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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Acne & Skin Concerns > Acne on back
Posted on: 10/12/2006
Question
I feel uncomfortable about this. But here goes. I started to get bad acne in my freshman year. Now I have ALOT on my back. My girlfriend hasn't really ever seen it. What do I do I'm scared of her reaction?
Answer
Okay, first things first. Your girlfriend already LIKES YOU, so I doubt that she will have a fit when she sees your back. Acne on the back is really common and lots of girls have it also. From a medical standpoint, acne in that location is a little tougher to treat than on the face, but it can be done. Start by getting some 10% benzoyl peroxide wash, which you can buy without a prescription, and use it in the shower once a day. If this is not enough, you will probably need to start on some medications by mouth, which can be prescribed to you by a dermatologist. Don't get discouraged, because it will take anywhere from 4-8 wks to work. Stick with it, and keep your follow-up appointments, so that you can change the treatment if it's not working. There are a lot of great treatments, and no one today needs to suffer w/ acne. Good luck and get going!