutes before rinsing, for best results.
Benefits of cold water
Cold water can be especially beneficial for dry or acne-prone skin, says Knapp. “If you have chronically dry skin, hot water can strip your sebum levels (oils) and exacerbate the issue, so cold water is a good alternative.”
Although a hot shower removes sebum, the removal also triggers the body to produce more sebum after the shower. If you suffer from acne, it is advisable to take cold showers to help sebum control and prevent new breakouts.
It may sound counterproductive, but a shower every day could be bad for your skin. Some dermatologists only recommend a shower every other day, or two to three times a week. Many people hit the shower at least once a day, either in the morning or at night before bed.
Head & Shoulders helps with seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulgaris and an acne-like inflammation of hair follicles called pityrosporum folliculitis because of its active ingredient, pyrithione zinc, and its anti-fungal properties.
Whatever the reason, it's got you wondering—can you use shampoo as body wash? You can use shampoo as body wash, but avoid using it on your face and sensitive private areas. Shampoo's lower surfactant levels make it less effective for your skin than body wash.
Anti-dandruff shampoos have anti-fungal properties and are safe to use on your body. Clean your back with this and watch the spots start to disappear.
If you have acne on your back—or “bacne” as some people call it—you don't have to wait for it to clear on its own. Treatment and the right skin care can help you see clearer skin more quickly. You may even be able to clear your back on your own.
Acne Mechanica: This is one of the most common types of acne to develop on the shoulders and back. Caused by friction, acne mechanica is typically the result of ill-fitting clothing, exercise, and athletic apparel, but it can also be the result of something as simple as an improperly fitting backpack.
"Exfoliation is key to help slough off dead skin cells from getting trapped in your pores. Plus, it increases circulation and encourages cell turnover," says Dr. Jaliman. "Just avoid scrubbing too vigorously or you'll over dry your skin.
The most common symptom that you'll notice is itchiness of the bumps. Fungal acne is itchy but never painful, as typical acne can be when a blemish becomes inflamed. Fungal acne can be persistent, worsen with sweating, and flare in hot and humid temperatures.
Here's how to tell the difference between fungal acne and bacterial acne: Size. Pus-filled bumps caused by fungal acne tend to be nearly all the same size. Bacterial acne can cause pimples and whiteheads of varying sizes.