Causes and home remedies for pimples on the back, shoulders, and neck
Do you think acne only happens on your face? Sorry to tell you, that’s completely wrong. Acne can develop on various parts of your body, including shoulders and back, and this is more common in men than women.
LikeFacial acneShoulder or back acne occurs when dead skin, excess natural oil (sebum), and other impurities clog hair follicles on the shoulders.
Additionally, bacteria may gather in the pores, leading to pimples. Shoulder pimples can be painful because the pores in this area are larger. Other symptoms include redness and swelling.
Several factors can cause shoulder acne, among the common causes are:Hormonal changesIn the body, living in warm and humid areas, polycystic ovary syndrome, use of greasy cosmetics and skincare products, and certain medications.
In some cases, pimples may appear after laser treatments, shaving, or waxing. People with obesity, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are also more prone to acne.
TypesBack acneand shoulder pimples
Various types of bumps and pimples that can develop on your back include:
Whiteheads
Formed by closed comedones, when oil builds up as a white bump under the skin.
Blackheads
Form when connected follicles open on the skin surface. The dark color is caused by the reaction of sebaceous glands with air, not by dirt or pollution.
Boils
Raised bumps that appear as small pink lumps on the skin, known as carbuncles.
Pustules
Painful pimples filled with white or yellow pus, with a red base.
Nodules
Deep, hard, and painful cystic bumps that develop within the skin.
Cysts
Large, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scars on the skin surface.
How to treat back acne
It’s not always possible to control or treat back acne completely because hormonal fluctuations are a major factor beyond your control. However, treating these pimples is not very difficult, especially with the skin and hair health tips provided by SelMagz.SelMagzWe have simple and easy methods to help improve this issue:
1. Proper Skin Care
If you notice pimples on your shoulders, it might be a sign of poor skin hygiene. Proper care and regular hygiene are essential for preventing and treating these pimples.
To maintain healthy skin, start with regular washing and showers. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess dirt and toxins from your skin.
Also, shower immediately after heavy workouts or activities to prevent pores from clogging. Once a week, exfoliate your shoulders to remove dead skin cells that block pores.
Choose beauty products carefully and avoid oil-based products, as they can clog pores.
2. Warm Compress
A warm compress can help reduce shoulder pimples. The heat kills bacteria trapped in pores and speeds up healing. It also reduces pain and inflammation.
Using a warm compress may require assistance from someone nearby, depending on the problem area.Add a teaspoon of salt to half a cup of hot water, soak a towel in it, wring out the excess water, and apply the compress to the affected area for 10 minutes.When the towel cools, re-soak or replace it with a new one and repeat several times a day.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Due to its lactic and malic acids, apple cider vinegar is an effective natural remedy for shoulder and back pimples. Its acidity helps detoxify and exfoliate the skin, balancing the skin’s pH.
Its antibacterial and disinfectant properties also make it suitable for combating inflammation caused by this skin problem.Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio, apply to the affected skin, and after 15 minutes, rinse with warm water. Repeat this 2-3 times daily.You can also add one or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink once or twice a day to accelerate healing.
4. OatmealWhile treating shoulder pimples isn’t always possible, soaking in an oatmeal bath is very effective. It helps remove dead skin cells and improves skin texture. Oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and swelling.Add one cup of oat powder into a warm bath, soak your body for 15 minutes, then pat dry and apply a gentle moisturizer. Repeat once daily.You can also mix one tablespoon of oatmeal powder with one tablespoon ofYogurt
and a teaspoon of turmeric powder, apply to shoulders and back, let dry, then rinse with warm water. Repeat once a week.5. Tea Tree OilFor treating shoulder and back acne, don’t underestimate the power of tea tree oil. It has antibacterial, disinfectant, and anti-inflammatory properties that kill bacteria causing shoulder pimples.
It also reduces redness and pain associated with pimples. Studies show tea tree oil is effective for mild to moderate acne.Apply one or two drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and dab on the affected area. After one hour, rinse with cold water. Repeat twice daily.Alternatively, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of
Honey
and apply to the affected area. Wash after 15-20 minutes. Repeat this 1-2 times daily for best results.
Caution: It’s recommended to do a patch test before using tea tree oil on your skin.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is another effective home remedy for skin issues, including pimples on shoulders and back. Its antibacterial properties help kill bacteria that cause pimples.As a natural disinfectant, it also prevents the development of pimples on other parts of the body. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water or coconut oil.and create a thick paste.
Apply it to the affected area, let dry, then rinse with warm water. Repeat once a week.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera offers many benefits for the skin, especially reducing pimples on shoulders and back. It also helps dry out pimples.
Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties fight the causes of pimples and reduce their symptoms. Drinking aloe vera juice also helps in treatment.
Cut a leaf of aloe vera, extract the gel, apply it to the affected area, and rinse with warm water. Repeat 2-3 times daily.8. Baking SodaBaking soda acts as a natural exfoliant and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a good remedy for shoulder and back pimples.
It fights bacteria that may be causing pimples, helping prevent their spread. Mix some baking soda with water to make a mask.
Apply the mask to your shoulders and leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use this remedy daily.
You can also combine two teaspoons of baking soda, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, half a teaspoon of lemon juice, and five teaspoons of honey.
Apply the mixture on the affected area, wait until dry, then wash with warm water. Use daily.
9. GarlicGarlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties due to its allicin content. Allicin helps kill bacteria that cause acne and reduces inflammation, improving blood circulation.This helps lessen inflammation and swelling of pimples. As previously mentioned in the homemade acne remedies section, you can directly apply some garlic juice with a cotton swab on your pimples, then wash off after 30 minutes.
10. Wear Suitable Clothing
To get rid of shoulder and back pimples, choose your clothes wisely. Tight or rough fabrics from heavy materials can irritate your skin and worsen the problem.
When suffering from shoulder acne, opt for comfortable, lightweight clothing, such as cotton or silk. Also, wear loose clothing during treatment. Tight clothing can irritate the skin and make conditions worse.
Avoid washing your clothes with bleach, a harsh chemical that can irritate the skin and increase acne. Instead, use fabric softeners to keep your clothes soft and less abrasive against your skin.11. Follow a Healthy DietYour diet plays a key role in preventing various types of acne, including those on your shoulders and back.
The first step is to start consuming low-glycemic foods, which include complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and minimally processed vegetables.
Eat more anti-inflammatory foods such as those rich in zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Foods that reduce inflammation include:
OrangesCarrotsApricots
Sweet potatoes
Spinach, other dark leafy greens, and tomatoes
Blueberries
Whole grain bread
Rice
CoffeeQuinoaTurkey
Pumpkin seeds
Beans
Peas
Lentils
Fatty fish
Nuts
Avoid spicy and oily foods, as they can worsen acne.
Additional Tips for Back and Shoulder AcneUse whitening toothpaste on the affected areas of your skin, 2-3 times a day.Taking zinc supplements can be very effective for clearing up shoulder and back pimples, but always consult your doctor first.
Ensure you always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when outdoors.
- If you carry a backpack or gym bag, avoid putting pressure on your shoulders.
- Avoid sleeping on your back as pressure can worsen the condition.
- If you have sensitive skin, consider changing your skin cleansers, as some products may irritate your skin.
- Keep pets away from areas where you rest or sleep.
- Make sure to wash your bedding, belts, and other clothing regularly.
- SelMagz health section recommends avoiding soap or body gels during shoulder or back acne outbreaks.
- You may also use over-the-counter acne creams to manage this painful condition.
- If your back and shoulder pimples worsen, consult a dermatologist.Ways to reduce the chances of back acne include:Avoid specific medications
- Some drugs, including androgens (male hormones) and lithium, can increase the likelihood of developing acne. If you’re taking any of these, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor.
- Limit the use of oil-based skincare products on your back, such as moisturizers, sunscreens, and cosmetic products, to prevent clogging pores.
- Reduce pressure on your back from backpacks or sports gear, as prolonged pressure can cause specific types of pimples.
- Wear a cotton t-shirt underneath if carrying heavy loads.
- Long-term pressure and friction from these objects on your back can create unique forms of pimples.
- Natural remedies for back acne in traditional medicine include:
- – Oatmeal
- – Treatment with oatmeal
– Tea Tree Oil
– Using Tea Tree Oil
– Aloe Vera
– Home remedies for pimples
– Garlic
– Choosing appropriate clothing– Preventing back acne with proper clothing choices– Anti-acne diet
– Foods beneficial for acne
– Visiting a doctor
– Consulting a dermatologist for pimples
– Causes of facial acne
– Effects of hormonal changes– Causes of back acne– Acne treatment
– Properties of vinegar
– Properties of apples
– Home skin peeling techniques
– Benefits of apple cider vinegar
– Drinking warm water benefits
– Back acne properties
– Yogurt benefits
– Causes of back acne
– Benefits of honey
– Properties of coconut
– Causes of back acne in men