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What is causing pimples on the back and shoulders?

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What is causing pimples on the back and shoulders?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At March 7, 2019
Reviewed AtMarch 27, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been developing pimples on the back of shoulders and on shoulders as shown in the photos attached. What could be the reason for this and what are the medications?

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.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis is truncal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.

Treatment plan

I suggest you use Acnil soap for taking bath. Use Ketoconazole lotion (Kevon stay on lotion or KZ lotion) in the morning after bath. Use Benzoyl peroxide gel (Persol forte cream) at night.

Preventive measures

Reduce the intake of foods with high glycemic index, take bath daily, and avoid tight-fitting clothes.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had these pimples on my face for the last six months. I was prescribed to use Deriva-Cms ointment, but that has not helped. I have also been prescribed Doxt-SL capsules, but I developed allergies after taking that, and I had to stop those capsules. Can you please suggest medications for this? Kindly help.

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 Deriva-Cms (Adapalene and Clindamycin), you can consider shifting to Benzoyl Peroxide-based gels. However, any treatment for acne takes at least 6 to 8 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. Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent. I hope this has helped you.

Treatment plan

I suggest you apply Suncros Aquagel (sunscreen) daily morning on the face. Apply Epiduo gel (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, 2 hours after two weeks, and 4 hours after three weeks, i.e., gradually increase the duration of application of the cream to avoid dryness. Apply Venusia cream (moisturizer) all over the face at night.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Dermatology

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