Breakouts on skin

Within the past year have had repeated breakouts on the skin that look like pimples, sometimes they sting. I have admittedly picked at them and now I have pinkish-whitish scarring where they used to be. I am still getting them especially across my back and shoulders. They start from under the skin as bumps then erupt and stay for quite a while. I have never had any skin problems in the past. They do seem to repeat in similar areas where they have been before.