“Someone told me that a lemon or toothpaste can cure my acne. Is this true, or just another internet myth?”
There are many “home remedies” that are purported to help improve or even “cure” acne; however, for the most part, there is little scientific evidence to show that these treatments are safe and effective.
Unfortunately scarring is a relatively common and often unpredictable complication of acne, developing in about 1 out of every 5 individuals with the condition. Severity of acne does not necessarily relate to the risk of scarring with acne. Some individuals with mild acne develop scarring, while other individuals with severe acne do not experience this complication.
Spot treatments for acne are intended for periodic use on individual blemishes when they appear on the face. These products are generally not well suited for broad application over a large area as they can cause excessive peeling, scaling and redness in some individuals. If you have many pimples, a spot treatment, used alone, might not be well-suited to your needs.
For the most part, body acne is managed similar to facial acne. Treatment options may include over the counter topical agents (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur), topical agents that require a prescription (e.g., retinoic acid, clindamycin lotion, adapalene) and oral antibiotics (tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin, doxycycline), which also require a prescription.