Acne doesn’t just affect teenagers any more. Adults can also have skin blemishes. Dermatologists have prescribed oral antibiotics for decades with good results, but we are learning that such drugs can change the microbiome of the digestive tract. In other words, the balance of good and bad bacterial in the small and large intestines can be affected by antibiotic treatment for a very long time. As a result, we are reconsidering whether years of antibiotic treatment is as benign as we we were once led to believe. This reader would like to know whether there might be alternatives:
Q. Have you ever heard that liquid Pepto-Bismol applied topically can help speed acne healing?
A. There is nothing in the scientific literature suggesting that bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) would be helpful against blemishes. That said, salicylates have been used in topical acne treatments for decades. We have seen testimonials suggesting that putting Pepto-Bismol on the face for several hours can be helpful.
Listerine and Milk of Magnesia:
Other unusual acne treatments include spot treatments with Listerine and a mask of milk of magnesia. Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning. Here is one mother’s comment on milk of magnesia (MoM):
“My daughter’s skin cleared up after she started using MoM, and I was convinced that it worked when her only occasional breakouts were all along the edges of where she applied it – her hairline and around her lips. She ran out of MoM while I was out of town and now we have proof – her forehead completely broke out before we got to the store for more!
“Her skin with MoM is so smooth that her friends ask her what she uses. They have all tried expensive treatments like Proactive without the results she gets from MoM.”
Another mother agreed:
“My 14 year old son has been using M of M for several months now and he thinks it’s amazing. He goes to bed with it on his face, shoulders and back. He looks funny, but for once doesn’t care! I am often out and get a text ‘pick up M of M, I’m almost out.'”
Another unusual use for MoM (milk of magnesia) is as an underarm deodorant. We have heard from an incredible number of visitors to this website that MoM controls odor better than anything they have tried without shutting down sweat glands or causing irritation:
“I read in your newsletter about MOM as a deodorant and have used it now for quite a few months. I never get wet under my arms but I will get an odor if I don’t use a deodorant. Since I’ve used MoM I NEVER have any odor.. it’s the best odor blocker I’ve ever used! I buy a big bottle of the WM brand and it lasts forever.” Bev
“I love the way milk of magnesia works – but I wonder how people apply it.
I am using cotton balls. It is a bit messy. Any suggestions?” CFB
People’s Pharmacy Response:
This will sound self-serving, but you asked. That is why we have developed the Milk of Magnesia deodorant.
Revised: 8/11/16
