Acne on my back

Magpye

I used to use Myddvai face and back mask (has scrubby bits in) and notice Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful had this back in their range not long ago - not sure if it will be on the website now and it is probably fairly pricey besides. It was kaolin and mint, I think. You could try tea tree wash - original source do one with mint which smells divine. To help clear scarring, you could try aloe vera gel or papaya ointment.

Mine has pretty much cleared with age, although I get the occasional breakout, usually when I want to wear something with a low cut back.

Radish72

I would recommend if you don't do already but my BF noticed a great improvement by changing his bedding more regular and in the winter when wearing PJ's changing them every couple of days

He has also bought a loofah and uses the Origins mint and tea tree shower gel

*Vikki*

I shall be purchasing these products, hopefully it might make my skin clearer. Thank you everyone.

SpenderAholic

Hi Vikki,

So sorry to hear about the problems with your skin! There's nothing more awful than having breakouts once you've reached adulthood :mad:

I have had major issues with my skin over the years and the only thing that keeps it under control is Dianette, a contraceptive, as we discovered it was essentially a hormone imbalance that was at the base of the problem. If this is an ongoing problem for you, or if you have any other symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic ovaries), this may be something to investigate!

Otherwise, when I've been off Dianette I've also used a great topical cream containing salicylic acid (5%). I've found this really helps treat those really sore, awful spots that you can't extract anything from (eew, sorry, I just winced as I typed that). It can really dry out the surrounding skin so if you're using it on your face, expect some peeling skin for a day or two after using it, but if it's mainly on your back and chest it won't be as harsh. I'm not sure if it's available over the counter in the UK this strength, but I had some prescribed for me by the doctor and it was called Duac. But I am able to buy something very similar over the counter in Australia, so maybe it is the strength that means it's a prescription drug here. If you're not keen on going to the doctor, perhaps look at the acne creams in Boots, and look for one with salicylic acid in the highest concentration you can find.

Sorry the post was so long! I just know how self conscious my skin has made me over the years and hate to hear when someone else is suffering! Best of luck with it

nikki2804

For acne scarring try rosehip oil. Its really good (and a lot less expensive than bio oil!)

*Vikki*

Well have been on a medication from Doctor for a month now, and its no better. Do I try the Rocotraine (however its spelt) its the stuff Dr wanted me to have but I was put off with the side effects. Thinning skin etc, does this normally happen?

kerrydrobertson

i had major acne on my back and chest when i was a teenager. My back cleared up as i got older but still have a good 5-10 spots on my chest at a time aswell which can sometimes be really big and very painful. when i was younder the doctor gave me a liquid to dab on them which killed the bacteria (cant remember what it was called but it was very stong smelling and worked a treat

twinklebelly

frivolous_fay wrote: »

Go to the doc - I put it off for 15 years - I was 30 when I went. Eventually I had to accept it wasn't going away on its own. I use Zineryt now and it's helped a lot... at least it helped break the cycle.

Just to confirm OP that Zineryt is an anti-biotic lotion, I've got it on repeat prescritption for my face, within a few weeks I was free from spots. Think it contains erythomocin (sp). Try going back to your doctor.

*Vikki*

twinklebelly wrote: »

Just to confirm OP that Zineryt is an anti-biotic lotion, I've got it on repeat prescritption for my face, within a few weeks I was free from spots. Think it contains erythomocin (sp). Try going back to your doctor.

Will mention this stuff to my Dr. Thanks.

pjk_3

*Vikki* wrote: »

Only thing that cleared them up for a bit was the one days sun in Spain last November.

Maybe that is the answer. Going in the sun, even for 20 minutes, will allow your body to produce a significant amount of vitamin D which in turn affects your immune system.

So, you could go in the sun more (good luck in this country for most of the year!), use a sunbed (not to get a tan, just to let your body make some vitamin D), or supplement with a vitamin D tablet. Your GP could measure your levels and prescribe vitamin D for you if you prefer that route.

Vitamin D is far safer than antibiotics and your body needs it anyway for other things too. It's virtually impossible to get enough vitamin D without sunlight exposure - food contains almost none.

Roaccutane can damage your liver so I'd see that as a last resort (personally I'd not use it even then but I do understand how painful and depressing those kind of spots can be).

Hope you see some improvement soon.