Suggest Treatment For Acne With Pigmentation On Back

Posted on Fri, 22 Aug 2014

Question: I have a scarred back. This is due to acne problem. This problem had been building up since I was in school, but I never bothered much because I dint care to wear clothes that expose my back. But now I do.
I have been scrubbing my back once a week and using an antinacterial soap to wash my back.But the scars seem deep rooted. Can you pls advise me on next steps?

Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
Treatment in acne with pigmentation and only pigmentation with no active acne lesion differs.
If its only pigmentation, using a lightening soap like dermadew lite/glyahakoj soap, lightening cream like hydroquinone cream and sessions of chemical peels would help.
If its acne with pigmentation, initially treatment would be mainly offered to control acne. We will start with antiacne soaps, antiacne creams and oral medicines along with chemical peels. Chemical peels would reduce your acne as well as scar and spots.

I would like to know
1)if you still get acne lesions or the lesions have healed with marks and scars.
2)If acne is present then
a) as per your assessment its mild or severe( involves back extensively)
b)type of Lesions- small round bumps, pus filled lesions, nodules

Also an image of your back showing the marks would be really helpful in prescribing treatment.
So answer these queries and upload a pic, we will take the discussion further.
Hoping to hear from you soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (5 hours later)

Dear Dr Kalpana, Thanks much for your advise. Appreciate it.
I will send you a photo of my back tomorrow.
I live near magarpatta city XXXXXXX Can you pls advise if I need to go in for chemical peel, where I should consult for the same?

Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (29 hours later)

Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly post a pic of your back so that I can let you know which peel would work best.
If you have acne lesions, you may take salicylic acid peels. If having marks only then glycolic acid peel might be taken. Almost all dermatologists do peels now. Please consult any dermatologist in your area.
Hope this helped

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (12 hours later)

Hi Doctor Kalpana, thanks for the response.
I have attached 4 snapshots of my back. im not sure if they are clear enough.
In case you think I need to send you clearer snaps, pls let me know.

Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (42 hours later)

Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for providing the pics.
Correct me if I am wrong, I can't appreciate active acne lesions over your back. It's just the dark pigmented spots that are visible. If that's the case
Use a lightening soap while bathing like dermadew lite soap
Apply a pigmentation reducing cream like glyahakoj lotion twice in a day in small amount.
Take few sessions of glycolic acid peels from any dermatologist for faster resolution of marks.
Hope this helped
Take care

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar