How to Tell if Parasites Are Causing Your Acne
Parasites. While it might sound extreme, parasites can absolutely contribute to acne by disrupting gut health, triggering inflammation, and overwhelming your detox pathways. Here’s how to know if parasites might be playing a role in your acne - and what to do about it (and no blindly doing a parasite cleanse isn’t the answer).
Symptoms That May Indicate Parasites Are Behind Your Acne
While symptoms can vary depending on the type of parasite and your body’s response, some common signs include:
Persistent acne despite a solid skincare routine and healthy diet
Bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort
Frequent constipation or diarrhea
Skin itching or rashes beyond acne (eczema, hives, etc.)
Fatigue and brain fog
Teeth grinding at night (bruxism)
Sugar cravings or intense hunger swings
Worsening symptoms around the full moon (parasites can be more active during this time)
Poor immune function (frequent colds or infections)
Testing: Why this is super important!
Rather than guessing, functional stool testing like the GI-MAP can provide real answers and tell if you ACTUALLY have a parasite. The GI-MAP is a DNA-based stool test that detects the presence of parasites, bacteria, fungi, and overall gut health markers. Unlike traditional stool tests that rely on microscopy (which often miss low-level infections), the GI-MAP uses PCR technology to identify specific parasites that could be affecting your skin. It’s why I use this up front with ALL clients to make sure we aren’t missing any elephants in the room.
Some parasites commonly linked to acne and gut issues include:
Blastocystis hominis – A common parasite that disrupts gut bacteria and increases inflammation.
Dientamoeba fragilis – Linked to IBS-like symptoms and skin issues.
Giardia – Known for digestive distress but can also trigger skin flare-ups.
why Blind Supplementing is a Bad Idea
When people suspect parasites, they often turn to random cleanses or herbal parasite detox kits. The problem? Not all parasites respond to the same treatment, and killing parasites too aggressively without proper preparation can cause intense detox reactions.
Instead, it’s essential to:
Support drainage pathways first (liver, lymphatic system, bowels, etc.). If you’re not pooping daily, you risk reabsorbing toxins.
Use testing to determine what’s actually present rather than assuming and treating blindly.
Follow a targeted protocol based on test results, including binders to mop up die-off toxins.
Avoid extreme cleanses or fasting if your body is already struggling. Parasite cleansing should be done strategically, not recklessly.
Next Steps If You Suspect Parasites Are Contributing to Your Acne
Assess your symptoms. If you relate to multiple signs listed above, it’s worth looking deeper.
Run a GI-MAP stool test to identify whether parasites are present.
Work with a practitioner like myself to create a targeted, safe parasite protocol given your health history.
Optimize gut health and detox pathways before and during any treatment to prevent worsening symptoms.
Continue focusing on whole foods, stress reduction, and hydration to support skin and gut balance.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
