What is the reason for small pimples on shoulders and back?

Q. I am a 30-year-old male from UAE. I have small pimples on the side shoulders, side of my body and back, which keep appearing and disappearing. What is the cause and how can I over-come this issue?

A. At your age, it is likely that it may be truncal acne, miliaria (prickly heat), or drug induced acne-form eruption (due to drugs for asthma). Unless, you consult a dermatologist, your diagnosis cannot be made. Treatment depends on the diagnosis i.e., the problem you have.

Answered by
Dr. D.M. Thappa
Associate Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology and STD,
JIPMER,
Pondicherry