Get rid of acne on back?!
Question: Its really concentrated on my shoulder blades/upper back. I hate it, its really nasty. I don't eat any chocolate or sugary/greasy food (and when I do its 1 small piece), I take zinc pills (which are supposed to help with acne) I shower 3 times a day with dermatologist quality products (morning, after rugby and before bed) use acne toner, drink lots of water and I try to eat plenty of vitamin C.
Answers: Its really concentrated on my shoulder blades/upper back. I hate it, its really nasty. I don't eat any chocolate or sugary/greasy food (and when I do its 1 small piece), I take zinc pills (which are supposed to help with acne) I shower 3 times a day with dermatologist quality products (morning, after rugby and before bed) use acne toner, drink lots of water and I try to eat plenty of vitamin C.
You really need to see a dermatologist. Acne on the back and shoulders is very difficult to treat because topical products (the most effective of which are leave-on treatments, not washes) are so easily rubbed-off by clothing. Most dermatologists choose either antibiotics or Accutane to treat severe acne on the back/shoulders because it can work through your body and treat a large area of skin more easily.
Products like scrubs and washes are "complementary" and should not be a considered a "primary" treatment for acne. Foods and dietary contributors to acne have been studied thoroughly -- neither have been established to be a serious factor in acne development, except for sugar and possibly milk, both because of the impact they have or insulin and hormone levels. Pizza, french fries, chocolate, and greasy foods seem to have no effect on acne at all. See the article on acne over from WebMD for additional information on acne below.
Zinc, *in conjunction with other vitamins* can help some, but only when they are given in precise dosages and in pharmaceutical-grade delivery systems, in a medication like Nicomide. Please read this article --> http://www.skinandaging.com/article/6571 ... it talks about patients who have tried to take vitamins on their own for acne, what happened, and also talks about the drugs Nicomide and Nicomide-T. (Nicomide-T has since been discontinued due to low sales, unfortunately -- it was effective; just not prescribed enough, but Nicomide Tables are still available.)
Essentially, what I'm giving are the reasons why taking vitamins you have tried thus far aren't working -- although they sound like they'd be good ideas, they just aren't going to work for the reasons outlined by Dr. Keri in the "Skin & Aging" article above.
It's time for you to see a dermatologist to get assistance with your acne for more powerful treatment options. If you don't have insurance, add a comment to let us know, and I will you know of some non-Rx options that are just as effective as Rx products. Good luck!
magic fix:
15 glasses of water per day + 3 bottles of gatorade per day.
this works 100% of the time. ( less than 2 weeks)
i would say your doing everything right. try doing what your doing for a bit longer. it might just take time to clear up.
try tea tree oil
You guys are doing it all wrong! What is showing on your back, is all the dirt from the insides!!!
Clear up!
Have you considered getting a water filter for your shower and trying a different organically sound soap?
Bathing or showering in chlorinated water using unnaturally chemical treated soap, which is what everyone bathes in daily, is damaging your skin. The chlorine makes it dry and your skin will try to heal itself, making it oily and acne forms. Acne by the way is a body sore caused from contaminates inside and out the body.
Be sure to drink pure filtered water.
chocolate and sugar do not cause breakouts but dairy does so watch your dairy intake. keep well hydrated like you are doing because that is best for the skin. fish oil is also great for the skin and it has tons of other benefits so you could consider taking that (though a tip on that, put the capsules in the freezer so they don't taste bad!).
the only problem i see with your regimin is that you might be overworking your acne. showering 3 times a day is ok, but only use your acne products once in the morning and once at night. your second shower should just be a quick rise then let your shoulders and back air dry. when you do use your acne meds on your back and shoulders, don't scrub too harshly because that causes inflammation and actually makes it worse.
all i can say is the key is to not overwork your acne. good luck <3
p.s. i used to have some acne on my back as well and my derm said the key was to using a perfume and moisturizer free body wash. bar soap is too harsh and can cause acne. lever 2000 is the best. hope that helps!
If you are taking Zinc already, add Vitamin A!
They work together! 10,000 IU's a day!
Fish oil or Flax-seed oil capsule 2-3 times a day!
Best of luck!
it happens naturally, dont worry, ull grow outta it
my son had a serious problem with back acne..until he started using neutragena body wash..it has those grainy things in there and he uses a back brush..no acne..but as soon as he doesnt use it for a day or so the acne comes back..its about keeping your skin loofah'd if you will the dead skin washed off ....