Which is a good lotion for back acne?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have back acne, which is not going away. I have been prescribed Dapsone gel and Adapalene. I need a new routine with a good acne wash. My back acne has been here for five years. It consists of small bumps, some blackheads, and just regular acne. I am looking for a good wash and lotion.

Answered by Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. But there are no attached photographs in your message. Kindly send a picture of the affected area to assess the condition and suggest the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I will attach the images, doctor.

Answered by Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for sharing the pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Kindly answer the following questions to know more. Is there any itching? Is there any lesions on the face? Itching is more common in pityrosporum folliculitis, which can mimic acne.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. There is no acne on my face. However, there is mild itching at times on the back here and there. I am not sure what to do. Sometimes it itches, but it is not constant. It could be acne also, but I do not know.

Answered by Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Both conditions can coexist. It is better to rule out pityrosporum folliculitis first. I suggest the following medicines. If it is pityrosporum folliculitis, you will see improvement soon enough, or else we will have to start treatment for truncal acne. Take Tablet Fluconazole 100 mg once a day for two weeks. Use Clotrimazole cream - apply twice a day. Use Nizoral (Ketoconazole) shampoo 2 % - apply it during bath on the affected truncal area, leave for three to four minutes, and wash. Review to be done after two weeks.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. For the Clotrimazole cream, is there any lotion I should use after it or any moisturizer after the shower? Also, is the shampoo for my body? Should I shower once a day or twice a day?

Answered by Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You can shower once a day, if it is not too humid. Use shampoo over the affected area on the trunk and wash after a few minutes. There is no need for a moisturizer after Clotrimazole, but if you feel your skin is dry, you can apply it.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I will get the medications soon and check back in a few weeks. My back has itched a little the last week, but that is because I stopped my body wash. But I am not sure. You could be right because I have used all acne medications for five years and still have not gone away.