Sore spot
Question
I'm 21 and I consider myself to be fairly healthy. I've been going to the gym regularly and am feeling pretty good. But I've started to get loads of spots on my back and I just dont understand it. Is there anything I can do to make them go away for good?
Answer
Most people experience spots in their teens, and they can appear anywhere from the face to the neck, back or chest. But many people are also affected in their twenties and thirties.
A healthy lifestyle (a healthy diet, moderate exercise, low stress etc.) is always going to be beneficial to your body, but unfortunately it isn't a guaranteed way to smooth skin. If you have only recently been going to the gym, it could be that the extra sweating is causing the spots. Other possible reasons could be new medication you are taking, or perhaps there is a hormonal cause.
Spots on areas of the body should generally be treated the same way as on the face. If you haven't already, you can read more on our website (through the related links box) about dealing with spots.
It's worth knowing body acne is more resistant to facial treatment because body skin is thicker and there is constant friction from clothes. To help you can try showering as soon as you can after times when you may be sweating (such as after sport or during summer months) before applying a treatment.
If you decide to use products such as Clearasil on your back, you should be careful not to let them get into contact with genital areas, where the skin is extremely sensitive. You might also want to consider using products like facial scrubs or tea tree oil. You can use these as instructed on the product but apply to your back instead. Tea tree is a natural antiseptic and should be available from your local chemist.
If you are still concerned about the spots you could ask your local doctor (GP) to refer you to a dermatologist, who would be able to give you specific advice. You can obtain details of dermatologists practising in the UK by getting in touch with the British Association of Dermatologists. They also have information about acne on their website which you may find interesting.
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