Body acne usually occurs on the chest, on the shoulders, on one's back, and sometimes, even on the buttocks of people regardless of the age. Mild or moderate acne may include whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules; in severe acne, these lesions are larger and can be painful. Severe cases of bodily acne are often controlled only by using medicated ointments, medicated washes, and antibiotics. Accutane, a derivative of vitamin A, is prescribed by doctors to treat acne having severe nodules for which all other treatments are quite ineffective. It is one treatment, however, that is not recommended for pregnant women.

Dermatologists can often provide valuable tips on the many available physical procedures designed to treat body acne and its benefits may include lessened discomfort and swelling of the affected areas. Moreover, topical creams that help prevent the formation of body scars and blemishes as the results of bodily acne are the more common means to treat the disorder. However, for light to mild cases, preparations of glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide is the more ideal treatment. These medications are usually available in various drugstores. However, since benzoyl peroxide is known to bleach fabrics, it is advisable that this solution is applied to the affected skin alone to avoid harsh after effects.

Generally, it is more difficult to treat body acne that appears above the chest. This particular area must be treated with the gentlest formulations and once it is accustomed to the active ingredients, it can already tolerate further medications that have stronger ingredients. However, external factors may also contribute to aggravating the incidence of acne. Backpacks and belt straps, for example, may aggravate back-located acne.