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A random pimple or two is one thing. But if your back is covered with acne, you, my friend, have bacne.

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  Step 1: Treat it like face zits

  Treat bacne like garden-variety face zits by applying an over-the-counter pimple cream that contains 10% benzoyl peroxide.

• Tip

  Benzyol peroxide can bleach fabric, so only use old shirts, sheets, and towels that you don’t mind staining when you have the product on.

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  Step 2: Wear loose, natural clothes

  Avoid wearing tight clothing like sports bras or tank tops, especially when they’re synthetic, or heavy backpacks. Loose, natural fabrics like cotton will help wick sweat away.

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  Step 3: Shower after exercise

  Always bathe immediately after exercising or sweating.

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  Step 4: Unclog pores

  Use an exfoliating body scrub that contains salicylic acid, AHA acids, or benzoyl peroxide. This will dry out existing pimples and remove the dead skin that clogs pores. Leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing.

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  Step 5: Wear loose, natural clothes

  Avoid wearing tight clothing like sports bras or tank tops, especially when they’re synthetic, or heavy backpacks. Loose, natural fabrics like cotton will help wick sweat away.

• Tip

  Avoid hair conditioners containing panthenol, which clogs pores.

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  Step 6: Consider professional treatment

  Consider going to a day spa for a bacial. Similar to a facial, it involves having your skin exfoliated and plucked free of pimples.

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  Step 7: See a dermatologist

  If your bacne is severe or resistant to treatment, see a dermatologist. They might recommend beginning an oral antibiotic, which can be very effective in banishing bacne—and, yes, even the dreaded butne.

• Fact

  Bacne is hereditary—your chances of having it are greater if your parents did.