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Treating acne certainly can be a reason to worry, especially when it’s in places that are impossible to reach by yourself. We don’t know anyone who can successfully put cream on his/her back, so it sounds like you must be pretty limber to reach even some of the areas where you have acne. Acne on the shoulders and back isn’t too uncommon, even in girls. Usually one of the benzoyl peroxide scrubs can be used in those areas because it takes a lot of cream to cover a back. If you haven’t tried a scrub, look for it in the skin care products section at a local pharmacy or large supermarket. Try applying the scrub with a long-handled bath brush. Likewise, if you want to try applying cream by yourself, a long-handled smooth plastic kitchen spoon makes a good applicator. And even though you feel “weird” to have your mother see your acne, it would probably make her feel very good to be able to help you apply your acne cream to your back.
Sometimes oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor are needed to “calm down” inflammatory acne (pimples). Since you don’t have much acne on your face, it’s not likely that you will need the even stronger prescription medicine oral retinoic acid. There are some hormone balance problems that cause acne in women. These are usually associated with irregular menstrual periods and sometimes excessive body hair. It might be a good idea to talk with you doctor about your concerns.
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
How can I get rid of blackheads on my nose?
My older brother had acne when he was a teenager. Does this mean I'll have it too?
For more information, check out these articles:
Take A Sensible Approach To Acne
Top Ten Acne Myths
Posted 2-6-01
Do you have a question?  As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full  .
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