After my We Have Less Than Two Months to Get Rid of Bacne Before Summer post, I wanted to get an expert to chime in so I asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger a few questions so we could better understand treatment—whether at-home or in-office. Check it out!

What’s the most effective way to treat bacne at home?

Dr. Schlessinger: Generally, back acne is bacterial in cause, but it can also be due to yeast. If you are using a good soap and it isn’t working, then you can try an antibacterial wash such as Phisohex or Glytone’s Back Acne Spray, which contains 2% Salicylic Acid. If these treatments don’t work, you should seek the care of a dermatologist.

How do we treat hyperpigmentation and sunspots on the body?

Dr. Schlessinger: Many times, sunspots on the body can actually be a mole and this can sometimes be serious. If an unexpected spot or freckle appears, keep a close eye on it and if it is turning very dark, have it evaluated by your dermatologist. It could save your life. As for general hyperpigmentation, this is something that is treated by avoidance of the sun. If you have already indulged in the sun too much, you may have to consider laser treatments, which may or may not work on this form of pigmentation.

When is it time to see a professional for treatment?

Dr. Schlessinger: As above, but the key to this is to watch for the changes in moles and brown splotches to see if they are serious or not. Having a one-time visit to a dermatologist is a good idea just to see if you have any concerning moles or not. When you do visit, make sure they will do a full skin exam as this is in your best interest for moles that you might not be able to see, such as those on the bottoms of your feet or back area.

What procedures are available at the dermatologist to treat bacne? How do they work? Who’s a good candidate for them?

Dr. Schlessinger: We offer a SilkPeel at our office, which is a buffing combined with an infusion of various treatments ranging from acne medications to wrinkle treatments. At home, however, the Clarisonic devices just got a handle that is great for back issues, the Clarisonic Body Brush Extension Handle. This can be used with many of the existing products from Clarisonic.

Then reader Lauren asked in a comment “I have tons of spots on my upper back and I want to use something stronger than the salycilic body wash (which worked OK). The thing is, I have two tattoos in/near that area and I don’t want to use a product that may accidentally fade them. Should I just spot-treat, then? Thanks!”

Dr. Schlessinger: You would treat it exactly the same unless the tattoo is irritated by it for some reason or the tattoo is new and not completely healed, in which case you would gently wash it and avoid rubbing it. As for fading the ink, that is going to be due to the body absorbing the ink rather than any wash product. Thanks!

Dr. Schlessinger, the only physician in Nebraska who is board certified in dermatology, general cosmetic surgery and pediatrics, has been voted the Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Omaha for 12 years and has been named one of America’s Top Doctors and Best Doctors in America several years in a row. He operates Skin Specialists, P.C, Advanced Skin Research Center, LovelySkin Spa, LovelySkin, LovelySkin Spa Express and LovelySkin.com.

Have bacne questions? Leave them in the comments!