back break outs

labbielover07

Over the past couple weeks I've noticed that my upper back around my shoulder bones has been breaking out pretty bad.  I'm not sure what is causing it or how to help it heal.  I'm guilty of scratching at it because my skin is dry and itchy.  I'm not using any new detergent or anything new in the shower. Is there anything I can use to help the break outs or soothe my skin? 

CollieJade

Are they tiny, itchy bumps, or is it more like pimples with pus? (sorry, i know that's kinda gross..)

labbielover07

it's more like pimple break outs.  it's gross dude.

CollieJade

That sounds more like a breakout due to oil/sweat/bacteria than a reaction to something.  You could try a body wash with salicylic acid in it, but I can't remember if salicylic acid is contraindicated in pregnancy.  I doubt that there'd be enough in an OTC body wash to matter, though.  Have you switched bras recently?  Started exercising? It sounds like you're just getting a buildup of sweat and oil in that area, and the bacteria in your skin is breaking you out.

labbielover07

Def. not working out. haha The only thing I can think of, is that I recently cut my hair to a shorter length and it hits right about there on my back.  I have been showering at night and letting my hair just dry over night, I can't shower in the morning right now because I'm too tired and usually not feeling all that great.  I've been sleeping on my back much more too, but I don't feel like I'm sweating at night when I wake up to use the bathroom multiple times. 

Nikison

With being pregnant, I noticed my back breaking out as well. I use Purity Made Simple as my face wash and I've started lathering it on my back during my morning shower. The breakouts aren't completely gone, but it's helped a lot.

Kristen0709

This happened to me during pregnancy and unfortunately I'm still struggling with it.  Not once had I ever had this problem on my back.  Unfortunately, at least for me since it's hormonal there isn't much to do for it.  I had the conversation with my doctor and they said I could us OTC body washes and such but that it may not work because it's hormonal.  Now that I'm breastfeeding I'm stuck in the same place.  It sucks!

genniemg

I've gotten acne on my back and it's weird. I never thought about this when I thought about pregnancy.

I haven't done anything to get rid or it though. DH puts lotion on my back at night and that helps the dry skin, not necessarily the acne.  Everybody told me that it will go away and while my face has gotten MUCH better my back is still acting up. I chalk it up to pregnancy.

CollieJade

labbielover07:

Def. not working out. haha The only thing I can think of, is that I recently cut my hair to a shorter length and it hits right about there on my back.  I have been showering at night and letting my hair just dry over night, I can't shower in the morning right now because I'm too tired and usually not feeling all that great.  I've been sleeping on my back much more too, but I don't feel like I'm sweating at night when I wake up to use the bathroom multiple times. 

Those things alone could do it!  I often have clients that break out on their foreheads because of their bangs.  The oil in your hair and from your scalp is probably resting right around that spot in your back, then you go to sleep on it and it gives the bacteria that's already on your skin normally a lovely warm breeding ground to dive right into your pores.

Try the acne body wash (Neutrogena makes one), and put your hair in a bun or ponytail before bed.  Give it about 2 weeks and you should notice a marked difference (then continue to keep your hair off your back at night if possible).  You can probably also treat with an acne gel just in the area you're broken out for about 2-3 days.  I wouldn't use the gel for more than a few days, and I wouldn't use the body wash for more than a couple of weeks, because acne treatments can cause dermatitis with extended use.  Then you'll have the itchy red bumps, lol.  GL!

AustinMimi

When I had non-pg-related bacne, my dermatologist said to avoid using any lotions unless they were oil-free (they rec. Neutrogena for OTC) and he said I could use some Neutrogena acne face wash just on my upper back b/c the body wash irritated my skin. I like the pink grapefruit one best. Also, do not use a bath poof or loofah. Apparently, those things harbor bacteria like a mofo. He said to use washcloths and to wash them between uses. They also rec buying white ones so that you can bleach them every so often. 

I think the Neutrogena face wash has a little salicylic acid in it, so you probably should ask your doc before using it. 

When I have had hormone-related acne, a little tylenol helped with inflammation. Again, not sure if you can take that, but I think you can. 

thethomps

Dude, if you find anything that works, let me know.  My face, chest and back are a nightmare.  I've had to resort to toothpaste on the zits on my face b/c I think benzoyl peroxide and salycilic acid are no-nos right now. 

labbielover07

AustinMimi:

When I had non-pg-related bacne, my dermatologist said to avoid using any lotions unless they were oil-free (they rec. Neutrogena for OTC) and he said I could use some Neutrogena acne face wash just on my upper back b/c the body wash irritated my skin. I like the pink grapefruit one best. Also, do not use a bath poof or loofah. Apparently, those things harbor bacteria like a mofo. He said to use washcloths and to wash them between uses. They also rec buying white ones so that you can bleach them every so often. 

I think the Neutrogena face wash has a little salicylic acid in it, so you probably should ask your doc before using it. 

When I have had hormone-related acne, a little tylenol helped with inflammation. Again, not sure if you can take that, but I think you can. 

I was wondering about bath poofs! I've always used body wash and poofs, but I'm thinking of maybe switching to just soap, like the Neutrogena that many have recommended. 

I just want this to go away!  I don't even want to wear low cut shirts in the back or tanks because I'm self conscious!

CollieJade

thethomps:

Dude, if you find anything that works, let me know.  My face, chest and back are a nightmare.  I've had to resort to toothpaste on the zits on my face b/c I think benzoyl peroxide and salycilic acid are no-nos right now. 

I would double check with your doctor, but as far as I've read, only salicylic acid taken orally has been shown to have adverse effects in pregnancy.  The topical form, used sparingly, is likely safe.  But like I said I'd double check with your doc.

Angie&Doc

Pregnancy caused my face to breakout! Acne = GIRL in my case! I didn't have any acne when pregnant with my son. :-)

thethomps

CollieJade:

I would double check with your doctor, but as far as I've read, only salicylic acid taken orally has been shown to have adverse effects in pregnancy.  The topical form, used sparingly, is likely safe.  But like I said I'd double check with your doc.

Oh my gosh - that would be awesome.  I have an appt. on Thursday, so I will be sure to ask.  I hate my face right now!  

Angie&Doc

I use the face wash with salicylic acid in it. It does help.