What is causing pimples on the back and shoulders?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been developing pimples on the back of shoulders and on shoulders as shown in the photos attached. These pimples were there for six months, but in the last three to four days, they have been becoming more and more. What could be the reason for this and what are the medications?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Acne occurs not only on the face but also on the upper back and chest. It is usually due to the hormonal activity over the oil glands of the body. Your pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) are suggestive of a combination of truncal acne and Pityrosporum folliculitis.

This could be due to your young age, tight clothing, excessive sweating, humid climate, foods with high glycemic index and improper hygiene. I suggest you use any pimple care soap containing isopropyl myristate, thiosopol, and sodium silicate for taking bath. Use Ketoconazole lotion in the morning after bath. Use Benzoyl peroxide gel at night.

Preventive measures include:

Reduce the intake of foods with a high glycemic index.
Bathe daily.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Acne is a hormonal and age-dependent skin issue that needs a lot of patience to get relief. If you are not satisfied with ointment containing Adapalene and Clindamycin, you can consider shifting to Benzoyl peroxide-based gels. However, any treatment for acne takes at least six to eight weeks to show good results.

All acne treatments lead to a lot of skin dryness and can cause increased sun sensitivity. Hence it is advisable to use sunscreen and moisturizer along with them. I suggest you apply sunscreen daily morning on the face.

Apply gel containing Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide, only a peanut volume, all over the face, only in the evening. Start with a contact time of only 30 minutes. Make it one hour after one week, two hours after two weeks, and hours after three weeks, that is, gradually increase the duration of application of the cream to avoid dryness. Apply moisturizer all over the face at night. Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.