Acne on shoulder blades
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Pimples on the shoulder blades are a common dermatological issue affecting both adolescents and adults. These lesions are most often characterized by mechanical, inflammatory, or seborrheic acne and develop in areas with a high number of sebaceous glands, exposed to friction, pressure, and limited ventilation. The skin in the shoulder blade area is thicker than on the face, which promotes the formation of deep inflammatory lesions, closed comedones, and painful nodules and pustules. The problem can be chronic, difficult to manage on one's own, and often overlooked, even though untreated it can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. Effective management requires an understanding of the mechanisms of lesion development, proper skin hygiene, and in many cases, the implementation of dermatological or procedural treatments.
Pimples on Shoulder Blades – Causes
The formation of pimples on the shoulder blades results from the interaction of several pathophysiological mechanisms, among which the overproduction of sebum, disturbances in the keratinization of hair follicle openings, and colonization by the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes are of key importance.
The most common causes include:
- Excessive sebaceous gland activity
The skin of the back, including the shoulder blade area, produces large amounts of sebum, which promotes pore clogging and the formation of blackheads. - Mechanical acne
Friction and pressure caused by:- backpacks,
- tight sportswear,
- bras,
- prolonged sitting with a backrest lead to microdamages of the epidermis and exacerbation of inflammation.
- Improper skin hygiene
Inadequate rinsing of cosmetic products, sweat, or detergents after bathing promotes irritation and the proliferation of microorganisms. - Hormonal factors
Fluctuations in androgen levels (puberty, menstrual cycle, endocrine disorders) exacerbate seborrhea and inflammatory changes. - High glycemic index diet
Excessive simple sugars and highly processed products can indirectly affect the exacerbation of acne. - Chronic stress
Increases the secretion of cortisol, which stimulates sebaceous glands and disrupts the skin barrier. - Environmental factors
High temperature, humidity, and intense sweating (e.g., during workouts) promote exacerbations.
Acne on the Shoulder Blades – How to Get Rid of It
Effective treatment of pimples on the shoulder blades requires a multi-step approach, combining lifestyle modification, home care, and - if necessary - dermatological treatment.
The basic principles of action include:
1. Correction of daily habits
- wearing loose, breathable clothing made from natural materials,
- changing clothes quickly after physical activity,
- avoiding prolonged wearing of backpacks and tight straps.
2. Proper skin care
- gentle cleansing of the skin 1–2 times a day,
- avoiding aggressive detergents and strong fragrances,
- using products with effects that are:
- sebum-regulating,
- anti-inflammatory,
- keratolytic.
3. Topical treatment
Depending on the severity of the lesions, the following are used:
- preparations with salicylic acid,
- azelaic acid,
- topical retinoids,
- substances with antibacterial action.
4. Systemic treatment (in more severe cases)
- oral antibiotic therapy,
- hormonal treatment (in selected patients),
- isotretinoin - strictly under dermatological supervision only.
It should be emphasized that self-extraction of inflammatory lesions on the shoulder blades significantly increases the risk of scars and discoloration and prolongs the treatment time.
Acne on the Shoulder Blades – Ways to Cleanse
Cleansing skin with pimples on the shoulder blades should be effective yet gentle. Excessive exfoliation or using irritating products often leads to a paradoxical worsening of the condition.
Recommended cleansing methods include:
Daily Cleansing
- gentle gels and cleansing emulsions with physiological pH,
- active ingredients:
- niacinamide,
- zinc,
- salicylic acid in low concentrations,
- panthenol.
Controlled Exfoliation
- chemical peels (AHA, BHA, PHA) used 1–2 times a week,
- avoiding mechanical peels with sharp particles,
- adjusting frequency according to skin reactivity.
Support for the Skin Barrier
- light, non-comedogenic moisturizing emulsions,
- products that restore the hydrolipid barrier,
- avoiding heavy, occlusive balms on the acne-affected area.
Systematic, well-chosen cleansing reduces the number of blackheads, limits inflammation, and improves the effectiveness of further treatment.
Treatments for pimples on the shoulder blades
In the case of chronic, recurring, or home-treatment-resistant pimples on the shoulder blades, professional dermatological and aesthetic medicine procedures play a crucial role.
The most commonly used procedures include:
- Medical Chemical Peels
- salicylic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, azelaic acid,
- effects: sebum regulation, reduction of inflammatory changes, normalization of keratinization.
- Laser and Light Treatments
- reduction of bacteria responsible for inflammation,
- decrease in sebum production,
- improvement of skin texture.
- Back Skin Cleansing Therapies
- manual or apparatus-based cleansing of comedonal lesions,
- always performed under controlled medical conditions.
- Regeneration-Supporting Treatments
- therapies to improve microcirculation,
- stimulating skin repair processes,
- limiting the risk of acne scarring.
The selection of procedures should be individualized and preceded by a dermatological assessment, taking into account the type of lesions, their depth, and the skin's tendency to pigment and scar.
