Looks like my skin did back in college. I hated it.

Mine went all over my upper back as well and face and I bit the bullet and took isotretinoin, which helped get it to a manageable level after that.

However, if I could go back and do it again, I would try the Body Regimenand see if that would work for me. Has your son tried that?

Also, just speaking personally here and I can't give medical advice, but if it were me and I had severe acne again like I had, I would at least ask my doc about the option of an auto-immune drug. They show promise in case studies. I kinda wish I had tried that because I've been dealing with sides from isotretinoin my entire life.

As far as whether it's bacterial folliculitis, you can ask a derm for a proper diagnosis. But mine looked very similar and it was just bad acne.

Good luck to you guys! I feel for your son. Kindred spirits. I was in his shoes and it effin sucks.