The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Witch Hazel
Posted by Missy (Wheeling, WV) on 02/02/2009
★★★★★
WITCH HAZEL FOR ACNE AND THEN SOME... I am 36 years old. I had very mild acne in my teen years, but these past 6 months have been horrible for me. I have very painful, large boils on my back, smaller ones on my shoulders, neck, and face. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to be working and I ended up being put on tetracycline. I found this site and began using witch hazel as a toner. Combined with the antibiotic therapy, the witch hazel has proven to be a miracle. Even on the medicine, I will still have a boil or two appear, mainly on my upper back. A cotton swab with witch hazel and guaranteed within a couple of days, they will be gone! It can be drying, so please moisturize. I've spent hundreds on products and for 97 cents, you can't beat this miracle product! Plus, ladies, wetting toilet paper and cleaning with it after a bowel mvmt. really helps with hemmoroids! Honest!
Borax
Posted by Pam (Garner, NC) on 02/20/2009
I would like to know the recipe for 20 mule team borox body wash.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Amanda Rene (Anderson, CA) on 10/22/2008
★★★★★
Prepare a bath as directed on the epsom salt container. Do not use ANY soap, bubble bath, etc in this bath. Soak in it for a couple minutes. Then, using a washcloth, scrub the skin for a minute or so. Soak the area in the bath for 20 minutes. Towel dry. Do this daily or every other day.
I found this out accidentally and I was pleasantly surprised to see it had an effect on my rear-end acne. I've been trying to get rid of it for 2 months! Soap and exfoliators seemed to make matters so much worse. After the first two soaks, the skin appeared softer and no longer red and inflamed. The cyst like formations were going away! I've been doing this for a week now and my skin looks and feels so much nicer now. I still have a few bumps but I bet they will be gone in another week. I hope this works as well for others as it did for me!
Dietary Changes
Posted by C.S.M (VERO BEACH, FL) on 03/19/2009
Popular Low-Glycemic Diet Shows Promise as Acne Treatment
This study was reported at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology today.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters Health) Mar 09 - Most patients with acne report an improvement in their condition when they follow the low-glycemic diet originating in Florida known as the South Beach diet, researchers reported here at the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Panta Rouhani, PhD, with the University of Miami, and colleagues analyzed 41-item questionnaires completed by 2,528 patients who said that they were on the diet at the time they completed the survey and 467 who were not following the diet.
"Today, it is generally accepted by dermatologists that diet and acne are not related; however, this notion is based on only two primary references," the authors wrote in their poster presentation.
"Diet is a well-recognized factor in acute and chronic hyperinsulinemia," they added. "Recent evidence suggests that diet-induced hyperinsulinemia triggers a hormonal cascade, eliciting an endocrine response that simultaneously triggers unregulated epithelial growth and keratinization as well as androgen-mediated sebum secretion."
The South beach diet mimics the nutritional characteristics of diets found in non-Westernized populations known to be acne-free, they said. It is free of processed foods, cereal grains, dairy products, refined sugars, and refined oils and almost entirely comprised of unprocessed fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, fish, and seafood.
Whether adherence to a low-glycemic diet can alter acne in Western populations is unknown.
In the study, patients with acne lesions (75.3%) were asked if any changes in their skin occurred and whether these changes were improvements in their acne.
Overall, 86.7% reported noted skin changes to be improvements (90.7% of those on acne treatment versus 81.7% of those untreated, p < 0.001).
Most (86.7%) noted these improvements within 3 months of starting the South Beach diet (58.0% of those on acne treatment versus 42.0% of those untreated, p = 0.34).
Of patients on conventional acne treatment, 91.0% either reduced the dose or amount of treatment they were using.
The investigators said that the improvement in acne after a low-glycemic diet suggests that lifestyle factors such as nutrition may indeed play a role in the pathogenesis of acne.
They added that future research is needed to further clarify the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism and independent roles of nutrition, weight loss, and exercise.
Olive Leaf Extract
Posted by Zehra (Pakistan ) on 02/02/2021
Plz tell me which brand olive leaf extract you took?
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Cajuncole (Cali, Colombia) on 01/29/2014
★★★★★
The first time I had this condition was 2.5 years and it lasted a painful 3 months. I just had an out break in November and it lasted till now. I strongly believe it was caused by a shampoo conditioner. My cure after trying many was using a skin cream ointment with Clotrimazol 1%, Neomycin 0.5%, Dexametaona 0.04% and I mixed it with full strength Iodine-iodine is a strong fungicide. It makes a good dark red paste. I popped the pimples and rubbed in the mixture. When I started my lymph gland in the back of my head was swollen and hurt horribly and after five days it is now normal size. No more pimples and it works. DO NOT PUT STRAIGHT IODINE ON THE PIMPLES AS IT WILL BURN HORRIBLY-TRUST ME. The mixture will sting a little but not unbearable. It worked for me. Try it on a small area and see. I saw relief within a few hours.
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Brandon (Jacksonville, Florida) on 12/30/2013
I'am 22, and have had this issue since I was 16. I do have fairly thick hair that I never let grow out past my ears, and I'll admit my skin is more oily than others. But I've had what seems to be excessive acne only on my scalp, in my hair. They swell, leak, and become scabby. If I use products to dry out my hair they become incredibly itchy, and seem to be regularly itchy no matter what. Ive been given different antibiotics from different DRS, Acetominphen seems to have the best result they go completely away until I run out of the antibiotic and then they return, (with what feels like vengeance). my last dr tested the puss from one of the pimples and deduced it was "natural", and continued to give the antibiotic. please any input would be greatly appreciated.
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 12/31/2013
Hi Brandon,
About the scalp issue: Two suggestions.
First the condition could be the result of acidic reaction to too much acidic foods; ketchup...chili, tomatoes; Food reaction is what I'm thinking and I've had such a reaction (not so severe) as you are discussing. When I get away from acidic foods the reaction is much less. If I apply isopropyl alcohol to the outbreaks it will sting but immediate relief. An even more effective over the counter is "Scalpicin"...
Second: This condition might be an infection, fungal... like ringworm, microsporum canis; or scabies...microbiotic mites. For the former I use an over the counter cream, like Tenactin, or Lamisil, which has Terbinifine as the active ingredient. Tenactin has a different active ingredient that also kills ringworm fungus.
If you've been around cats and dogs as indoor pets growing up, you just might have the later problem...rather than the food reaction.
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Brandon (Jacksonvlle, Florida) on 12/31/2013
Would your opinion change if I meant amoxicillian instead of acetaminophen?
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 12/31/2013
To Brandon,
Would my opinion change? No. My observation was not based on the antibiotics issue. Except obviously some Doctor (MD) thought this was an infection or else the prescription of an antibiotic would not have been given and that would bolster my hunch that the problem you are encountering is an INFECTION.
(I apologize if you were speaking to someone else, but you didn't mention anyone's name in your question...and when I looked at the "thread history" I was the first and only to respond. Best to you.)
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/31/2013
Dear Brandon,
You try washing your hair with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar. There is a lot of discussion about doing this here:
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/hair_shampoo.html
At first, it may make your hair seem more oily, but should tame it down a lot. I would give it a week or two. It is hard to find a shampoo that does not have SLS in it, which is bad for your hair and scalp and may make it harder for you to heal the acne. This should be compatible with what Dave suggested.
Have you tried any of the other things people have suggested on the acne pages? It seems like there is a lot of trial and error since the cause can be different for different people.
I agree with Dave that food could be aggravating your condition. You could also look into the PH balancing pages and try that.
Let us know how it goes! I hope you have a solution soon.
~Mama to Many~
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/31/2013
Sorry--I meant to type "You could try..." I didn't intend to sound so bossy! :)
~Mama to Many~
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 12/15/2013
I've had nice hair all my life. Lately the hairline is receding and there is acne like bumps in the hair at the hairline, especially near my ears. I read someone said their pet got acne from a type of plastic, so I quit using a plastic water bottle I'd been using for several months. I also scrubbed the acne real good with shampoo because I'd been using sunscreen on my face often and probably not washing it out of my hairline well. It's mostly gone, but not all. My hair is still receding. But I started drinking milk again as I found I tolerate it as long as it's got ginger and turmeric in it, I used to drink a lot of milk but quit years ago because it gave me painful stomach.
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Rishabh (Ludhiana, Punjab) on 10/07/2013
Dear Earthclinic,
I am suffering from problem of acne on my hair scalp for the last 5 years and despite adequate care and antibiotic medicines the problem still persists. I don't know the reason for the same and the problem grow especially during the change of season. I would request yo to kindly help me with the same on prority basis.
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 10/07/2013
Hello Rishabh from Punjab:
I like that: Rishabh from Punjab.
You report acne on scalp. And you've tried antibiotic cream to no avail. Condition for five years.
You don't give us much to go on so I'll throw out some suggestions and if you can tell us more basics that would help... Basics such as; does condition worsen from time to time when you eat different foods, or is the condition basically the same all the time? And, are you on any medications which might tell us something. Allergies?
So now with little to go on, consider these ideas;
Let's first start with the theory that you have an infection; likely fungal but possibly viral. To kill a fungal infection on the skin I like the herb echenacia in liquid form.
Next, if the condition is not viral/fungal think of the possibility that your system may be acidic and you need to bring it back to alkeline. Use baking soda, one half teaspoon in glass of water and drink. Save a bit of the baking soda liquid and place fingers in liquid and rub on scalp.
Next consider your system has gotten a poison or chemical that is causing erruptions. Use charcoal tablets. For years I used charcoal as a catcher of toxins. I've also used "clay" as in bentonite clay. A half teaspoon well mixed in warm water. Drink. Also apply some of the clay to make a paste and apply to scalp.
Next consider the topical application of Apple Cider Vinegar. The acne cites might sting. That may be good; you know the cider is getting into the eruptions.
I've also just been reading the amazing healing power of cabbage leaves. Google: Jakobe Jakestein Cabbage pdf. You'll find a great book by this lady who used cabbage as a topical application to help with many skin conditions.
All right Rishab from the Punjab, that's my first set of suggestions. I'm sure you'll get a lot of ideas from others who wish you the best. (Are you from the Punjab of India or Pakistan? Isn't there a Punjab in Pakistan?)
Dave
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Mr. Ree (Usa) on 10/08/2013
Put your own urine on your scalp for a couple of hours... Then wash... It will usually be gone after one treatment... Repeat if necessary... It will also kill athletes foot in one day...
Scalp Acne Remedies
Posted by Debbie (Australia ) on 10/09/2013
Acne on the scalp as on the rest of the body means that your body is toxic and probably in an acidic state. Antiobiotics would only exacerbate the problem. You need to look at what you are eating and start to detox your body.
If you are only treating it on the scalp you are not healing your body internally.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Ayman (Liverpool) on 06/11/2013
★★★★★
Treatment for back acne that is moderate to severe includes deep pore exfoliators, which free the pores from dirt and pus, and antibacterial soaps and cleansers, which prevent the bacteria from spreading and causing a more severe skin infection. An example of deep pore cleanser is salicylic acid. Antibacterial products are cleansers that may contain tea tree oil. It is better if these two are combined.
Borax
Posted by Rita (Burson Ca) on 09/14/2017
How many ounces of water? Spray bottles come in all sizes. Thanks.
Witch Hazel
Posted by Scarletbee (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 07/28/2012
For Body Acne, try using straight witch hazel, when it's added to things it loses its astrigent qualities. You can find it in the first aid isle of most stores right next to the rubbing alcohol. Also consider buying an Aloe Vera plant and cut open the leaves, rub the open leaves on the affected areas so you know there's no extra addatives. May want to try switching to a free and clear detergent for clothing also. And I would use both the witch hazel and aloe twice a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Edith (Ventura, California) on 07/13/2012
★★★★★
Organic ACV used as an allover toner after showering worked for my boyfriend. He is 45 and has had incurable cystic acne on his back and bottom since he was 12. The cysts were very large, purplish, and would explode and leave painful, weeping, wounds. After two weeks of ACV application, and drinking three tablespoons per day, his acne completely disappeared. I think that it was the topical application that helped him the most. Thank you to everyone who posted information about ACV--it has really helped a lot.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandi (Wichita, Kansas City) on 12/07/2014
Did ACV also remove the acne marks? I have cystic acne on my back but they don't explode like your boyfriend's. Aside from treating acne I also want to remove the unsightly marks so I can wear backless dresses again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandi (Wichita, Kansas City) on 12/26/2014
Thanks for answering my questions Ondine. I know where to get the fresh aloe vera here. Do I have to use the mild soap you specified or I can use any mild baby soap before the ACV and aloe vera application?
Clay Mask
Posted by Mary (Dallas, Tx, Usa) on 02/01/2012
★★★★★
I have suffered from pimples on my back and buttocks for most of my adult life. What I've found to be very helpful is to use a clay mask regularly - 1 to 2 times a week on the problem areas. I've even left it on over night.
Mint julep mask is very good for this.
Another tip: ladies, change your bra daily, I noticed I was getting breakouts in the area where my bra straps were - on the shoulder blades. I believe the sweat and dirt buildup on the straps contributes to the problem.
Make sure you are not constipated either, it will exacerbate the problem.
Clay Mask
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 02/02/2012
Hi, I advise you and everybody with skin or hair problems to read the book Skin Fitness, Safe and healthy skin care! I haven't finishing reading it yet so there are many details I haven't yet read but I already have some good tips: make sure your body don't overheat, during the day or at night (I often feel cold so I have always tended to over dress to make sure that I am hot enough, maybe because of that I have skin and hair problems! ), by trying to get used to live a bit colder you finish getting used to it (so I hope.... ). As far as washing your hair the authors advise people to use only a conditioner but I haven't yet read the details. I tried that today and I will see how it goes because when my perm is gone I don't want to go back to my overly straight hair, with no volume at all! Lately I tried a few methods of washing my hair like using baking soda but my hair got extremely dry, UT but the same thing happened. Then I tried only water but I looked like a homeless person with horrible hair. I know that usually you should try to quit using shampoo over a period of time so that the hair gets used to living without it but.... Difficult to look so bad.... Well, I will go on reading and if there are anymore useful tips I will pass them on. In the meanwhile one of the most important things seems to be: don't overheat!
Sesame Oil
Posted by Nova (Barrington, Nh) on 06/25/2013
I have to jump in here. Use only organic cold pressed sesame oil. Make sure you don't use toasted sesame oil. You'll smell like food all day.
Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, Aloe
Posted by Laura (Franklin, Tn) on 10/24/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I've tried tea tree oil/witch hazel lotion and aloe vera but it doesn't work :[ I have the red sore pimples all over my butt and down my thighs and it's making me extremely self conscious, do you know of any other remedies?
Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, Aloe
Posted by Jamie (Indy) on 05/14/2021
★★★★★
I had this also. Take baths. They truly help and try Hibiclens as a wash. This is what I learned. Anything that makes you sweat will make you break out. After a workout wash with hibiclens. If you walk for hibiclens when you get home. Hibiclens will be your best friend. I believe some of it may also come from wearing G strings. If you don't have one that separated your butt cheeks rub. At least that is partly my case. Also baths with some epsom salt help tremendously. Good luck. Once you get it under control and keep washing it and the bacteria goes away it doesn't break out near as bad.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Toriterese (Madison, Wi ) on 08/25/2010
I've wondered about dietary changes for chest acne. I have done alot of changes to address my facial acne, and have noticed a direct link to dairy and facial acne. Any suggestion what chest acne would be? I've refined my diet pretty well... Can't figure this one out.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Louis (Sydney, Australia) on 09/02/2010
Look in encyclopedia under 'Grover's Disease'
Dietary Changes
Posted by Dnkjn (Berks, Pa) on 09/02/2012
★★★★★
I had a food allergen with pork. Once I stopped eating pork my acne cleared up. I'm working on what other food(s) I might be allergic to as well.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 10/11/2012
Wheat will often do the same. You may have a wheat sensitivity.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Loraine (Queens, Ny) on 05/18/2010
★☆☆☆☆
Hello Everyone: I do hope someone can help me here. My eleven year old daughter has the worst acne on her back ever. I have tried everything - milk thistle, borax, apple cider vinegar, zinc etc and nothing is helping. She feels very frustrated and is so depressed. Any recommedations would be greatly appreciated. Also, the marks are unsightly. Please advice what can be used to fade them. Thank you EC so much.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Loraine (Queens, Ny) on 05/19/2010
Thank you Lisa, Kerry, for your info. I really do appreciate it. God Bless.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Zay (Cape Town, South Africa) on 05/20/2010
Hi Lorraine, Lisa is correct in saying that your daughter needs good nutrition. I can advise if you are interested. You can contact me at azfries and it is at hotmail dot com Looking forward to hearing from you. Zay
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tony (London, Uk) on 05/20/2010
I have to say, having suffered for years, stopping using all non-natural toiletries has worked wonders. I use no soap and my back and face have cleared up loads.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Loraine (Queens, Ny) on 05/22/2010
Thank you Cameron/Tony for your response. I'll try these alongwith the diet change. If it works, I'll make sure EC knows!! Thank you again.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Piper (Toronto, On) on 03/15/2011
★★★★★
Salt. It occurred to me that when I swam in the ocean my skin cleared up, so I started to take salt baths. I use about a 1/4 cup of rock salt. Also rub individual pimples or affected area with wet salt crystal. Dries and heals quicker.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Trina (Calgary, Alberta) on 10/23/2008
i agree that the epsom salts is a great help for this. but i was told to stop using ketchup and stop eating cold meats because of the nitrates, i decided to give it a try. now i take the epsom bath for sore muscles because i dont have the body acne any longer... hope this helps
Sesame Oil
Posted by Feidon (Tel-Aviv, Israel) on 03/03/2008
★★★★★
Regarding Butt and thighs acne:
I had the worst case of red painful pimples on my butt. It was ugly and depressing. My dear friends, rub the infected area with pure refined sesame oil after each shower or bath. Rub it well after drying yourselves. Then let your skin absorb it for a minute and go on and put your underwear. It has no smell it feels great and in one or two days you will start to notice that no new pimples will develop. In a week time the scars of the old ones will vanish!
I was regulating body cleansing diet for two months and it did it as well, but when I stopped it, it came back. Sesame oil will cure it and still enable you to eat junk and enjoy a very smooth butt cheeks."
Sesame Oil
Posted by Meghan (Belle Vernon, Pa, Usa) on 10/21/2010
★★★★☆
I also have the red sore butt pimples... I tried the sesame seed oil last night... When I looked in the mirror this morning they were already lighter and not sore. Thanks goodness for this website and finding great, inexpensive, natural remedies!!!
Sesame Oil
Posted by Rehanna (St. Augustine, Trinidad And Tobago) on 01/11/2012
Sesame oil is a very intersesting option that I am most willing to try among all. Thank you very much.
Sesame Oil
Posted by Undecided (Chicago, Illinois) on 06/01/2012
I will have to disagree with the sesame seed oil NOT having any smell. I bought it today and used it, and I had to spray myself and my clothes with tons of perfume to go out in public. As I sit here writing this comment, the scent is still very strong, and I applied the oil 5 hours ago. I can't comment if it works for the body acne just yet. That is still yet to be seen.
Sesame Oil
Posted by Scott (Canton, Ohio) on 07/14/2012
Undecided from Chicago-I can't say about the benefits of seseme oil, but I do know there are two types; Dark seseme oil for seasoning(one of my favorite oriental seasonings), and light sesame oil for making salad dressing. The dark is very aromatic, viscous, and deep amber. The light is almost odorless, and looks like soybean oil. Use the oil you have, to season stir fry meat. Rub the meat with a little oil and soy sauce, then lightly salt and pepper. Heat your skillet till hot, throw in meat, cook to medium done. Remove meat, add 1 tsp. Crushed garlic per dish to sauce thet is left in skillet, and oriental vegtables that you like. After the skillet is hot, stir fry veggies till medium done. Then throw in meat. Stir togather for a minute. Done. This is likely the world's most healthy cooked food. Use organic veggies or buy from local farmers-much better quality. For vegitarian dishs fry the minced garlic in dark seseme and vegtable oil= parts for 15 seconds then add veggies, stir fry for 3-4 minutes. Done.
Witch Hazel
Posted by Anonymous (Lindenwold NJ) on 05/02/2006
★★★★★
I have had moderate acne on my face and back since I was in the sixth grade. I have been using Witch Hazel after washings (i use neutrogena body clear body wash scrub on my face and back) 2x daily, morning and night on my face and back. I am just starting my third week on this regiment and have seen a lot of improvement. It dries out the pimple extremely fast and you are left with very little marks that fade over time. I still have some pimples and red spots especially on my back but i am confident that by the end of the week I should be clear. I would use a good moisturizer because it does dry out the skin a bit.
