Epsom Salts
★★★★★
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!
(Calgary, Alberta)
10/23/2008
Multiple Remedies
I've suffered from acne since I was 13, with bouts of body acne that spring up every now and then. Body acne is a humiliating and self esteem-damaging problem. One of the reasons that acne is so frustrating and hard to treat because a lot of us don't get to the root of the problem. Topical treatments just act like a band-aid to temporarily treat the existing blemishes, but doesn't keep new ones from popping up. To provide a lasting treatment for acne, you have to get to the root of the problem.
Here is a small, but certainly non-inclusive, list of what may be the problem and how to treat the acne problem accordingly.
Your acne might be hormonal if:
- You are female
- You are a young male/female (13-18 years old)
- You are pregnant
- You get breakouts around your menstrual cycle/you are menopausal
- You are taking steroids/growth hormone supplements
- You have a known (or suspected) hormone imbalance, such as a thyroid problem, PCOS, or have other symptoms of a hormone imbalance such as increased bodily hair, irregular periods, hair loss, or difficulty controlling weight.
- You have acne on your face as well as your body
If you have hormonal acne, clearly the way to treat it is to balance the hormones. For me and a lot of other women who suffered from hormonal acne, my skin cleared up considerably after taking birth control pills. Some women also notice their skin clearing considerably after taking hormone-balancing herbal supplements such as maca, raspberry leaf tea, dong quai, or spearmint tea. I have also seen a lot of women claim that drinking detox tea clears their skin considerably!
For all acne sufferers, you need to be on a CLEAN DIET. I travel to France several times a year and I notice that while many American girls have acne, I have rarely seen a French girl with even a blemish. Seeing the way that French girls eat, I am not surprised - the French eat mostly natural foods free of nasty American chemicals and preservatives. If you can't pronounce it, don't eat it. Also, wash fruits and veggies THOROUGHLY before eating, because American pesticides contain estrogen compounds. Another French habit I noticed - and that I think Americans need to do more of - is drink more water and less sodas. 8 glasses of water will help clear your skin and give it a healthy glow.
Your acne might be due to retention hyperkeratosis (failure of the skin to exfoliate itself) if:
- Your acne responds well to exfoliation/chemical peels/Retin-A
- You have a lot of clogged pores and blackheads
- Your acne gets worse after periods of sweating (such as going to the gym)
For me, clogged pores are the cause of my body acne problems. My skin responded beautifully to using Aqua Glycolic body wash with a Japanese bath towel in the shower. Just put a little dab of body wash on every morning and scrub away (if your skin is blemished, do not overscrub - it will aggravate your acne). Be patient with this treatment - body acne takes longer to go away than facial acne - it took me 2 months to get perfectly clear body skin. ALWAYS take a shower after sweating or if you have some kind of product on your skin - like sunscreen - that can clog your pores. Also, if you have a tendency to have clogged pores, watch what shampoos and conditioners you use. When you rinse your hair, take care that the lather does not touch your body. If you live in a humid/hot environment, wear cottons or other breathable fabrics, and do not wear tight-fitting clothes.
Your acne might be product-related if:
- You don't take measures to prevent shampoo/conditioner residue from hitting your back/buttocks/chest or area(s) where there is body acne
- Your shampoo/conditioner contains pore-clogging ingredients or SLS
- You are using a product to control your body acne and your body acne has flared up worse after using it
- You also have acne on your scalp/suspect you may be allergic to a shampoo/conditioner you are using
If you suspect you might have product-related acne, switch your products. If the acne clears up, the product might be the problem.
Your acne might be fungus (pityrosporum folliculitis) related if:
- You are a man (although this condition occurs with women too - but is more common with men)
- You have a rashey kind of body acne, with chronic, red, itchy pustules on the back and chest, or sometimes on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and face
- Your body acne occurs mostly in the summer, after you sweat with tight-fitting clothes on, during sports activities, or are hot/sweaty
- You have come in contact with someone else with a fungal infection
This is the kind of body acne my fiance, and a lot of other guys, suffer from. This kind of acne benefits from using an anti-fungal shampoo (Nizoral or Head and Shoulders), coconut oil, or an anti-fungal cream on the affected area. Do not wear tight-fitting clothes when working out - wear something breathable instead.
Band-aids (quick fixes) to heal existing acne in the meantime:
- Tea Tree Oil/Alcohol solution - the best to kill acne bacteria/dry out existing acne
- Benzoyl Peroxide 5% - very good at killing bacteria/drying out acne - but beware, it will stain clothing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - a lot of people rave about this cure, but it hasn't worked for me. I recommend the brand with "the mother".
Good luck everyone, hope that this helps someone with this frustrating problem!
Multiple Remedies
★☆☆☆☆
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.
(Port Alberni, Bc, Canada)
05/19/2010
Just my personal experience, I used to have pretty bad acne on my face as a teen. What I found that worked best for me was to use a washcloth that was soaked in water that was as hot as I could stand. I'd lightly wring it out and put it on my face, leaving it there to open the pores. Then I'd scrub with the washcloth, fairly firmly. Then I'd repeat the process again.
It helped with my acne and kept it down quite a bit. Other teens that I went to school with tried it as well and it worked for them as well. I hope it works for your daughter as well, it can be quite frustrating.
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
05/19/2010
Hi Loraine,
I'm sorry your daughter is experiencing this but you must really explore her diet. The acne is not the source of the problem but rather the outcome. All the outer remedies are not going to cut it. Go to the root source which is what she ingests. If she is eating the Standard American Diet (SAD), that is the source right there. The body needs whole foods and lots of greens for it to find its balance. Begin by cutting out ALL processed foods and adding in greens. The ratio should be 80/20 greens to other whole foods. It may sound difficult but, do it in stages if you must. As you change the balance, her body will actually begin to crave greens and healthy food. Especially when one sees the direct correlation between what goes in our bodies and what the state of our health is this becomes a "no brainer"!
I wish you both the best, Lisa
(Queens, Ny)
05/19/2010
(Brisbane, Qld, Australia)
05/20/2010
Hi Loraine, I think it has already been said but you need to fix her diet first and foremost.
I battled with acne for a lot of my adult life and found that Vitamin C in regular doses helped enormously. Build up the dose slowly as Vitamin C can cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea, also use Aloe Vera on the acne, it may feel like its drying out her skin but do not try anything else over the top of the Aloe. Apply the Aloe Gel as often as possible, this is a wonder for skin. Address the diet though, exclude all sugar as a priority and be patient.
(Cape Town, South Africa)
05/20/2010
(London, Uk)
05/20/2010
(Queens, Ny)
05/22/2010
(Cape Breton, Ns)
07/06/2010
I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's issues with acne. I've been doing alot of reading and personal experimentation on acne as it's an issue for me too.
This is what I've come up with so far for myself. I'm speaking as someone with skin that's extremely sensitive to breakouts!
-as far as diet goes it seem iodine in salt can be an issue for some people in terms of causing acne
-I would take her off all commercial body or face washes as I found that these can exacerbate acne in people with sensitive skin. Also any soap made from animal fat or animal products can cause breakouts and make acne worse. I use all-vegetable handmade soap (that I make myself or buy at specialty stores from private craftspeople). Remember that her shampoo/conditioner can coat the skin of her back so be careful of that too
-I would also recommend against any commercial moisturizing creams or lotions. Natural oils are very healing and you can find lots of info online. In particular jojoba oil can actually help regulate skin sebum. I found a mix of about 30 ml jojoba oil with added essential oils such as lavender and tea tree oil (maybe 6 drops of each) prevents breakouts. I apply like 2x/day like you would any face lotion, and I use a few drops on a cotton ball as a toner on my neck & back
-for new breakouts, a concentrated mix of a few drops of jojoba oil and a few drops of oil of oregano (antifungal and antibacterial; buy the kind with the highest carvacrol content) can stop the breakout. It stings a bit!
-Dead Sea salt is very healing to bathe in and can also be dissolved in a bit of water to dab on breakouts to help healing ( I put some on at night). Regular sea salt doesn't seem to help me at all.
-supplements of Vit C and Vit A can help too but make sure to research Vit A dosage carefully or check with your doctor
Good luck, let us know it goes!
(Toronto, On)
08/14/2010
Your daughter seems very young to be getting acne, let alone on her back. Acne seems to be a condition that you manage rather than cure. She may be prone to break out so maybe evaluate remedies on the basis of improving rather than eradicating. I have used UV light (tanning beds). UV kills bacteria. I use a led light (hand held) on face breakouts. Baths. Epsom salt or borax. Keep trying. I have had problems with acne since I was a teenager and I am now 44 years old. I don't believe it has everything to do with hormones, or what you eat. I eat well and still have problems. The more I read, the more I believe that demodex mites are part of the problem. We all have mites. I just believe that in some people, these become more of a problem. As I have gotten older, I have gotten acne in more places than just my face. I believe this is mites spreading. I have just started treating myself with borax, baths and drinking. I went to the doctor to see about getting treated for mites. He hadn't heard of demodex, but he is referring me to a dermatologist.
(Toronto, On)
03/15/2011
★★★★★
Olive Leaf Extract
★★★★★
Olive leaf extract- I am using 6 drops of tincture twice a day.
Not sure if you'd call it a "cure" as much as a "treatment" that works as long as I am using it. Has completely eliminated a 35 year case of body acne.
Scalp Acne Remedies
★★★★★
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
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.
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
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.
(Jacksonvlle, Florida)
12/31/2013
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
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.)
(Tennessee, Usa)
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~
(Tennessee, Usa)
12/31/2013
Scalp Acne Remedies
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
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.
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
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
(Usa)
10/08/2013
(Australia)
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.
Selsun Blue
★★★★★
To prevent acne marks on back and chest, wash with Selsun Blue. It worked for my ex-boyfriend. He has perfect skin! If you exfoliate every day, dead cells won't clog pores!
EC: Selsun Blue is a shampoo used to treat dandruff.
(Barrington, Nh)
06/25/2013
Sesame Oil
★★★★★
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."
(Belle Vernon, Pa, Usa)
10/21/2010
★★★★☆
(St. Augustine, Trinidad And Tobago)
01/11/2012
(Chicago, Illinois)
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.
(Canton, Ohio)
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.
Supplements
★★★★★
A MULTI VITAME AND IRON SUPPLEMENT CAN PREVENT ANCE ON THE BACK YOU CAN GET IT FROM THE CHEMIST BOOTS
Tea Tree Oil
★★★★★
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.
Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Alcohol
★★★★★
I wanted to report my success with a new treatment plan because I am incredibly happy with the results.
I am not 100% cured yet, I do not expect to be, but this has significantly reduced my breakouts to almost non-existent!
My back acne was to the point of uncomfortable when I would lay down, causing me pain. I have not been formally diagnosed, no idea what type of acne I have. I DO have a tendency towards cystic acne on my face (diagnosed), so I imagine that is likely what's going on throughout my body.
I began a regimen of salicylic acid body wash (2% - multiple brands) and that did not touch it. I also tried peroxide-based cleaners & still no luck. I used rubbing alcohol in my teenage years with some success & decided to give it a try again.
To be safe, I dilute it with witch hazel (50-50 mixture in a spray bottle approximately 4 ounces). I also add about 30 drops of tea tree oil, but you can certainly add more if you can manage the pungent scent & tingling sensations on your skin.
Really, you do not need the witch hazel. I did this for its toning properties & to reduce the drying effects of the alcohol. If you wanted to use distilled water, that would be fine too. I use this mixture morning before I dress & evening after a shower. It MAY sting just a little bit, particularly after the shower when your pores are opened. If that's unbearable to you, don't use the alcohol & stick to the witch hazel (& perhaps try diluting that with distilled water as well, just in case).
This has helped reduce my breakouts so much, I no longer fear wearing backless dresses or being on the beach. I will occasionally get a few here & there, but I no longer have entire patches of acne on my back & the lifespan of the few pimples I do get is reduced to about 2 days with this therapy.
After 3 years of cyclical body acne, I'm happy to say it's manageable. I think with continued therapy of the tea tree oil, it will only get better. I wish you the best of luck!
Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, Aloe
★☆☆☆☆
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?
(Indy)
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.
Witch Hazel
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.
