Apple cider vinegar is the top cure for perioral dermatitis at Earth Clinic. Many of our readers have found healing for this tenacious health problem with a remedy that is already in many kitchen cupboards!
How is Apple Cider Vinegar Used for Perioral Dermatitis?
Apple cider vinegar is mixed with water and applied to the face once or twice a day. Many of our readers find the best solution is 1/2 apple cider vinegar and 1/2 water (preferably distilled or spring water.) This is applied to the affected areas of skin with a cotton ball, in a spray bottle or with the fingers. If skin is very sensitive or if skin is broken, it may be necessary to dilute the vinegar even more. Even 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of water may be strong enough to improve perioral dermatitis.
Some of our readers find it helpful to take apple cider vinegar internally as well. A typical apple cider vinegar tonic is 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, once or twice a day. It is generally best to start with the lower dose to make sure the tonic agrees with your system. Increase the amount slowly over days or weeks if desired.
Many readers find that following up with a skin nourishing moisturizer helps as well, since apple cider vinegar can be drying to the skin. Castor oil, shea butter, coconut oil or calendula cream are some great moisturizers for those who suffer with perioral dermatitis. Petroleum jelly and other products with chemicals would not be good choices as they are likely to aggravate perioral dermatitis.
Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar for Perioral Dermatitis
Some of our readers find that apple cider vinegar is drying to the skin. Others find it stings the skin. Some find that it causes the skin to redden temporarily. If you experience side effects, try diluting the vinegar more, or rinse it off after 20 minutes.
Have you tried apple cider vinegar for perioral dermatitis? Please share your experience with us!
Continue reading and you will find our readers stories about the use of apple cider vinegar for perioral dermatitis.
I have had PD on/off for the past 10 years. This past year has been particularly bad, and it's now the fourth time I have been prescribed Doxycycline (I hate antibiotics but for years it has been the only thing that has worked! ). However, this time it doesn't seem to be working and I have been feeling so unwell that I have stopped taking it after 1 month.
I used ACV yesterday for the first time after years of never trying this, and in the same day I noticed that the redness and swelling went down a little (and the skin dried out). I did 50/50 ACV/water. Today is day 2 of this (and no antibiotics) and already it seems to be better – not perfect but certainly a little less red and perhaps less bumpy.
Really hoping things continue this way!! I've always been very skeptical of this whole ACV thing but so far it's doing well..
Over 6 months ago, I noticed the area around my mouth becoming super irritated, dry, and scaly. At the time I just thought it was dry skin and put all kinds of lotions and chap stick over the inflamed area. It would work for a day or 2 and then the area would become even more irritated. The skin constantly burned and itched. It looked awful and was extremely red. I just learned to deal with it, but after months of irritation I couldn’t handle it anymore. I finally made an appointment to the dermatologist. They gave me some samples of a cream that was meant for eczema. The second I applied it to my face it burned and turned the entire bottom half of my face blazing red. I washed it off and iced it but the pain would not subside. I would cry about it everyday not only because of the pain but because of what it was doing to my self esteem. Even putting makeup over it did not look good.
I finally read about apple cider vinegar. I mixed equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar. I applied it to my face using a cotton ball. The first couple of days it burned, but I was willing to try anything. I let it dry for a minute or so and then put cetaphil lotion on it. After 5 days the rash was almost completely gone. There was no more itching or burning and I finally had relief.
Ok so I used to get PD occasionally and I had no idea what it was. My lazy ass dermo didn’t seem interested enough to even look. So I took it upon myself to research and I realized it was PD. I was so upset becaus I break out so easily and I finally had a steady routine and PD just ruined it all. I read for hours. I finally tried ACV and it seems to be working but drying out the skin. You MUST be patient and calm. Do not pick. Hopefully it will be healed in a few days.
2 years ago, I developed what I thought was seborrheic dermatitis on my face. My whole face became, red, blotchy, scaly and painful. I distinctly remember sitting my desk trying to work, scratching above my eyebrow and a huge chunk of dead skin falling off into my hand. It lasted for over 6 months. First bumps would appear, then they would flatten out, and scale over, eventually they would peel and I would have normal skin for a day or two before it would start again. I was depressed, withdrawn, and did not leave me apartment except to work and buy food/products that I hoped would help my skin. I did try ACV at that time, but I stopped when I didn’t see results after a few days. That was probably a mistake, or at that point the infection was too severe.
My Dermatologist put me on Protopic (steroid cream) and antibiotics. I used it for a few months and it my rash disappeared. However, I was doing two other things at the time that I think helped. I was using a face cleanser that contains the same ingredient used to treat scalp dandruff. I also started covering my whole face in Vaseline after reading that it would “starve” the bacteria on oxygen. The first night I put Vaseline on, my face burned which I interpreted as the fungus dying.
I was left with normal skin, with a lot of hyperpigmentation because I had been so rough with trying to get rid of the scales. I think what happened is that the steroid cream kept my symptoms at bay while I continued to use the cleanser, which eventually killed the bacteria. I stopped using protopic after a few months the rash did not come back. Occasionally, I would see a bump or two, apply protopic and it would go away. The hyperpigmentation eventually faded.
In Oct 2017, I decided to go off of my oral contraceptive. In January 2018, I entered into a new relationship and so restarted my birth control. That’s when I started getting bumps beside my mouth. Acne cream did not help, neither did the protopic. After some online research I self-diagnosed myself with perioral dermatitis.
From my experience two years ago, I knew how bad this could get. I was terrified and determined not to go back to what had been. My Dermatologist cannot see me until April! After reading all the reports on ACV on EC website, I bought some organic AVC and began to apply it to my face, followed up with calendula cream. I applied it full strength, I was diluting at first, but when done full strength I could see the “fizzing and bubbling” that others have mentioned. The PO active areas on my face would show white bumps. After the areas stopped reacting (2-4 days), I apply a diluted ACV solution to keep it from coming back.
I applied it not just to my mouth, but my forehead, nose and cheeks. I did this because in the past that’s where the bumps would occur and fade. Sure enough, there was PO, hiding in this area too. The ACV definitely made my face worse before it got better.
Using it full strength caused some bad drying of my skin. Some patches look like burns. Even with the calendula cream, y skin was tight and I looked tired and wrinkly because of the dry skin. I returned to using Vaseline after the calendula cream. This made my face feel comfortable and normal. The dry skin began to fall off and the skin underneath was smooth.
I started using this treatment 2 weeks ago. The PO is not gone, but is remarkably better. My skin is smooth, not red but a light pink. I am going to continue to use ACV and hopefully can get rid of this for good. I intend to tone with diluted ACV solution morning and night from now on.
Other things I am doing
Since I could not get the Born to be Mild cleaner anymore (they don’t ship to Canada), I bought a soap on Amazon.ca with the same zinc ingredient. It’s not drying on the skin. I wash my face with this before applying AVC
I take a probiotic, multivitamin and zinc supplement at night. I will stop the zinc after the PO is gone, because there is such a thing as too much zinc in the system. It can make you sick.
I put AVC and turmeric in my green tea every morning. No more than 2 tsp of ACV, usually less
I am not going back on oral contraceptives. I am going to speak to my doctor about other options
I have been a vegetarian since the age of 10, about 75% of my diet is vegan.
I do use makeup to cover the PO when I go out. Probably shouldn’t, but I am not as brave as some. Just concealer and foundation. I use Tarte and Bare Minerals.
Talked to people about what was happened. When this happened before I just hid at home and cried. This time, I was honest with the people in my life. I told the guy I was seeing about it before he saw me for our next date (he said he didn’t notice anything, sweet guy) I told my friends about it and how scared/upset I was. When people ask “how are you?” I am honest and say “I’m having some skin issues actually; I’m pretty self-conscious right now.” The support has been immediate and I don’t feel like I am hiding. From a mental health standpoint, it’s helped.
I know my use of Vaseline may be controversial to some on this site. Most sites agree that it is not good for PO. But in my experience it has not made my skin worse, and everyone’s skin is different.
Good luck everyone!
Update: The ACV continues to dry out and heal the active PO, but new spots keep forming. Toning with a diluted solution does not keep it from coming back. Still looking for a routine that will stop it from developing.
Please see my posting on Violet Extract here: https://www.earthclinic.com/violet-extract-for-perioral-dermatitis.html
Had a breakout with PD and used 3 part water 1 part ACV and used a cotton ball to apply it to my face cleared it up overnight (mild case) wasn't too severe, burned at first but felt soothing soon after work up to no PD
To comment on the success of using ACV
I have gotten perioral dermatitis around my nose for about a month; and was given antibiotics which were to be applied on my noise twice a day for two weeks; by using it, the bubbles and rash did disappear until I stopped using it.
Therefore I decide to try something different and came across ACV. I applied organic acv raw on the area. The bubbles started bursting into little dots of blood, and obviously hurt and burned. The next morning I woke up with a massive red and irritated skin therefore I almost got discouraged to keep on applying ACV; however after reading lots of comments I continued doing so twice or three times a day without washing it off.
May I say that On day 3; my dermatitis was completely gone.
I highly recommend to NOT use any antibiotics; most of the doctors are not even sure how to cure it with them; and by trying you are damaging your liver for life.
Cheers,
Hope it helps.
About 3 months ago I noticed a small rash on my face-chin area. My partner suggested I use his steroid cream, the next day the rash was gone. I used the steroid cream for the next 3 months about 1x a week when I noticed the rash, it would be gone the next day. 3 weeks ago it showed up again one morning and seemed to be worse than usual. I realised using this cream had been going on for too long and it obviously wasn't the solution. I decided I’d leave the rash this time and see what happened. I woke up the next day and the rash was covering my mouth area from my nose to my chin and the sides. It got worse over the next few days-very raised like scabs, itchy, sore and difficult to move my mouth. I didn't leave the house for a week. I've never been so thankful to work for myself.
THANK GOODNESS FOR THIS WEBSITE. All of your reviews is what has gotten me through these 3 weeks. My partner kept telling me to go to the doctor, I didn’t see the point after it seems antibiotics have not been a great solution for anyone. I am now happy I have stuck with my own method and didn’t follow his advice!!
These are the steps I took: based on your reviews and lot’s of googling
-Applied apple cider vinegar to my face with a cotton ball. 1/2 vinegar 1/2 water – I read it is important to dilute to avoid scaring. I did this a couple of times a day to begin with then moved to 2x a day- in the morning and at night. It seems to dry it out and the skin then dries & falls away. It’s a process of drying, and flaking, drying and flaking.
-I used coconut oil as a moisturiser. I applied it after the apple cider vinegar.
-I washed my face 1x a day at night with a wash cloth and some warm water. I used the cloth to very gently exfoliate my face a little.
-I used bentonite clay every second day. I added 1 tablespoon of Apple cider to the clay and applied it. My face was red for an hour afterwards but I found it left my face feeling a lot smoother. I will continue to use this as a mask.
-Started taking zinc and vitamin D supplements. I will continue using the zinc for skin health.
-Started using a fluoride free toothpaste & sodium laureth sulfate free shampoo. Will also continue with these
-I drank a glass of green tea & bone broth every day. I drank 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water 2x a day.
-I cut out alcohol, dairy, sugar, carbs and starchy vegetables
I stared getting the rash after I had a missed miscarriage and had an evacuation of the womb (d&C). I don't know if this is somehow related to the rash. I do think it is linked to my diet as I eat a lot of sugar. I have researched the candida diet and it seems like a candida overgrowth may be a likely cause. It makes sense to me that what I eat affects my skin.
The first week and a half I followed a no sugar, no alcohol, no carb diet-basically the candida diet. The next 2 weeks were tricky as it’s been Christmas so I have slipped up a bit when it comes to sugar L
It has now been 3 weeks since my rash was at it's worse. It is now almost completely gone. I still have a few tiny red spots that seems to be lessening a little more every day. And I still have dryness around this area.
I will look at completing the candida diet properly once I am back home in a few days as I think this is the real cause and solution.
The past few weeks have been a great way to learn about my diet but it’s been such a horrible experience having this disgusting rash covering my face. I highly recommend the natural method over using creams & antibiotics. If you’re in the worst of it, know that it will disappear even if it takes 3-4 weeks! Keep up with the apple cider and healthy diet changes. Your patience will be tested. Thank you to everyone’s reviews, I reread them everyday to keep me going with this lengthy process.
After reading your review I am planning to try your regimen for my PD. I have been battling it on and off for 29 years my only significant relief was after each of my children were born. I thought this worth mentioning because of your notes on a miscarriage (I am sorry for your loss. I have been there and it is hard. I have always said it must have some hormonal elements. Best of luck and thanks for the tips!
Hi Shelby Thank you so much for your kind words. Best of luck for your recovery xx
WOW so happy I found this page and all these reviews and testimonials. I have been very lucky my whole life and have not suffered from any skin issues up until a few days ago when I noticed rough patches and small white pimple like bumps on my upper lip and bottom of my chin. I panicked right away and set about trying to figure out what it is. I started just layering on the moisturizer thinking it was just dry skin but nothing really changed. Finally after reading descriptions about POD and seeing photos, I self diagnosed myself with the condition as well. Finally coming across this page and the countless people claiming ACV was the cure, I made the 50/50 solution and began dabbing it on. Washed off after 20 minutes, put on a pretty thick layer of moisturizer and went to bed. Woke up and almost ALL of the bumps were gone. It just….dried up and went away? I couldn't believe it. Now I use ACV over my entire face as a toner and am trying to rid of all my unnatural products. I also began washing with honey for an exfoliator. SO thankful so everyone here for their stories and cannot recommend trying ACV enough. Natural is the way!
Hi, I am a bit new to this, have been reading through all the posts from the last couple of years….I'm 51, long past menopause and I have POD, started as a rash in early September, I have never used makeup or chemicals on my skin other then coconut oil for around 8 years. I had started and new shampoo which I now know has SLS and I have begun 2 months of a high quality pro biotic to maybe clear some intermittant bowel problems. My rash is completely around my mouth and nose and my right eye is encircled. Have been clear of all creams now for almost 5 days just using ACV. I'm still inflamed, sore and a little itchy. I also use Kombucha and have done for about 7 years.
For now trying nothing else but am flying home to N.Z in 3 weeks for a major family reunion which I have been looking forward to all year! Sadly not anymore….. 🙁 I am interested to know if many other also have the Herpes virus as I have had most of my adult life…am open to ideas but not really wanting to try the antibiotic route. Cheers
Hi Penny
Please research Ted's pages on granulated lecithin and lysine to assist with the herpes virus. Lysine build the immune system and granulated lecithin binds with toxic oils on the liver to allow excretion. You may think you do not consume toxic oils but considering even pure cold pressed Olive oil should not be heated to fry temp, hate to think of those canola etc types cut with chemicals and heated in the processing. So the vegetable oils attract heavy metals and environmental toxins. Lecithin lets them out of the body. Cook only with heat stable oils: coconut, lard and ghee.
With the Acv, are you ingesting or just using topically. Suggest consuming with baking soda as per Ted's recipe. I am fan of kombucha also and you may try applying some or even the scoby to your rash. Some mother's have cured their baby's cradle cap by applying scoby during bath time! I have also added kefir to my ferments as am working on gut health, husband's diabetes and brothers Crohn's.
Note that with natural treatments, it often gets worse before it gets better. Good luck
Kombacha tea has fungus in it. Type in kombacha+fungus. What you have could be fungus related.
As far as herpes virus I have found colloidal silver helps, it did me. The secret to using the silver is you take it for up to six months to try and kill most of the virus, but when stressed it can come back, than use the silver topically.
Take 2 tablespoons or more daily for 6 months use topically whenever the itch starts.
Maybe it is the virus you have on your face?
This article on natural cures for perioral dermatitis has absolutely saved me!! Thank you! I've had POD pop up around my mouth and eyes a few times in my adult life, but its been most aggressive in the past year. I was most recently on oral and topical antibiotics for 6 weeks, as prescribed by my derm, but after I tapered those off it came back with a vengeance! I tried just doing the topical antibiotic for several weeks but saw no change. I was very, very close to getting my prescriptions refilled for both antibiotics, but decided to research some other options first. I'm so glad I did!!
This article is a little overwhelming with things to try, but I decided to start with apple cider vinegar since several people mentioned it and I already had some on hand. I'll outline what I've been doing below. In about two weeks time my POD has nearly disappeared. There are still a cluster of red spots, but they get better every day! They are no longer oozy either! Just slightly red and a bit flaky.
Here is everything that I did over the past two weeks. I wish I knew exactly which of these made such a difference, but honestly it wasn't hard to do all of these things together and it has made such a difference!
1. Didn't wash face with anything but water
2. Cut out all body products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc etc) with Sodium Laurel Sulfate. I usually use all SLS free stuff, but had a free conditioner from a friend that I had been using with SLS in it. If a product doesn't have SLS in it, it usually doesn't have other nasty ingredients like parabens and synthetic fragrances as well.
3. Used a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar on it to gently dab on the affected area 2-3 times daily.
4. Took 1 tbsp ACV with 8 oz water every morning
5. Used a face mask of bentonite clay mixed with ACV every 3-4 days. 1 tbsp ACV mixed with enough clay to make a thick paste. Smear all over face and leave for about 20 minutes and rinse with cool water. It made my entire face very red for about an hour after removing it, but then that starts to go away. Immediately after using this mask I see an improvement in the POD.
6. Switched to a flouride free toothpaste
7. Stopped making out with my boyfriend!! Seriously though, he has been out of town for about 10 days during this whole process and my POD has gotten so much better! I'm no sure if its his beard, lip balm, etc that might have been aggravating it, but I will be paying attention to what happens to my skin after he gets back.
8. Cut back on sugar, grains, and alcohol. I know these foods mess with my body already, so I tried to cut back even more than normal.
9. Started taking Zinc and Vitamin D supplements
I've had acne since 13 and then throw this POD on top, I just felt like I'd never have clear skin! After two weeks of what I listed above, my skin has never looked better! I really encourage you to give this a few weeks before you head to the doctor.
I had perioral dermatitis a while ago for about a year and a half, it really makes you feel awful, and look awful. I tried so many things but nothing worked and I finally took anti biotics which did work, but my skin took a long time to recover, as I had had the condition for so long, and had spread and caused a lot of damage. I was free of it for about another year, and my skin has finally been good…. until I suddenly started developing this awful rash again on my chin!! I was so devestated! It's been there now for a few weeks, and I hated the thought of going on weeks of Anti biotics again. So I thought before it gets too bad I'm going to try again to find a natural cure, and saw ACV on this site, I tried it just three days ago, and it is well on its way to GONE! I have been using half ACV half water a few times a day, and it's disappearing. I am so relieved that it's working, and if it ever comes back again I'll go straight to the apple cider vinegar!!!
I've been reading the reviews on Perioral Dermatitis and I am just amazed as to the findings that people have experienced using ACV. I've had mine for years and tired of taking antibiotics and using the prescribed cream. It's not working. I am going to start trying the ACV and coconut oil for a moisturizer. I did want to ask if anyone would know, I have now been diagnosed with idiopathic uticaria and I thinking if I drink the ACV as indicated by everyone do you think it may help this as well. I have stopped using a probiotic, but I think it makes sense to start it again. My concern with the ACV is how long do you drink it? Would it be wise to drink it forever or just when my condition flares up? If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Nelda,
I was just diagnosed with Perioral Dermatitis today. I had this rash for a few weeks around my mouth/nose and thought I could just treat it with eczema cream. Since that didn't work and it only got worse here I am researching alternative remedies. Why, because when I finally went to the doctor what I got was the diagnosis and a prescription for Doxycycline. I don't think antibiotics are the answer (for much of anything of this nature) and from what I have read today I would be right. It might be a short term solution but the condition often returns worse than before. I am also going to discontinue my use of Flonase/Fluticasone which is a nasal steroid for allergies (which I suffer from) and avoid fluoride in any form. I am going to try an ACV, Coconut Oil and Colloidal silver mixture on my rash in the coming weeks. I also ingest ACV & Coconut oil regularly in a elixir designed to prevent colds & flu. Coconut oil is also excellent for use in "Oil Pulling" – google it – to remove toxins from the body. Plus you can fry eggs with it!
I hope this helps and I wish you the best of outcomes with your PD.
I've had red bumps around my eyes for about 5 months and recently went to a dermatologist and was diagnosed with periorificial dermatitis. the dermatologist prescribed antibiotics and a topical gel and told me to wear absolutely NO cosmetics, NO moisturizer or cleansers, water only. I used the topical gel for a few days and saw slight improvement with redness but the bumps were still there. I refused to take the antibiotic as I am aware of all the negative side effects to the gut. I looked online for a natural treatment as I do not like using any prescription drugs and found this page.
I started using ACV both internally and on my face and saw immediate results. I'm still not wearing any cosmetics which has been very hard because I'm in the beauty industry, and was wondering if anyone could tell me what they've been doing as far as cosmetics are concerned. Can I wear cosmetics and a moisturizer and do they need to be only natural or can I go back to wearing anything? I also wanted to mention that I have had gut issues for 30 years, leaky gut, candida yeast and have mostly eliminated bread and refined sugars from my diet and have had great improvement with my gut over the last few years since doing this. So I find it very interesting that people have commented on this issue being related to the gut. My doctor told me this condition was caused by cosmetics. I'm still not sure what the cause is, as I'm also going through menopause and was told hormonal changes can also be the cause. I will continue to use the ACV until this is completely gone and I'm thrilled that I found this page so I could use a holistic remedy, so thanks everyone for your stories and suggestions.
Are we supposed to rinse off before applying for the second time?
Side effect reported
Hello I am suffering from perioral dermatitis. I have had it for about 10 weeks. Have been to my gp and he gave me rozex which I used for 2 weeks which worked but then came to a standstill. I then read up and found this site and have been using apple cider vinegar for a week which does seem to be working but it is still very red And sore and seems to have spread around my eyes? It's really starting to get me down and I feel very self conscious. I have cancelled a lot of social plans as I'm terribly embarrassed. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do or if I'm just been impatient. Thanks Lizzy
Lizzy, you can dilute the ACV. And you can also put coconut oil.
I have suffered horribly with Perioral dermatitis over the past year.It really really affects your self esteem, such that I have wept uncontrollably so many times that I have lost count. I had tried all kinds of medicine and had almost given up hope on it. Then by sheer stroke of luck, I bumped upon this website. I read about all the natural remedies and God, for the first time I found treatment that worked. All from the stuffs from your kitchen, that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket.
First up, you must be prepared to make a hell lot of lifestyle changes. So throw away all your chemical make ups, eye liners, shampoos etc.
Second, buy a fluoride free toothpaste and a tongue cleaner.
Third, stop using all the expensive so called "natural" shampoos. Bottomline is, chemicals shouldn't touch your face. I found an amazing alternative to shampoo. I wash my hair with 1 tbp of baking soda with water, followed by conditioning it with a cap of Apple Cider vinegar mixed with water. Works perfect.
Fourth, I apply a mix of Apple Cider Vinegar daily mixed with mineral water followed by yoghurt, turmeric and honey paste. I applied it 5-6 times when I have the flare ups. Otherwise 2 times daily is just fine.
Fifth, do not drink the tap water. I drink mineral water and also bought a spray bottle that I fill with mineral water to wipe my face. I also wash my hair with mineral water.
Sixth, initially I stopped eating any kind of food that might cause allergy. Gluten, lactose, soy, no processed food, no spices, no red meat, no sauces (talking about the bottled ones in Supermarkets like Red chilli sauce, etc). I prepared everything at home and ate mainly veggies, chicken and eggs (3 times a week). I noticed a big difference and then I started introducing each item slowly to see if it reacts. Luckily for me, I found that Mexican food and KFC reacted to my skin. I think they use some kind of spices that didn't agree with me. So now I know what to avoid and have started eating the others without any fear. I know how frustrating it can be to find out what exactly is causing it. My dermatologist referred me to an allergist who said I have no allergy, whatsoever and declined to do a food allergy although I wanted it. Hence I strongly suggest to have patience and do trial and error.
Last but not the least, no matter what, do not give up hope. This is not fully curable as every once in a while, I still have flare ups but it does go away with my home remedy in about 5-6 days time.
Also stop using all make up. I have decided to try using mineral make ups and see how my skin reacts. Make up is not high on my priority but sometimes I do miss it when I have to go to a social event (like hubby's office party or my office party or a date night).
I sincerely hope that no one has to suffer from this and all those who suffered, may find these remedies helpful 🙂
I am just so happy that I can finally write on here and say that ACV helped my PD!! I tried zero therapy (not wearing makeup almost killed me! ) anti fungal creams antibiotic cream and yoghurt masks mixed with probiotics. I made an appointment to see the dermatologist because it had been 6 months of it being around my chin and nose area and I was just so over it as you all understand.
I thought that I would just try the ACV as a last resort while waiting to see the doctor & after 2 & a half weeks its 95% better and I'm positive that I will have it cleared up completely in the next week or so. All of the bumps bar 2 have gone and my face is now smooth and doesn't flake when wearing makeup. I have some redness still but my skin type takes ages for redness to disappear even after a small pimple.
I just used leftover ACV that I had in my pantry for I don't even know how long…it was OLD! I hammered my skin with it every time I went to the bathroom I put it on. I know people on here were saying they did it twice daily & I'm not saying you should do what I did just telling you how I did it. My face looked terrible the rash was way worse so so red and the bumps were really inflamed for almost 2 weeks and I was getting a bit edgy that it wouldn't heal. But everyday it seemed that 1 or 2 bumps would be inflamed then flake off and wouldn't come back so although it was slow I could see that it was slowly working.
I had some minor success previously using baby rash zinc cream but that seemed to only take the redness out of the rash and not actually heal the bumps) so I decided to use that help take the redness out of my face after using the ACV so I wore that to bed for 3 nights in a row and I just can not get over the difference it really is amazing.
I just got a new bottle of ACV the the other day with the mother and will continue using it until my face is 100% clear. My advice is try it & stick with it, for me it didn't heal up overnight like some peoples did and perhaps if you have a really bad case it might take 3-4 weeks… Oh & yes it stings but totally worth it!!
Thank you to everyone that took the time to write on here and tell their story it really helped me so much 🙂
I just started using ACV last friday for my PD and I have noticed a difference. It doesn't feel prickly or hurt when I touch my face. I do agree it stings, but not for long. I was reading that it's better to dilute it so it doesn't sting as bad. I have been using straight ACV on a cotton ball 3x a day. I think I will start diluting it. From now on I will be using ACV for my PD instead of what my Dr. prescripted.
After trying to apply ACV topically, I started ingesting it instead, as described as a possible cure for acid reflux. And it work! I think that I have finally linked for myself that my POD was related to acid reflux after being perscribed Prilosec and having my face clear up immediately. I added two tablespoons to a tall glass of water each morning and it clears up my POD better than anything else I have tried over the past three years to get rid of it.
I suffer from PD (perorial dermatitis) and over time I realised that its just a natural way of my body telling me that I'm lacking in a healthy balanced and nutritious diet.. the apple cider vinegar (ACV) would sting my skin and when it healed it would dry up my skin. The best way is to drink it is with diluted water daily and immediately change my diet to improve my vitamin intake with fruits and vegetables.
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I got perioral dermatitis from using too much hydrocortisone on a rash I had. After 3 months of using elidel, which reacts when drink alcohol and makes me sensitive to sunlight, I discovered apple cider vinegar. I read it first here that people were reporting that their rashes were fading away by applying vinegar directly on their rash. I bought a bottle and used it two times on the first day. My face got completely red and it stung like crazy. I went to sleep, and woke up with a very dry face, but with smaller rashes. I continued using it, this time increasing the dosage, since I started with 1/3 vinegar – 2/3 water, now I'm doing half and half.
Beware that you might think it's not working since your face gets very red when the vinegar is applied, but with patience, and continuous use, the rashes will get smaller and smaller. Sometimes the rash won't get smaller on the first two days, but please persevere, you will most definitely see results.
Hi, I am having dermatitis on my face.im not so sure how similar is it with Perioral Dermatitis. I have started my Apple Cider Vinegar treatment 2 days ago. It seriously stung my face and feel burning sensation. Whenver I applied acv, some tiny white spot (not sure isit the infection or skin) popped up. Do u habe similar experience? Now is my day 3 applying it, my skin still rash & itch feeling that burning senasation. Im not sure is it getting worse or its normal. I seriously dont wish to go back on steroid cream and trying to be determine to continue with acv. Will u be able to share a little bit more on the effects after applying acv? How can I start notice that the dermatitis is curing using acv? And how long does it start taking effects? Hope to have your reply soon though. Many thanks in advance.
Judit, are you diluting the ACV? If you aren't, try half and half with water and see if that feels a little better.
I found that when I applied ACV on patches of POV it would feel like my skin was crawling for a few minutes after. If I apply it to normal skin, that weird feeling doesn't happen.
Judit, dilute it. A lot. But first stop for a few days so your skin can heal.
Don't go back to the steroid cream that will only make it worse. I have white spots every once in a while after applying the ACV, but it goes away after a while and so does the stinging burning sensation. Maybe try diluting it a little more. I just started using this treatment a few days ago and I have seen a difference. ACV works better than what my Dr. prescriped me. Hope this helps.
Thank goodness for sites like this—saved me from weeks or maybe months of rash agony given the stories I read from others. I had PD for 10 months, but not until last week did I know what it was or that the steroid cream I was prescribed and told over and over to keep using by three different primary care doctors, did I find that natural methods of healing were the answer. I threw away the antibiotic I was prescribed, because I am convinced that it was started this all for me months earlier. I was a series of recurring UTIs, and I had been on several antibiotics because I was being prescribed the wrong type for 3 of 4 infections. I am sure that is what damaged by system and manifested the rash.
Here is what I did:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother (ACV) wiped on the area 2-3x/day—blotting only and treating the rash as though it could spread (not wiping and spreading)
2. Colloidal Silver gel on rash 2x a day
3. Homeopathic Calendula cream very, very lightly at night; I did not start this until a few days of using the two above (not until it was less weepy)
I ingested ACV 1 Tablespoon each night; and gargled with it also
I began a very high probiotic, 42 billion
I also stopped products with SLS, switched to fluoride free toothpaste, and began newton candida homeopathic drops.
Those are the things I did, and in one week’s time it is 95% gone. Not noticeable to anyone but me—and a week ago it was extremely painful and very, very unsightly. I was so worried, but am very grateful for the many people sharing what worked and what did not work. I tried Desitin one time; it seemed to soothe but I thought it was very difficult to remove on my fragile, raw rash and left a film that I thought would be more harmful than good. I once did honey on the rash, I don’t think it did anything really, but it did feel good.
I wish so much that conventional medicine would incorporate natural methods. I have no doubt that I would have been facing months of prolonged agony without finding these cures. I went cold turkey from the steroid (it was Clobetisol Propeonate that I was prescribed). Shame on my doctors for repeatedly telling me to keep using what was only making it worse over time.
Thank you for this info. Currently fighting off PD for the second time. I am really liking this web site. Making my list now!
The Apple cider Vinegar brings a lot of relief. I have started taking a shot or two of it each day as well. Figured it couldn't hurt. Colloidal Silver gel, which one of these gel brands did you use? There are so many! I went back again to the Derm doc and have a third cream. They do nothing good for me at all. I have been searching for natural remedies. I went for two days with nothing on my face but I had a big meeting and I had to look decent so I applied some steroid cream and it wiped it out…….but I know its only gonna come back worse. I am doing the honey mask and apple cider vinegar 2-3 times a day, but just started that. Was wondering about the cream you were talking about, thought I might add that if I knew which brand to get.
Hi! I've had PD for about three months, except mine is around my eyes. I thought it was triggered by the fact that I just restarted my menstrual cycle after 1.5 years (pregnancy, breastfeeding). My doctor has prescribed 2 months of doxicycline and flagyl fungal cream. I'm beyond upset, because you CAN NOT conceive while on doxi or your fetus will have detrimental effects.
Because of this being so close to my eye, I'm very cautious of what I should use. I've tried melaleuca on my nasal bridge as well as lemongrass essential oils, I tried discontinuing all makeup, lotions and face wash. Does anyone have suggestions for the area around the eye as well as eyelid? I would be forever grateful! Thank you!
Laura, have you tried Coconut oil, and/or Castor oil? Both are to be used very sparingly.
Hi, I too started to get the rash after my period returned after my 2nd baby! I wonder if a hormone panel would give some answers?
Hi. I am not in the usual 'group'. I'm 60 & developed PD around my nostril area about a month ago. My doc prescribed antibiotics & 2% cortisone cream…after getting home I decided to get online & do my research. Here is what I've done/changed. I discarded the meds! I got apple cider vinegar 'with mother', tea tree oil toothpaste & Neutrogena facial wipes. I cleaned all my makeup brushes in alcohol. I brush my teeth using Zephyrhills spring water (no fluoride),
I clean my face with the wipes, when it's completely dry I apply the vinegar neat with a q-tip (very precise application). I allow this to dry. I then apply whatever moisturizer I'm currently using…but not on the affected area. I never put makeup on the affected area while I had the breakout. I also added B12, B3 & D3 daily. During a recent visit to the dentist…told him no fluoride, no latex gloves. My face is completely clear of PD. I have read that PD can return…so I apply the vinegar (50/50 water) to my nostril area every night…with the intention of lessening this to 2-3 times p/week…it stinks…but I'm determined to keep it away.
I would say one of the key things is to keep your hands very clean at all times…with this condition it's impossible to keep yourself from touching the affected areas…they itch!!
Hi! I had PD around my nose/mouth when I was 12, treated with a "bingo dabber" of some sort of antibiotic and then eventually with oral antibiotics (tetracycline I believe) which finally did the trick. However at age 24 it came back, this time around my eyes. I believe I was triggered by my makeup use, and I have since discontinued using makeup beyond very rare occasions. The doctor prescribed me some sort of very expensive topical probiotic, which was not effective. I eventually requested the tetracycline again which worked. However now about a year and a half later it has returned (I left the makeup on my face for too long again after an event). I am going to try apple cider vinegar this time, and default back to tetracycline if it doesn't work. It does feel different treating it around the eyes – the skin is even more sensitive! I can't even touch it at all – I can feel it getting worse every time I do.
Tea Tree oil blended with Jojoba oil has completely gotten rid of mine. Safe for around eyes, just use lightly. I take the oil and mix it into my lotion.
Side effect reported
I am almost 22 weeks pregnant and never had skin problems until my pregnancy. About a week ago, I began noticing a dry patch around one corner of my mouth. I continued moisturizing every night before bed but I noticed it was getting a little more red and bumpy. I found out it was Perioral Dermatitis and decided to use ACV with a cotton ball about 3 days ago along with discontinue use of my face wash. The first night, it worked real well, the redness went away, but fearing my moisturizer was going to make it worse, I didn't use anything after that or rinse my face. When I woke up the next morning, the spot was extra dry and more red and another spot started in the corner of my mouth on the other side. I used ACV again before going to work and that night, my patch had peeled off revealing a fresh red smooth patch of skin underneath.
Ignorantly, I added ACV again and followed up with coconut oil. This morning I woke up and my patches on both sides of my mouth had grown in size and an ugly brownish red, still dry and now very tender. I began applying ACV again and at first the redness began to disappear but then my skin began to bleed! I rinsed with water and immediately applied coconut oil but now it looks much worse and hurts so bad! I can't eat or smile without feeling the discomfort and pain. I learned I may have overused the ACV and now instead of using topically, I am just drinking the ACV water. (2TBS in 16 oz water)
I am still using coconut oil but I am wondering how long this is going to take? (I have to wait another week before my new toothpaste, mouthwash, face soap and aloe vera gel arrive in mail) I can only apply the coconut oil in the morning before work and at night before I go to bed. I have to wear all natural tinted spf moisturizer to try to cover up the redness while at work. (My appearance matters to my company unfortunately and cannot show up to work looking like I have a flesh eating disease) I am worried I made a bad situation worse and now fear bad scarring. Can I use my palmers stretch mark massage cream in addition to my coconut oil to speed things up or should I just stick with only coconut oil until my PD products come in?
Please Help!
I have been going through same torture. But I wanted to know which oils block pores before I put anything on my face. This is caused by chemicals in our skincare so I stopped using the skincare that kept my skin clear and radiant for the past year. Until now I opted for vinegar and a non comodogenic oil. Simple right? Turns out coconut oil is a 4 on the pore blocking scale (out of 5). Argan oil is a 0 as is sunflower oil. Make sure you get organic because many oils are obtained via a harsh chemical process. This is the best I can do for this horrible condition. Is improving by the day. Good luck.
I have had POD during the last few winters (told by dermatologist this is normal for a woman in her 40's) The first time it was diagnosed; I refused oral antibiotics but used topical antibiotic cream. It took MONTHS for the POD to look any different; and I truly think when I stopped wearing make up during the summer is when it finally went away.
After the first outbreak, I stopped using fluoride toothpaste, any shampoo/conditioner or lotion with SLS/parabens/petroleum. I did continue to wear my expensive department store make up.
This winter it reappeared with a vengeance, the worst it's ever been. Dermatologist prescribed oral antibiotics as well as topical. I really balked at the oral antibiotics as they frequently cause digestive issues and yeast infections. The doctor said my face was so swollen it was deforming my lower lip and that I really needed to go on the antibiotics. (The area most affected was left lower chin from corner of mouth down to chin).
So after 5 days of oral/topical antibiotics my rash was still spreading (outward and upward). My digestive system started reacting negatively to the antibiotics, and a yeast infection was setting in. I spent hours researching online and came across your website. What a blessing!
Here is what I used after reading and re-reading most of your posts regarding POD:
Stopped antibiotics both oral and topical.
Washed face with African black soap morn and eve. Used diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (raw unfiltered – diluted 50% with spring water) to tone my entire face; paying attention to the rash area.
The ACV burned like crazy! After the first 3 days I was using straight ACV only once a day with much less burning.
I let the ACV dry, then put Manuka honey over the rash for several hours. Gently wiped it off when I had to go out in public. Put calendula ointment over it at night. No make up. Skin would flake/peel and I GENTLY exfoliated with a wash cloth.
As others have reported; rash appeared to be getting worse – more red/angry looking the first 3-4 days then woke up on 5th day and it really was 2/3 gone. Now it's the 7th day and you have to look hard to see it.
I only used the honey the first 3 days; then due to traveling was just using ACV followed by calendula; which is what I am continuing to do at this time.
Went to a local health food store and invested in some natural makeup. Threw out the $100's of dollars worth of my department store brand makeup.
I truly appreciate everyone sharing their experience; and hope that my post will help someone as the others have helped me.
As many people have stated before, this is my first post on a forum like this but PD has affected me so deeply I wanted to share my journey. I hope at least one person will find the hope and positive effects that I received from reading other members posts about this embarrassing condition.
My PD actually started about a year ago as a small red bumpy rash on my chin near the corner of my mouth. I have sensitive skin so just chalked it up to a winter rash of some kind. I was at my family doctor for a different reason and mentioned the rash and was prescribed a steroid cream to treat it. Worked like a charm. It was my little skin care army cream that I would use anytime something would pop up . Then one day it just stopped working. I had clearly abused the cream and was now paying the price.
I have been dealing with a bad, angry flare up for the past three months. It spread from a small patch near the corner of my mouth to all the way around my chin and then up around my nose. I googled the heck out of the rash to try and find natural cures. Nothing seemed to be working – not even my cream. Then I found this website. I immediately cut out the cream (and people are right – you do get worse before you get better). The rash looked angrier than ever and even spread up around and on top of my eyes.
My Regime – this is what I found worked for me.
The first week I cut out the cream and any face wash. I was using coconut oil to remove my makeup. I would then apply undiluted apple cider vinegar (with the mother) on a cotton ball directly to the affected areas. I would suggest doing this process over a weekend as the rash really got red and inflamed. I would then apply a Calendula salve to the area without washing my face after the ACV application. I did this about 4-5 times a day. During the week I would only do it 2-3 times a day. After week one not much difference. In hind sight I think I might have been detoxing from the steroid cream still.
Week two – I began applying diluted ACV letting it dry and then applying a coconut oil to moisturize my chapped skin. I do ACV twice a day and moisturize about 3-4. I am still in week two, but the PD has gone down significantly. My main issue is now the dry skin and not the redness or bumpiness from the PD! It should also be noted that I cut out all SLS and have been using just baking soda to brush my teeth.
I hope that my post might help at least one person out there. The embarrassment that this condition caused me was unfair. It robbed me of my social life for quite a while as even make up couldn't fully hide my PD. Just stay committed and be disciplined and you will see success! Good luck on your journey!
Hi all, I cured POD. I did. And after trying many things here is what it took.
1) Gentle facial cleanser with no sulphates, I use one I got from, my dermatologist.
2) natural Apple Cider vinegar. Mix 1/2 ACV with 1/2 water in small bottle and add 5 drops natural tea tree oil. Use as a toner after cleansing.
3) Natural Calendula Cream. Put all over your face as a moisturizer, it isn't greasy.
Do this morning and night. Mine was gone after 5 months of trying yogurt, selsun blue, fungal cream, non-flouride toothpaste, and lots of others. Don't use the ACV straight, it's just too harsh. THANKS
Hi thanks for this but can you please give the amount of the half apple cider vinegar and half water mixture is that half a cup to half a cup or…? Also which brand calendula cream and face wash did you use? Thanks!
This is my first post/ review of anything– but I feel compelled to share my experience using ACV (apple cider vinegar) for perioral dermatitis (PD). I had been struggling with PD for a year. I was prescribed metro gel (antibiotic ointment) and clindamyacin antibiotic cream. I religiously used them and saw minimal improvement. About 3 months ago, I went to Earth Clinic and read many reviews on ACV (with 'the mother') and decided to try. I used a cotton ball dipped in ACV and swabbed my face, focusing on problem areas. It burned…but eventually — within about 2 weeks– perioral dermatitis was completely gone. I did the cotton ball routine about 1x/day at night for about 3 nights in a row.. then throughout the next 10-12 days… every 3-4 days. The PD areas scabbed, flaked and generally look much worse at first. However, within 2 weeks ALL PD was gone. Since then, I use ACV on a cotton swab as a preventative maybe once/week or whenever I think of it. I have not had PD return. 🙂
Side effect reported
Hi, I am having dermatitis on my face.im not so sure how similar is it with Perioral Dermatitis. I have started my Apple Cider Vinegar treatment 2 days ago. It seriously stung my face and I feel a burning sensation. Whenever I applied acv, some tiny white spot (not sure is it the infection or skin) popped up. Do you have similar experience? Now is my day 3 applying it, my skin still rash & itch feeling that burning sensation. Im not sure – is it getting worse or its normal. I seriously don't wish to go back on steroid cream and trying to be determined to continue with acv. Will you be able to share a little bit more on the effects after applying acv? How can I start notice that the dermatitis is curing using acv? And how long does it start taking effects? Hope to have your reply soon though. Many thanks in advance.
Do not use steriod creams on perioral dermatitis. It exacerbates the problem!
Thank you. Im on day 2 of ACV – face what did use as a moisturizer? Ive been using coconut oil for awhile beofre the ACV
And plz confirm the ACV makes the appearances much worse before getting better bc it looks really bad!
Yes, the 50/50 of ACV and water worked for me as well, and it looks worse before better. Cleared up my rosacea and blemishes beautifully. Just takes patience and coconut oil after.
ACV helped clear up my perioral dermatitis along with cleaning up my gut. Antimicrobial herbs for SIBO, followed by tons of probiotics to rebuild. I would warn that undiluted ACV will make the condition look much worse at first and can lead to some scarring. I would try to dilute it first, I am not sure how this will extend the process though. It took me 1 week to see improvement, I am 1.5 weeks out and I still have a few pustules/marks left but the condition is much better.
I am 16 years old and have had Perioral dermatitis off and on (mostly off) for 5 years now. I only get it around my nose and on my chin, and this time it really flared up so I looked for some natural remedies. I started using apple cider vinegar around my nose and my chin and the puss bumps and oiliness has gone away immediately. When I first apply it it stings and my skin gets very red, but the bumps shrink in size every time. The skin is now in the process of flaking off, and this has been working well so far. Hopefully I will be dermatitis free in a couple of days!
I got perioral dermatitis from using topical steroids and nasal steroids. I went to the dermatologist and she confirmed my diagnosis. She prescribed me another topical solution but I decided not to use it and go the natural route. The two main things that helped reduce the inflammation for me were ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) diluted then calendula oil.
I also thought this condition could've been linked to my hormones since I am 43 and have used nasal steroids for years and never had this problem. So I also cut out sugar, coffee and ate cleaner (although I already was eating clean) and started drinking more green tea and bone broth. I believe the bone broth truly helped too. It balances hormones. My PD cleared up in less than a week. I didn't wear much makeup and only used zinc oxide mineral sunscreen. I will now wait and see and hope the PD stays away.
I suffered with perioral dermatitis for about 6 months. Dermatologist put me on antibiotics for 2 months. Not sure if it helped. Plus prescribed elidel cream which I feel gave me a horrible reaction. Severe burning and redness. When I stopped the cream the severe burning went away. What I feel helped the most was apple cider vinegar unfiltered. I applied it slightly diluted to the rash. After a week or so the rash dried up turned white and flaked off. I also used borage oil to moisturize. Coconut oil seemed to aggravate it.
Now when I noticed some redness and burning I immediately start the apple cider vinegar application and a few days later the rash dries up and flakes off. Apple Cider Vinegar is my best defense! I also switched to natural products for hair and face. Good luck!
So I am writing to share my experience with perioral dermatitis. It's a nightmare, it's embarrassing, and super itchy and burns. I have struggled with psoriasis for a few years now, but with a diet and life style change I have come a loooooooong way. My doctors put me on steroid creams for my face and body, which seemed to do the trick. Then a year ago I noticed a little rash appearing under my eye and on the bottom of my chin. I just assumed it was psoriasis. It wasn't up until a month ago I went to my dermatologist and she took a look at me and said it was perioral dermatitis. Bottom line I had to stop using the steroids.
I checked on this website for home remedies and sure enough I had most of the stuff on this website. Apple cider vinegar with the mother enzyme was the key ingredient. I apply it as toner twice a day, and drink a tablespoon in a cup of water. It's gross tasting, and burns on the skin. But it is only my second day and everything seems to be going the way people on this website said it would.
Also I have been doing green tea leaves straight on my face, soak them first (either the leaves or the bags of tea) and let them sit on your face. It takes a lot of the itch and pain away, honey helps a lot too. My face seems to be drying out. To help with the drying, I have been using calendula infused coconut oil. I have already cut out gluten from my diet but upon further research, I will also have to cut out milk and sugar. Trust these natural cures, they will serve you better than prescriptions. Prescriptions will make you dependent and with terrible side affects. I will post in a few more days the progress.
So I am now on my 3rd day of natural remedy treatment for this horrible PD rash. It was literally COVERING my face. Relieved doesn't even begin to cover how well these remedies work. In 3 days my rash has almost completely dried out, turned light pink and is flaking right off and no more pustules. It is quite a process but stick with it. I quit using steroids the dermatologists gave me cold turkey. My face reacted immediately and the rash literally covered my face. It was swollen, red, and had a bunch of little puss bumps. I was mortified. I have been toning my face with Apple cider vinegar (with the mother enzyme) 2-3 times a day, which burns like crazy. I have also been drinking ACV diluted in water. A lot of studies show that there is a direct relationship with your skin and your gut, so, you need good bacteria in your system. To soothe my skin, I've been using green tea. I make a cup and use the tea bag on my face. Green tea has antioxidants so to drink it and put it on the skin surely helped. I also did a zinc oxide mask and boy did it dry up the rash quickly. I do the zinc at nights. Also honey, and goats milk yogurt or Greek yogurt are very soothing. For moisturizer I've been using coconut infused with calendula oil, and that really helps. I expect to be fully clear within the next week or two. Thank you to everyone who posted on here. I have never been more embarrassed or scared of my appearance in my life. These remedies really do work, try these before you spend insane amounts of money on prescription drugs. I hope this helps the next person and so on and so forth. Thank you earth clinic, this has changed my life.
Using the ACV, did your face seem more red? And how quickly did the bumps disappear?
I have had perioral dermatitis come up twice. The first time I had it for a year before I realized what I needed to do, and the second time I knew what to do! Both times ACV, probiotics (100 billion enteric coated capsule each night before bed) and aerobic exercise cured it. Twice a day I put 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of ACV in the bottom of a 1L jar and fill the rest with water. I drink as much as possible immediately at this strength and then fill it up with water again to dilute it. I sip on the rest as my thirst dictates. As for exercise, I started running approximately 5k 3x a week at a high intensity. Getting as much oxygen in as possible is the key. It really helps your body to flush out the toxins. I've always had a pretty good diet: minimal gluten, minimal dairy, but I love chocolate (sugar + candida prone) so I am sure my overindulgence sparked candidiasis and brought my POD back. Never again! Not only is my POD gone again but the eczema on my hands is gone and my skin is baby soft!
I don't usually post on things like this but felt I had to, given that the posts on here healed my condition and gave me my confidence back again.
I'm 29, have had clear and beautiful skin my entire life. Never had acne or pimples on my face prior to getting this lovely little rash.
First, I'll start with the background of my condition: In the past, I have been diagnosed with both eczema and psoriasis, and for the eczema I was given a steroid cream to apply for both my body and my face. Over the years, this worked fine, I had no issues and it worked well. However, in the last year, I seemed to have a weird little rash that kept popping up – mainly on the right side of my face Around my chin. It was red and had loads of tiny little bumps that contained a clear liquid. I tried a variety of old creams that I had used on my skin conditions in the past – Bactroban, advantan, novasone, kenacomb, DermAid most of which being steroid based and quite possibly the worst thing I could do. Anyway, the novosone seemed to do the trick and kept it at bay for a while, but only if I applied it every day. However, over the course of the year, this seemed to loose its effect and I was at my wits end.
I went back to see my Dr, who told me sometimes people react with a rash from steroid creams, and to discontinue use – which I did. And wow, did my trouble begin after that! My rash spread all over my chin, around my eyes, and on my cheeks near my nose. It was horrible. I bought a multitude of lotions and options to try and get rid of it, nothing really worked. Luckily, I came across this site within a week of going off the steroids. I noticed loads of people had tried to Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with success but thought it might burn the hell out of my face and was reluctant to try. I ordered the grape seed extract and violet something (can't remember exactly, it is yet to come), but have not used them. I thought bugger it, I'll try the ACV until they arrive. Here is my experience so far.
Treatment: first I bought ACV from the supermarket, unfiltered BUT WITHOUT the mother. The mother enzyme is very important. I feel it could explain why some people had success, others not.
When I applied the one without the mother, it stung a little – but not as bad as I thought. It didn't really do much, there was no 'fizzing or bubbling' of the skin like others described, and it didn't seem to do much at all.
I then went to my local natural store and bought ACV with the mother enzyme – brand being 'Briggs'. I placed it undiluted on my skin with a cotton ball. It fizzed, it bubbled – I was amazed! It bloody burned too, like my face was on fire. It stopped burning after a minute or so though.
Anyway, that was around midday. I applied again at night, and it was becoming bright red, painful, and seemed to be bringing more of the stupid little bumps out. I was devastated, I thought it wasn't working for me. I applied some more anyway just in case before bed, followed by some calendula cream to aid the healing process. I did not rinse the ACV off prior to putting it on, I just placed it directly over the top. This was yesterday.
I woke up this morning absolutely amazed, my skin looked 50% better! The rash seemed to be drying out, reducing, and the bumps receding! I am amazed! My husband couldn't believe the difference, and nor could I!
I placed more ACV on it, it has turned red again and drawn the bumps out, but please do not be disheartened by this, I strongly believe it is similar to draining the bad stuff out and killing it. I will post an update in the next 3-4 days, fingers crossed this continues to work! I am gobsmacked! Thank you all for sharing, without your help I would have been taking Rozex and Doxycycline the Dr prescribed, which from what I've read makes little difference long term with very bad side effects. Will update soon!
Thank you so much for sharing this, please post an update! I very curious to hear it if worked. I swear I've been living of doxycycline for years and I want a better solution. Thanks again, fingers crossed!
Update
Hi again, just thought I'd update you all on my progress.
It has been 6 days now and my rash is almost 85% cleared! There is a lot of dryness and some slight redness left, but there is not a single pustule or bump in sight!
The rash has completely healed all around my cheeks, nose, & under my eyes – you wouldn't know anything was wrong even if I told you to be completely honest!
My lower chin has some redness where the rash was originally, but when I say tiny, I mean it. The only thing I have left now is slight dryness. (However, 2 days ago, my redness was HORRIFIC – it's just the body healing itself. Don't give up, you are NOT making it worse. It's the bacteria playing tricks on you. I know it hurts, but believe me, it's worth it.)
I feel it is important to note that some days I saw much improvement, but initially the area was very raw, sore, and it appeared as though I was doing more damage than good. This continued, for me, for the first 4 or 5 days. I believe this is simply because use of ACV is so strong – it needs to bring the rash OUT first prior to it being killed off! You will question if it is working or if it is making it worse. I almost stopped, thinking I was doing the wrong thing and that my face was just getting worse, not better.
But by day 5, I knew it was getting better. The difference is amazing!
I think it is important to note that this DOES work, but it may take longer for some to see an overall improvement – it depends on how quickly you get to it (I started three days after going off steroid creams – which I was on for a year) and how bad your rash is.
I have stopped using ACV x2 a day, and now use it at full strength once at night. I began only using it once on day 5. Twice per day before that, as well as consuming it orally. I then apply calendula cream over the top and sleep with the mix on.
If you use ACV, you MUST use the one with 'the mother' enzyme. I can't stress that enough. Make sure it is organic as well.
Please don't give up hope.
I have also been doing the following, which I believe is very important in my quick results:
Taking Probiotics (Inner-Health Plus) to assist in reducing my candida overgrowth. According to my natropath, I have a candida overgrowth – which can result in this horrible mess I had on my face. Apparently, taking a good probiotic can slow down and reverse my Candida overgrowth.Probiotics work by attacking the Candida in a couple of different ways. Firstly, they restore your intestinal system to balance by replacing the good bacteria that were lost when my Candida overgrowth started. Secondly, probiotics keep the Candida under control by inhibiting its growth.
Drinking water with 'Violet Extract' in it: I also noticed whilst doing my research that many others had great success in using VE – so I thought I'd give it a try too. Apparently, many herbalists through the ages have attributed a number of benefits to the plant: it's been used for coughs, colds, dizziness, insomnia and nervous exhaustion. It is known as a cooling, cleansing, and antiseptic herb. I'm assuming it's antiseptic properties is what is helping to cleanse my system.
Using cleansers (face wash, moisturiser, body wash & hair care) free from SLS & Paragons: These have been known to cause rashes on the body ? do your research, it's mind-blowing!
L-Glutomine supplements – To restore my gut health and reduce the candida overgrowth;
Consuming Oregano oil internally: Oregano oil contains strong immune-enhancing and antioxidant properties and supports the respiratory system. I believe this may be helping to kill bacteria internally, and as a result – helping my skin condition.
Stoping the use of Fluoride Toothpaste: as it has been known to cause an allergic reaction in some people and may cause perioral dermatitis.
Using Calendula Cream: at night, following my ACV treatment To aid healing and prevent dryness.
Taking Zinc Supplements: very helpful, great for skin and healing I believe.
Candida Diet: I have also begun to follow the Candida Diet – which basically means cutting out all dairy, yeast products (e.g. breads, in condiments etc), ALL FRUIT and anything processed. I found a few great websites that helped me to distinguish what I can and cannot eat – if you are interested, see the 'Food matters' website or 'The Candida Diet'.
Basically, many skin conditions such as perioral dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis & acne are the result of a candida overgrowth ? and the quickest way to fix it is to starve the little buggers. Candida flourish in the presence of both refined and unrefined sugar, such as fresh fruit, dried fruit and fruit juice. Cutting off their food supply can bring their numbers back to a healthy level.
They also love refined flour products and anything fermented, such as alcohol and soy, so if you have a serious overgrowth, you may need to cut out all of the above for a number of consecutive weeks. I have found this t be particularly helpful.
Each of these elements is fighting the external effects of my candida overgrowth, particularly my perioral dermatitis. I don't believe in taking antibiotics anymore ? my problem is clearly my body trying to tell me something, and I wholeheartedly believe many of my issues are largely due to a candida overgrowth. My natropath took one look at my tongue and said I certainly do have a yeast overgrowth. He prescribed me L-Glutomine, oregano oil, and probiotics. He also suggested I begin the Candida Diet immediately, which I have.
There is a test to see if you have candida overgrowth –
Do your research on the effects this can have on the body – it is likely if you have it you will present with many of the symptoms and have no idea that they are all actually related. Our skin does not just REACT this way for no reason – it could be an indication of leaky gut, candida overgrowth – or many other causes. It is crying out for help, and it is our job to fix it. Anyway, hope that is some food for thought. Sorry for the lengthy update, but I have learnt so much in the preceding week that I had to share. I cannot believe the difference I have seen, please don't give up hope. It will work, just give it TIME. Each of us have different underlying causes and extents of this rash, it is not surprising some take a lot longer to respond to ACV or that others have bad initial effects to it – given the extent of their rash already.
Anyway, I'll keep you updated on my progress. Hope this helped someone in the way everyone's responses did me.
Cara
Hey, how did it work out for you? Is it gone? Please tell me it is!!! 🙂
Quick update to those asking – 3 months on and I'm clear. ACV only helped temporarily, it was only once I stopped consuming gluten or wheat in any form that it went away. The reaction went within a week (bumps), but I still have slight redness and the occasional pimple in the area in which I most prominently applied steroids.
I thought my PD may have been related to yeast extract or sugar (as the products my skin reacted to contained it), but it was actually gluten (Which was also in them). I had to go into hospital a few weeks after posting here and was diagnosed there. As soon as I stopped I noticed a difference after a week or two.
I used topical steroids for years prior to getting PD, and I've since discovered these are anti inflammatory. Coeliacs is a inflammatory condition, so by using topical steroids it was masking my bodies anti inflammatory response to the gluten.
I strongly urge anyone experiencing skin conditions to check for a coeliacs/celiacs and food allergies or intolerances. I hope this helps!
I'm from Sydney too just wondering how your skin is now? I'm the same as you have never had bad skin and for 7 months been going to doctor after doctor….second day with ACV it looks to be better already.
Hi Ashleigh, I've been completely clear without taking any medicines or products for about 9 months now – avoiding gluten at all costs (in food, products, supplements etc) cured me completely. Good luck!
Back in September after moving to Indiana from Arizona, I started developing itchy dry patches in the corner of my eyes and eventually around my mouth! It was so annoying and it got so bad I stopped wearing makeup of any kind because it didn't stay on very long anyway and I thought maybe it was from my mascara or something. The weird thing was that when I'd go home for breaks, it cleared up almost completely in a day or so. I had no idea what it was and couldn't find anything to help at least relieve the itch and dryness. Finally after what seems like forever I found out that I had perioral dermatitis that was made worse because as a kid I had eczema as a kid. I started using apple cider vinegar even though I was a bit skeptical, with about a teaspoon of water to dilute it three times a day and used hydrocortisone cream as a moisturizer since I have very sensitive skin and was done spending all this money on organic creams and treatments. After 4 days my skin was back to normal with no trace anything had been wrong! Apple Cider Vinegar is awesome!
I got a strange rash on my face that began as patches around my nostrils and a patch on my chin a few months ago, and was diagnosed by the dermatologist with perioral dermatitis. I was recently diagnosed with asthma and was using a steroidal inhaler to treat it, which can cause POD.
The dermatologist gave me metronidazole and clindamycin phospate lotions, which I used at night and in the morning, respectively. I was RELIGIOUS about applying these lotions, and the rash got the tiniest bit better and then began to get worse.
I was in tears one night and decided to look up other remedies and kept seeing apple cider vinegar as a treatment. After reading the posts on this website I decided to give it a shot. I used the regular ACV in my pantry, one part vinegar to one part water, and dabbed it on with a cotton pad to the affected area. I then waited about 15-20 minutes before washing my face.
It's been two nights of this application and my rash went from angry red, dry, pustules and papules, to a light pink almost smooth area. I was FLOORED. My family can't believe how quickly it worked.
Today I picked up the raw, organic ACV with “the mother” at my local superstore (I was shocked they had it) and some calendula cream from the baby aisle. I did a manuka honey mask today that helped to soothe the dryness.
When you first put this stuff on, it BURNS, and makes the area redder. It'll make the areas with broken skin turn white. Then the area got really dry and began flaking off, and when I put the honey mask on and washed it off, the dead skin came off with it revealing lovely, smooth, pink skin.
I'm 20 years old and this is the first time I've experienced POD, but I'm so glad there's an easy, NATURAL cure. Thanks Earth Clinic!
Not sure where to begin, I hope this helps someone out there. mostly because weeks of researching forums have helped me.
To begin, stress and sugar both caused my Perioral Dermatitis. My period was about a week late as always, which is a personal thing I guess, but I noticed that as I have to wait and wait and wait for it, my hormones get more and more and more out of wack til it finally comes. I was on a plane, almost back from europe when I noticed my face itching on one side. When I got home a few hours later, my stress kept mounting. It showed on my face immediately.
Did not know what the deal was.. it started around my mouth and crept up my cheeks to my eyes and my forehead in HOURS. immediately googled it and learned it was PD, but failed to take it seriously. Ran hot water on my chin cuz I couldn't take hot water on my cheeks and eyes. Days later my cheeks and eyes mostly cleared up because I never touched them, but my chin looked like a thousand flaky angry bee stings and it definitely felt like it.
i realized I had to do something basic while I figured stuff out. I put tea tree on it all the time. I used so much vitamin E oil. I made myself smile everytime my face itched so I could concentrate on releasing endorphins. everybody knows smiles heal. once I was less stressed about it I was able to read all the info I could, objectively.
Simple: first of all never ever ever ever touch your face except to dab diluted apple cider vinegar on it. Skin is a reflection of internal problems.. cut out anything that has sugar in it, cut out carbs. ingest zinc and diluted apple cider vinegar. all the recommended topical treatments seemed to just make my rash look really angry. after dabbing with vinegar, DONT use oil, use GLYCERIN. oil preserves things, dont preserve bacteria on your face. and always remember dont touch your face no matter what. I noticed enormous immediate changes day after day. two weeks after having pd, it was showing promise of resolving. two weeks for me sounds alot better than these dragged out 8month-2year horror stories I found everywhere.
regardless what you end up doing, IF YOU TOUCH YOUR FACE it takes longer to go away. I hope you guys find what works for you.
regimen:
diluted Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass 2x daily. dab face with diluted Apple Cider Vinegar 2x daily. after cleaning with acv, use glycerin on affected spots. drink so much water you cant stand it.
Here again with updates. After my face cleared in about two weeks with acv, I was super happy. Then I had some minor, minor stress and these really interesting huge red whiteheads came back. They took much longer than normal whiteheads to disappear. They itched when I tried to pop one. Soooooo I realized this may be the PD making a smooth return. I slacked on the vinegar after I thought I was in the clear, but that gave the super-acne a few days to make its appearance and try to stay with me. I kept taking the zinc and biotin that everyone recommended. I continued the apple cider regimen, ingesting about twice each day after i'd cleaned my face with it. Slowly it worked itself away after a week. Stuff I noticed:
For others who say supplements don't work, you have to eat mostly healthy in order to be able to see that. Otherwise of course it won't work. Clean your systems out, because the skin is a reflection of what is in your stomach. If I showed too much attention to my face it was like watching flowers grow. When I cleaned my face too much it would burn and flare up red and itchy, and it would then go away in an hour. Taking biotin and zinc supplements at night instead of in the morning was noticeably much more effective. Ppl hate the smell of acv. Ppl dont care why you need it. Make jokes and stay resilient. Dooooooont argueeeeeeeee
Dooooooont stressssssssss
Good luck. I'm sticking to simple regimens.
I have been suffering with outbreaks around my chin and nose for years. I am 45 years old. One derm told me it was psoriasis, another derm telling me it was seborrheic dermatitis. Both prescribing steroidal ointment. The first ointment worked wonderfully but I noticed fine 'smokers' wrinkles appearing around my lips. (I have never smoked). The second derm said that the steroid was too strong and causes thin skin so that is probably why. But, the steroid he prescribed did not work and the rash got worse. I looked up my symptoms in an internet search and found that I have perioral dermatitis and that like many of you, should never have been on topical steroids at all. So, I stopped using completely on nov 25. By nov 28 the rash blew up! It has spread all over my chin, along my jawline around my nasolabial folds, under my eyes and eyelids, and on my forehead. Burning, itching, angry, red and bumpy. I am so miserable. So, yesterday, I went to the health food store and bought everything everyone has tried on this site, hoping for a miracle.
Biotin -10000 mcg, probiotics, Apple Cider Vinegar -the mother, black African soap, pure aloe Vera (we don't have whole plants) hydrogen peroxide, calendula balm, vitamin c, l-lysine, Organic yogurt and manuka honey.
I've been on a low carb diet for almost 4 weeks, so, my sugar intake is minimal. I mostly eat organic or GMO FREE. I have not given up the coffee I drink in the morning, though. I have been using hair products without SLS or parabens for years. I switched to squigle fluoride free toothpaste as soon as I diagnosed myself. Threw out all of my makeup and moisturizers unless it was organic And checked everything for toxicity on the cosmetic database. I did recently start using neutrogena foaming facial wash which is loaded with sulfates and other bad stuff. why did I do that? I threw that away too.
So, yesterday, nov 29, started the Apple Cider Vinegar regimen.
1. Washed makeup from face with African black soap
2. Applied 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar with spring water with cotton pad to saturate affected areas. let that sit for at least 10 minutes after drying. (Stinky, my kids did not like) this did not burn, but made my skin feel very dry.
3. Wiped the smelly Apple Cider Vinegar of with hydrogen peroxide on cotton.
4. Mixed yogurt with manuka honey and applied mask to face. The mixture is very thin. Only needed a tablespoon to cover everything. I ate the rest of the mixture. Tasty. The yogurt feels delightful on the burning rash.
5. Rinse with warm water and applied the calendula balm. The balm was very greasy so before bed I rinsed that off.
6. Applied pure aloe very gel. This felt good. The bumps on my forehead and around my eyes felt smoother and the gel relieves the itch for longer than anything else. I woke up in the middle of the night and applied more to my chin. I will probably use this as a moisturizer.
I also took the biotin, probiotics, vitamin c, and mercola astaxanthin, digestive enzymes and salmon oil, which I will do daily
Sadly, waking up this morning, my skin looks worse. The rash is creeping or for my eyes down to my cheeks now. I took all the supplements and I applied the acv, wiped that off with the peroxide and am now typing this with the yogurt/honey mixture. I am hoping for the best and I won't give up, but, I will probably call out of work tomorrow. I look terrible. 75% of my face is covered by rash. I will post an update if anything changes. I would appreciate any encouragement or tips. Thank you to everyone for contributing to this site. It is nice to know that there is hope.
I had a bout with PD myself recently. It has cleared up nicely by doing the following: I used only Coconut Oil (extra virgin, organic, unrefined) and warm water to cleanse and moisturize my face. To remove make-up, I put the oil all over my face, then wiped off with a tissue. Then used a very warm (not hot) washcloth to remove any residual oil and makeup. After that, I used a cotton ball with a 50/50 mix of Apple Cider Vinegar and water as a toner. I let my face air dry (didn't rinse off the toner), then applied another thin coating of coconut oil on my face, then make-up if I was going out. I did this twice a day, morning and night, for about a week, but mine was not as severe as yours sounds. No soaps or any other moisturizers were used. I also went make-up free as much as possible. Make sure to wash your make-up sponges/brushes/applicators as well so you don't re-infect yourself. I hope this works for you, I know how awful it feels. Please let us know.
Hi there. I feel your pain, had Perioral Dermatitis for years and tried most of the methods you listed. You have to realise practically all allergies, inflammations or viruses etc start within the intestine, so it is there you must really start the curing process. First try a gluten free diet..why? Because it is a protein that does not break down and prevents other natural enzymes in your body from doing their thing. This is turn creates build up of fecal matter along the intestinal walls. It is this cause that is pretty much to blame. So I quit gluten (feel better already) but the real helper is psyllium husk!!! A high fibre product that will cleanse your intestine and so help your skin glow I swear. You can purchase it at a health store along with blackstrap molasses as that helps ease it down. There's online links that explain frequency and means of consumption. I take it 2-3 times daily, you'll notice improvement after 1 week. Just be patient. Doesn't hurt to keep doing ACV and/or GSE…those are good for pH balance.
Good luck
Hi everyone. This site has helped me in clearing my face from perioral dermatitis (POD) and I thought I'd share my experience so more people can be helped.
The POD starts flaring on February 2013. I went to a dermatologist and she thought that I was allergic to a toothpaste (I DID use a toothpaste that's not my usual brand, though) and she gave me some pills and stuff and bla bla bla but it wasn't working.
The POD was still flaring, and I am so sick of it, so I researched my condition. It was then I self-diagnosed myself that I have a condition called Perioral Dermatitis a.k.a POD. I am so glad that it was the right predicament, and I stumbled upon this helpful website.
From everything that I read, I did the following:
1) cut off fluoride toothpaste
2) stop using anything with SLS in it
It helped, but didn't stop the POD, until I found a God-sent miracle in a bottle: Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV).
I apply undiluted ACV to the affected area on my face with cotton pad. It stings like cray cray, but I resisted. I know that the POD were burned, it left a white/greyish skin like it was burned from the ACV.
The POD are gone. But another problem arised: my skin is depressed. ACV is highly acidic, it preserves my skin natural acid condition if being used as toner (dilute one part of ACV to one part water) but if used undiluted (like I did to my POD) the acids left my skin red, scabby, dry and flaky.
I used plain yoghurt mask as advised, and it did soothe my skin for a while but didn't really heal my skin. So I tried another thing: California Baby's Calendula Cream. I don't live in the U.S., which means the expensive cream is getting even more expensive since I have to pay for the shipping cost as well.
But at this point, I don't care…. It's not as much as the money that I paid for the useless dermatologist anyway.
On April 2013, I clear all of the POD outta my face. And as of now, October 2014, I don't have any recurrence.
So thank you everyone! Thank you Earth Clinic! I hope I help someone somewhere out there who is trying to heal 🙂
I think I have perioral dermatitis, I used the ACV and it went away… But now its back… I am going to the Dr. in two days but I am afraid he'll just give me antibiotics I am checking my toothpaste for floride but what is SLS?
Apple Cider Vinegar helped a lot (I used the mother kind – have a bottle in the kitchen and bottle in bathroom), but it's how you use it and not abuse it! For one, I read how some people were using it like crazy. I understand because you want to get rid of this on your face. Apple Cider Vinegar burning feeling – if it starts to burn – stop. Anything that is burning your face, you're going too far. It's helping killing the bacteria – and I highly stress the word bacteria.
The reason why to point this out is because POD can be either bacterial or VIRAL. If you do not find a cure the way other people do is because yours may be viral – that's why some people do not respond to to antibiotics because antibiotics do not cure viruses. Alas, I've used the antibiotics in the past with much success, but there is a point in time a person just does not want to live like that.
I use the apple cider vinegar with a quick swipe like a toner and spot treatment for anything that resembles a zit. If you over do it, you will dry out your skin day to day. Don't do that.
I carefully went out into the world and looked for calendula products like Herb Pharm Whole Flower Calendula Oil. I rub a few drops into my face – intended for food – you can buy the tea. I don't drink the tea and I don't put it into my water because I have no way to establish that variable as working. But I rub that in without any harm. I got this at the health food store. I then had a few choices from Boiron for calendula products, but I settled on Calendula lotion because it had the least amount of ingredients that troubled me (as many of you know, it's hard to pick). I had a lot of success with this combination. But it was not perfect. I finally found my finishing balance with …organic unrefined coconut oil – my face needed a little moisturizing from all the products and drying out.
I am still going to search for a zinc soap to wash my face with day to day, but I did not want to write until my face was cleared AND remained cleared for a month. I still get a little 'zit' which…as we know I cannot just use zit cream. I have to tone with ACV and use these select products. But I feel in control, and I credit this board for giving me a million ideas. I wanted to say thank you.
POD can also be caused by a yeast fungus (and there are several varieties – can be from the same that causes ringworm & athlete's foot, or others originating in the scalp, & yes, the groin). There are many natural yeast remedies, but these are important things to consider when treating POD from yeast: heat, moisture & sugar aides the growth of the yeast. Stay away from creams, and oils. Use water based cleansers, moisturizers, cosmetics, and sunscreen. Decontaminate fabrics, bedding, shoes, hairbrushes, cell phone, laptop, etc with AC vinegar and/or sit in the SUNSHINE on a low humidity day (sunshine is not a good treatment for the face though). Dry your skin with a cool blow dryer. Yes, the yeast form of POD is contagious. You can pass it back and forth to/from your partner. Treat them also if you find yourself with recurrent problems. Only use clean towels and clothing. Keep your hands off your face. I'm having a hard time with that one! Flouride free toothpaste (and water – I'm taking a bath with vinegar in it, and washing my face in cool filtered water). Because yeast "buds, " treatment can take a month to 6 weeks. This is the time to be fastidiousness. Clean everything that touches your face with vinegar (like make-up brushes – I bought new ones after I started treatment). Apply make-up to infected area last so you aren't distributing the buds elsewhere. Then wash hands with vinegar. Rinse, and apply some Calendula cream to your hands. I'm still working on the right combination, but it is good to understand the nature of the beast. Speaking of which – you may have to treat your pets too. Don't forget the floors & carpets (steam clean).
I effectively treated my perioral dermatitis. With the change of seasons, or when I consume coffee and sugar regularly, it will start to rear up again, and I will just return to the routine below and it is fine. I diagnosed myself, which was then confirmed by my dermatologist. I did a lot of different things, so I can't testify to which one worked the best, but here is a list of everything I did.
1. Cut fluoride (including using non-flouridated water to drink and wash my face).
2. Cut SLS from all of my health and beauty products.
3. Did a yogurt mask every night. After a few weeks I got creative and made a mask out of manuka honey, acidophilus, and aloe.
4. Cleaned my face with only diluted Bragg's apple cider vinegar (morning and night, I didn't use this on the dermatitis by my eyes because it would irritate that skin).
5. Applied violet tincture to the dermatitis morning and night.
6. Used only organic virgin coconut oil as a facial moisturizer.
7. Here is the tough one- I cut added sweeteners and coffee from my diet. I would cheat and have coffee on Saturday, and let myself have sweets on time a week. I drank earl grey instead of coffee.
8. Supplements I took- biotin, evening primrose oil, grapefruit seed extract, liquid acidophilus supplement morning and night.
Before I diagnosed myself with POD, I was using a steroid cream for months that was given to me by a dermatologist. I stopped using that cream after I began to suspect POD, and my skin went really crazy for about two weeks. After adhering to the treatment above for about two to three months my skin was clear. I should also add that I don't wear makeup, and I think that helps to clean it up faster.
Now to maintain clear skin, I use Keys Care facial moisturizer, and I try to stay away from coffee and sugar. I still avoid fluoride and SLS. I also use only non-soap cleanser on my face, and exfoliate with a cleansing grains mix that I make myself. After confirming my diagnosis, my dermatologist gave me an antibacterial cream that is also helpful when I think it is going to flare up. I hope this list is helpful to you! I got all of my information from the internet (including this site), for which I am so grateful!
Hi all!
I've been dealing with this awful Perioral Dermatitis rash for 4 months. I have had it off and on all my life, but this recent bout takes the cake. Around the nose, all over the chin, around the mouth, eyebrows, eyelids, and creeping up to my poor little cheeks! Saw a doctor that wanted to put me on antibiotics. I can't take them because I'm nursing a baby, so she gave me a topical antibiotic cream instead. It dried my face up and didn't work. Trying a few natural things now.
Has anyone tried Proskin Eczema cream? I bought some on the net and it seems to be helping with the pain, itchiness and dryness. I also decided to treat the condition like yeast, and have started taking acidophilus and applying an organic, plain, Greek yogurt mask once a day. I'm taking Biotin as well. Since starting on this path, the redness/swelling is much improved. I tried Apple Cider Vinegar once and it made the redness flare up, so I stopped. It even spread further up my face, as if it was running away! I will try again and stick with it, this time putting it on the unaffected areas close by as well. If this stupid POD is in any way a bacterial infection, then it makes perfect sense for the ACV to work. I read that the initial flare-up right after the first few applications is the infection going crazy and trying to leave the surface or something. But then it dies…nowhere to run!
Good luck to everyone!
I was diagnosed with perioral dermatitis about 9 months ago but I have had the condition for quite a bit longer. I don't remember when it first appeared because I have sensitive pale skin which is prone to break-outs so I assumed what I had was irritated skin. I also had a couple of bouts with sinus infections and took antibiotics for those. On me, perioral dermatitis looks like a red irritated ring of skin around my mouth. I moiturized and tried to calm the skin to no avail before finally admitting to myself that I needed to seek professional help.
My dermatologist recognized it right away and prescribed Oracea (antibiotic) and Elydel cream (non-steroid cream). I took Oracea for two months and the redness went away but my skin began to look dry and aged. I stopped taking Oracea and before long the redness was back and I began to break out. I also noticed my blemishes took a very long time to heal and the skin around my mouth was raw and peeling. To cover up when I did go out I relied on BB cream but it caused me to peel even more. Sometimes my faced peeled several times a day. Not wanting to go back to anti-booties
I began o search for answers when stumbled on to this site. I read accounts for hours and decided to try applying organic apple cider vinegar diluted 50% with sterilized water. I was nervous because the thought of applying something acidic to my raw irritated skin seemed so counter-intuitive but the accounts of all the people who found relief gave me the courage to try. It did sting. I applied it with a cotton pad twice a day and rinsed it off after a few minutes each time. I also consumed the apple cider vinegar in a homemade vinaigrette with extra virgin olive oil and honey on my salads.
Each day I was 50% better than the day before. After a couple of days, the vinegar solution no longer stings when applied. I also relied on an oil-less face oil called squalane during the day and an omega-3 repair oil for face at night to create a protective healing barrier. I stopped using BB creams with sunscreen and switched to mineral make-up to cover redness and blemishes. I cleansed my skin with a face wash that gently exfoliated sensitive skin before using the vinegar solution. Two weeks later, My skin is not completely clear yet but it continues to improve. My on-line research got me to thinking that when this condition appears, it is likely a signal from our bodies to address systemic inflammation. My plan includes consuming more raw fruits and vegetables that are alkalizing for the body (just like apple cider vinegar is! ) and also to consume more probiotics. These posts got me to focus on improving my overall health and my skin is healing because of these small healthful changes. I vowed to return and write a post so that I might contribute my experience and try to help others like the posts I read here helped me.
Hello everyone, so I'm not usually one to post responses , but this site and EVERYONE that posted their story and explained what worked for them truly helped me soooooooo soooooo much, so I felt I owed it to the next person to maybe help them with this skin disorder and give some hope. So little background my skin to me has always been great , I maybe would get a pimple once a year, I think I suffered from the occasional cold sore more than pimples. My skin was combo, sensitive but after kids and getting older, I'm 34 now, my skin has changed to combo, and crazy dry in some areas and still sensitive. No problem changed up my skincare, still good, but then I decided to switch some makeup up, bad idea. Now this is what I'm more convinced caused it, but it could also be stress. Ok so what started out as a small rough patch started to spread a little up my nose. I thought I had eczema, so I loaded up with the moisturizer, wasn't helping so I read on how to treat it, enter cortisone , and this is why you should never self diagnose yourself, it spread to the other sideand then down my chin on both sides, so basically a giant U shaped rash with bumps, wonderful. So I went to the derm and she walked in looked said perioral dermatitis, wow thanks can I have my compay back for that 5 seconds. so she gave me three prescription, 1 oral , 2 topical, and when I asked about if I could continue using my face oil she said that stuff doesn't work it just sits on top of your skin. Hmmmm so I'm totally not a pill popper I will suffer through a lot of things before ingesting that garbage, but I did try the topical, 2 weeks and still at square one no change, nada. that's when I decided to do some research with the only useful thing she said which was perioral derm, and that is how I found this amazing site YAY!!!!! So point of the story, ACV and coconut oil worked so freakin good I'm in aww. It's been 1 1/2 weeks and my skin is 90% smooth no bumps, still a little red but more pink! Which is no biggie . So here it is…
1. I did from day 1 straight Apple Cider Vinegar not diluted on cotton pad to just the affected area, let it dry, it will sting and or burn but that's ok…
2. because when you apply the coconut oil, (raw unrefined with mother), it takes away the burn instantly and I applied this all over my face even my undereye.
Now, one more thing, my skin got even more dry and flaky from the ACV on and off through this process, and then at one point it got so dry I felt like certain parts felt like sand paper, so rough, then one day I decided I couldn't it and exfoliated the duty skin off, and under neath was smooth skin, so be patient , I feel like that extra dry layer was almost like a scab, gross I know, but I didn't bother it and I feel like it was doing some healing underneath, I don't know that's just me but I did read another post and she had the same experience, who knows. Removing fluoride is my next task, and I may even try the calendula cream for the remaining dry spots just to see, and the yogurt mask. I hope this helps everyone sorry for the rant but I like details lol best of luck don't give up you need to have patience with this but there is hope!!
I just wanted to say thank goodness for this site!!! I will make this brief and just share my results thus far and personal trouble shooting as, if you are reading this you know the issue we have all been dealing with. I hope this helps!
I agree that Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is great, personally I did not cut it with water but applied it directly to the offending areas, and I did it OFTEN for the first three or so days. I did see some results and was hopeful but to be honest it was not nearly as quick as I had hoped for.
Week 1: rid our premises of all sulfates and parabens, I thought I was doing good with "mostly organic stuff" um, surprise, not nearly as good as I thought, example, foaming hand soap and shaving cream! I also…. GASP…. Bagged up ALL of my Mac makeup. This was by far the most painful. Switched to floride free toothpaste etc….
Topically applying the ACV (and tried the Greek yogurt did nothing for me personally), also began taking additional acidophilus and biotin and turmeric. About five days in upon perusing this site again I saw the mention of oregano oil. I had a feeling it would burn, I was not mistaken, I had thought about cutting it with another oil but I wanted to kill this stuff and figured; how bad could it be? It was pretty bad BUT it worked!!!! I have been applying it now for going on four days, just two times a day and still using my 50/50 ACV and water mixture as a toner.
I purchased some calendula ointment that I apply after using the ACV, but don't feel the need after using the oregano oil as it is an oil.
I have been using bare minerals for the last three days when I go out and am pretty satisfied with the results… Sigh (thinking of my 1, 000$ of Mac supply)
I wash my face with raw organic honey. Let's see, what else…. Oh, on the diet issue. I exercise five days a week and eat very clean so I personally don't know that it relates but it very well may, I'm not giving up my wine. 😉
I really hope this helps! Good luck!
Dear all suffering with PD,
My story regarding PD is quite lengthy (sorry I don’t want to bore you, but I think the history of how it all began is important for all to understand the cause, the desperation and eventually miraculous treatment, )and after much confusion, upset, cost and frustration I want to share it with you, with the hope that any fellow sufferers will be alleviated from this painful and psychological debilitating affliction quickly.
My PD started roughly 5 years ago after shingles, so obviously my immunity system was already surpressed.
I live in Spain and for many years used expensive as natural as possible 25-50 sun creams on my face, in winter as well as summer as I enjoy many outdoor sports including sailing.
As typical with PD, I noticed a small patch of irrated skin appearing just below my left nostril. I have extremely sensitive skin with a history of allergic reactions to many lotions and potions… E45 was always my anchor, however it was not helping me here.
As I work in an alternative health clinic, I am surrounded by well informed collegeues on the alternative treatments for dermatological problems, however, after using homeopathy and accupuncture and the typical suggestions of natural topical treatments my problem, although controlled, was in no way cured, and some of the natural ‘potions’ irritated my sensitive skin even more. Also after calm periods the PD would suddenly flare up again, and it seemed each new episode brought a greater degree of intensity and growth of this affliction.
Eventually I visited my GP who in turn referred me to a dermatologist, who confirmed a PD diagnosis, and yes you have all guessed what was prescribed …… Steroid cream!!!! SURPRISE!!!! I was told to use it for 10 days and to apply it with a cotton bud. I followed the instructions and was pleased with the outcome… PD vanished… Well for a short while…
Then it came back, so I would then dab on a little more steroid cream… and thus I entered the downward spiral of steroid cream ‘quick fix’ addiction. Obviously I used it sparingly, and I don’t think that in the five years I have exceeded more than 50g of steroid cream, but I knew that the problem was getting worse.
However, it remained my crutch. One day whilst in the waiting room of a clinic waiting for an gynaecological ultrasound, I came across an article about the relationship between facial suncreams and PD… BINGO!!! All I needed to do was stop using suncreams on my face.
It seemed (at least for a while) that my miracle cure had arrived. I stopped the suncream and started using Aveeno (not advertising here it was recommended by my sister who’s son suffers for eczema.) However, after about 18months my PD came back, stronger and more resistant than ever and once again the battle was on.
I must also add, that other than chocolate and coffee I eat a very healthy vegetarian and organic produce diet, with very little alcohol, I drink lots of mineral or filtered water don’t smoke, exercise on a regular basis, cycle everywhere in the city and do not take any other medication. Also all my cleaning products are natural. My beauty products other than the E45 and Aveeno are completely paraben and fragrance free, and for the last year I use a flouride free toothpaste from the herbal shop.
Eventually I arrived to the point where I didn’t want to have to rely upon my steroid cream ‘crutch’ and wanted a healthier natural remedy that was going to be effective, and rather than procrastinating any longer ‘no time like the present’ became my mantra.
11 days ago was the last time I applied the steroid cream, and ‘oh my goodness, ‘ its been quite a journey. I went ‘cold turkey’ and in 5 days my face was literally on ‘fire’ it was extremely distressing and painful. My skin was red raw, raised, itchy, blistered and with an intense burning sensation around the nose mouth and left eye areas. But, this was it there was no going back and I was now focused on finding the healthy solution.
I trawled the internet forums and thank goodness I came across ‘Earth Clinic’….. you have all been a huge help and after initial trial and errors here is what I used and when I got the mixture right I had a lightening time recovery.
I tried Aloe Vera cream and gel.. MADE IT WORSE
Rose Hip oil… MADE IT WORSE
Apple Cider Vinegar… MADE IT WORSE
Tap Water… Made IT WORSE
Aveeno cream… SLIGHT relief from itching (but contains chemicals )
###FOLLOW the below recipe for relief and 80% improvement in 2 days….. IT DID FOR ME
***ORGANIC OAT MILK milk stored in fridge (used for cleansing)….. TOTAL RELIEF from itching and stinging
***ORGANIC LIVE YOGHURT, 2tablespoons, with 2 capsules of ‘natures plus’ Ultra Probiotic emptied into the mixture(not advertising had the ultra probiotic already stored in the fridge to regenerate intestinal flora after taking antibiotics for tooth implant) any good acidophilus will work, I then added 1 teaspoon of organic honey to this mixture…. Popped the mixture in the freezer for 10 mins, then with a sterile makeup brush I painted it all over my face, around the eyes and double thickness in the areas that were mostly suffering… SUCCESS and HEAVENLY… The coolness of this mixture is soothing. Leave it on for between 20 to 30 mins then rinse off with an organic cotton pad and mineral water, the fine powder from the probiotic/acidophilus capsule will also serve as a delicate exfoliant to remove the gradual drying out of the PD….. Apply morning and evening
***COCONUT OIL (cheap and from any health food store) apply with organic cotton pad twice Daily after the yoghurt treatment. This takes down the swelling and starts to dry up the inflammation.
***ACUPUNCTURE to balance the meridians and remove the excess ‘fire’ energy from the body, and helps to stimulate the suprarenal glands to produce ‘Cortisol’ which is our very own organic form of steroid which has anti inflammatory properties on our organism… RELAXING and nice to have a therapist to talk to you about your symptoms
***HOMEOPATHY, Initially I took Rhus toxicodendron 30ch and felt a lot WORSE for it, so I changed to Histaminium 30ch 2 granules under my tongue 3 times a day…. RELIEF instantly my swelling started to subside
***AND LASTLY…. I wanted a ‘pure as one can get’ vitamin E cream to reduce the possibility of scarring, however after searching numerous pharmacies, health food and herbal stores here in Barcelona I couldn’t find any, but my intuition told me to look at La ROCHE-POSAY products who have an amazing programme in their Spa’s in France for treating scars and build up of scar tissue after mastectomies. I came across ‘Cicablast Baume B5’ ‘CICA’ is derived from the french word for scar… ‘Cicatrice’ and although, not totally free of chemicals it is fragrance and paraben free and contains shea butter and zinc gluconate. This was very soothing and the difference the next morning was ASTOUNDING!!!!! I would only recommend this at the end of the treatment list and for a few days only.
I am now sitting writing this with my face nearly looking normal and reflecting on it all it has been a HUGE learning curve, and I know this will be of use to others that is why I decided to share it with you all. I realise that PD is not 100% curable, however I think with the above tools it will now be 100% treatable.
Cost wise, most of these products are not at all expensive…. in fact other than the Acupuncture most are well under 10euros, or are products that we already have in the house.
I think it also important to point out that its necessary to allow your PD to ‘Come Out’ after stopping the steroid cream. Its a distressing time but then you will no to some extent what you are ‘really’ treating
I am now just going to put on the cooling yoghurt face pack… BLISS
Good luck and thank you for your help and support, I will keep you updated as it is still early days for me as yet.
Lou xxx
So thought I’d share my story seen as reading many posts from others was how I came to “cure” my POD.
So it started about 4 months ago, I thought originally it was windburn as I had gone for a walk on quite a windy day and taken my glasses off so the skin around my eyes (like two days after) looks raw burnt and peeling. I tried just moisterising the area which made it burn and then get worse. Eventually after a few weeks I went to my Doctor who told me I wasnt using the right moisteriser and I should try neutrogina (great advice doc!! ) went to my beatician in the end who gave me a natural skin repair liquid and oil which was great at first but then my skin just started flaring up majorly red, bumpy, itchy, scaly and finally puffy… So at the end of four months of this carry on I was at my wits end, so went to the health shop and picked up some natural dermatitis cream and starting reading up on other peoples experiences. Eventually came across a few sites that mentioned Apple Cider Vinegar (including this one) so thought well I might as well give that a go too. Well you would not believe the effects, for the past week I have used the ACV morning and night, the repair oils around my eyes (I’m not game enough for vinegar round my eyes) and the dermatitis cream during the day to keep my skin from going dry. I also soak my face and neck with a damp cloth and been drinking load of water. In a week my skin has cleaned up so much, its soft, moistened, not red or bumpy. I cannot believe it, I am now cutting back the ACV to a night only and will wait to see how this plays out. But currently very glad that I found this website and heard about ACV. Good luck to all and thanks for sharing your stories 🙂
Perioral Dermatitis: I have been reading through this website, specifically this section, for over a week now, and finally broke down and started trying some of the things listed here. I have some questions though, but first I guess I should share my sojourn and what I am doing so far.
I am in my early 30’s, and have had basal cell carcinoma on my face (on my temple and my forhead both along the hairline). Both times the dermatologist said “oh it doesn’t look like anything to be concerned about but we can biopsy it if you want”, both times it was something that needed removal. The third time I went in for a suspicious spot, she froze it and then said, oh and let’s treat your dermatitis. My what?!!!
I knew I was having some crazy redness that seemed to be worse in the cold and was spreading with some flaky/dry skin and my pores had become insanely HUGE on my nose and it was spreading to my cheeks and forhead. She said that was just age, but then pointed out these flat slightly raised bumps sprinkled in the redness that was along the laugh lines lip and side of my nose and cheeks right next to the nose. I hadn’t really noticed them, they didn’t hurt or itch or burn. At this point if I could get the redness to go away, and the bumps that were now glaring at me in the mirror as I sat there I was all for it.
She prescribed antibiotics and a cream, I filled them and almost cried when it was $134. 00 after insurance for just a 30 day supply of both, since she said it would take possibly 3-4 months to clear! I started them that night and the cream was burning as in my face just felt incredibly hot. I used it again the next morning with the same result and decided to really read the side effects sheet as opposed to just scanning it. I was shocked to see it say that it has the possibility to cause skin cancer and lymphoma!! No way was I going to continue using this, on my face where I have had skin cancer and right next to a spot I had frozen because of being possible skin cancer!!! I knew there had to be a better, healthier way to combate this, and that is how I found this site.
I have to say that over the last year I have been under incredible stress and my body is telling me that through the skin cancer, this PD, and a myriad of other health issues that have sprung up in the last few months. Apparently my body cannot handle the stress any longer. I have lost about 20 pounds and a bajillion hours of slept due to horrific anxiety, and when I do eat it isn’t always the healthiest and I can’t function even slightly without a cup of coffee in the morning.
I decided if I can spend ridiculous amounts on meds from a doctor who couldn’t even diagnose my skin cancer correctly and I had to point it out to her and insist it was serious, that why should I follow her on this PD aspect. Which also had me researching other things such as rosecea and discoid lupus (my mother has been told she may have lupus, but refuses to follow up with that) as well as other types of dermatitis and even frost bite ( I say this because after a night out in negative temps two years ago I woke up with a crazy deep red/purple triangle on my nose, the skin peeled multiple layers and ever since the redness has been there when exposed to the cold for any length of time and has spread from that little triagle section to the rest of my face). At this point I am not confident this is the right diagnosis, but many of the remedies cross translate, so I will stick with it for now and figure out what works.
I started out with straight hydrogen peroxide. I put it on a cotton pad and swooped it along my face and then used a cotten tip and put it directly on the round raised bumps. Within seconds while I watched the bumbs were gone, it was insane! I continued to coat my face and let it dry which is why my face became angry red on my nose and it stung incredibly badly bringing tears to my eyes. I stuck it out thinking it must be cleaning something and went to bed. Woke up the next morning and the redness was practically gone, all the bumps were still gone, and my pores had shrunk back to almost normal! (I should add I have never had more than a pimple here or there and never a visable pore on my body prior to the last few months). I decided to use it again, but it didn’t seem to have the same effect; however, I figure if this was working I would go to my local organic store and pick up a few things.
I currently have zinc oxide tabs 5mg, as I noticed that pretty much everything with zinc I’m not eating lately. I don’t plan to be on this for long as I have read it could have some negative affects and in the past zinc used for colds has made me very ill. I also am using a 40% zinc diaper cream as a topical as I speak to hopefully tone down some of the angry red that seems to be spreading even more since I started with the peroxide and is even darker since I started with the apple cider vinegar! I also added a probiotic, am taking APV orally, and coconut oil orally (it’s a nice replacement for sugar in my coffee).
My questions are these:
1. How long before the redness goes away?
2. Is it normal for the redness to spread when using these topical treatments? (it has followed my cheek bones on both sides and moving up my temples and has also moved up my nose to between my eyebrows and right above one eye brow where I put some peroxide hoping to shrink some pores)
3. I feel like yeast may be a culprit here and am curious if things such as, change in breath or foamy mucus are a reaction of the yeast being eliminated from the body (ie the internal things like probiotic and ACV doing their job)
4. When does the stinging and burning stop from the ACV topical treatment, and what is the best kind of soap to use to rinse after? I have stopped using all my “harsher” scrubs and face washes and am using a gentle cleanser and very little lotion, my face is actually less flakey and dry and feels pretty good except for right after the ACV so I follow it with the gentle cleanser and the hydrogen peroxide, and tonight with the zinc diaper cream (in hopes of lessening the redness since I Know as soon as I go outside in the morning my nose is going to shine like rudolf anyways it would be nice to see how much the cold effects it, by having a nice clear non-red or simply pink nose to start with)
Any thoughts, opinions, answers on any aspect of this whole thing are greatly appreciated! Thank you!!
UPDATE: SIDE EFFECT?! Help 🙁
Since taking the ACV I have begun to be unbelievably exhausted. My body feels heavy and all I want to do is sleep. It was an extreme effort to even get up to use the computer to post this. I haven’t felt this tired since pregnancy and honestly this is even worse (and no I am not pregnant currently). Is this something others have experienced? Is there a solution to resolve this? I am still seeing some improvement on my skin with the redness (although I have not put ACV topically other than one time), and don’t want to stop, but goodness I’m exhausted, and almost feel as if my blood pressure is incredibly low (I naturally have blood pressure that is on the low side of normal).
I just read your update about being very fatigued, and it sounded so familiar! I just finished battling POD myself, and I didn’t realize until just now that I also was suffering from fatigue, but now I am not. I find this really interesting, although I’m afraid I can’t offer any help. I just wanted to sleep and sleep and sleep, but now I’m fine.
You asked in your original post if it was normal for the redness to spread, and yes, for me, that was very normal. (my story is posted in a thread entitled Apple Cider Vingear, Yogurt, Grapefruit Seed Extract)
If you do use the ACV topically, the stinging goes away when the POD is healed. I now use diluted ACV as a toner every morning, and it is not painful at all.
Hang in there- you can beat this!
I have been doing TONS of research. While Perioral Dermatitus might be caused by Steroids, chemicals, etc. a good portion why it comes is Parasites inside the small intestine. We all carry, 99.9% of people (according to research) at least 1 parasite. Well guess what, some of them are in our bodies for the rest of lives, or until we get rid of them. Why women are more likely to get Perioral Dermatitus. Well first Pregnant women might get PD because of their estregen level is much higher when pregnant, I think it might cause to produce a lot more stomach acid, that in turn causes PD. So for pregnant women the best control for it is ALOE VERA JUICE, A LOT OF IT. Do you own research, but it has some amazing benefits. For the rest of women, PD is an Yeast Overgrowth, but guess what causes the east to go crazy in the intestine, its acid level, and guess what causes more acid production: Parasites. Parasites also deplete the body of B Vitamins, thats why some mention that they have Vitamin Deficiencies.
Before spending tons of money, this is what you need to do. First RESEARCH. Then you need to kill the parasite in the stomach: Black Walnut Hull, Woodworm, and Clove (all three combined will do anti-ceptic/anti-fungul/kill the bad bacteria, kill parasites and anything that is very bad in your stomach. Research before you use Black Walnut for longer than 1. 5 months, since it might overload the liver, so you have to be careful, but this remedy has been used since the ancient times. Then you NEED STRONG PRE-BIOTICS, while people mention Yogurt is good, its not enough, you might get about 1 million good bacteria in a big yogurt jug, but you really need more like 50-100 billion good bacteria, usually those PRE-BIOTIC pills run at a healthfood store $20-$40 for like a 30 day supply, but you this. Then as dealing with the face, while your body is being healed and cured of this crap. You need APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, you can also take it internally, make sure its an hour apart from other things you are ingesting to kill parasites. Dont mix them, and put them in your stomach at the same time, each needs space to work. Apple Cider Vinegar, while deluted in water and taken orally, helps control yeast (which is given free reign because of the parasite that is causing the whole entire thing). Apple Cider Vinegar should also be deluted and applied to the dermatitus. It will help a lot After about 1-2 hours after applying Apple Cider Vinegar, you need to apply a yogurt mast to your face, to introduce good bacteria, since Apple Cider Vinegar just killed the bad fungus bacteria, you need to introduce good bacteria. A lot of things on this forum are right on track. But none of them mentioned that ITS A PARASITE IN THE STOMACH THAT IS CAUSING THE YEAST TO GO CRAZY (NOT IN ALL CASES, BUT FROM A GUESS, IN ABOUT 50% OR MORE). So if you tried remedies and you think that something is not right, please do a parasite cleanse, it might do the trick. A person should be able to eat varieties, and not eating fructose such as fruit is rediculous, at least after you killed the parasites. I surely hope this info is usefull. I think dermatologists are useless in this. People do your research, much love!.
Thank you. I am at wits end. I just want to curl up in a corner in my room until my days end. At least now I can try something else. Thank you for your post.
Thanks for your comments. I made a mask after suffering with pd (self diagnosed) for over a month, emergency room visit, and doctor's visit with doxycycline 100mg and oral steroid from both doctors with no results. I mixed Aztec Indian healing clay, hydro peroxide, acvwith mother, lemon juice, and tea tree oil into a paste; applied, let dry, rinsed, repeated throughout the day. 60% better…feeling hopeful.
I have struggled with perioral dermititis for years. I've been to several dermatologists and taken antibiotics, applied a million creams, including steroid creams and everything else they prescribed. I've changed my toothpaste to a version that didn't contain flouride. I've tried Calendula Cream on it's own – it helped the dryness a bit but I kept breaking out and my face was still red and swollen and sore.
Apple Cider Vinegar changed everything. I happened on to this website a few weeks ago when I was doing some research on alternative remedies and immediately tried a combination of Apple Cider Vinegar, Calendula Cream and Calendula Soap. Within DAYS the red, scaly, itchy, acne-prone mess around my mouth was drastically improved. I couldn't believe it. It's been a few weeks now and I could not be happier with the results. You may need to tweak the routine I describe below but I swear these remedies work and they work fast!
Apple Cider Vinegar: as mentioned in many other posts, make sure you get the unfiltered, "of the mother" apple cider vinegar.
First day: I made a mixture of 1 part ACV, 1 part water. I dabbed this on the affected area every few minutes for most of the first day over a weekend. It will burn. I was ok with that – felt like it was working. Every time it stopped burning I applied more.
Second day: I didn't apply anymore ACV, but the entire affected area peeled off. It was still red underneath but much smoother and less scaly/dry than previously.
Every day since: I made a toner of 1 part ACV, 2 parts water – a little more diluted than the original mixture I used on Day 1. I apply the toner to the affected area morning and night after washing my face with Calendula Soap – I found a bar of Weleda Calendula Soap at Whole Foods and gave it a shot – it is not specifically facial soap but it's working for me. After using the toner, I apply California Baby Calendula cream only to the affected area and then a light facial moisturizer to the rest of my face. I tried using the California Baby on my whole face but found that I was breaking out in other areas. Using it only on the affected area only seems to be working perfectly.
My face feels completely different – it's no longer tight and dry and swollen feeling in the affected area. I am so happy I found everyone's advice on EarthClinic and am happy to share mine. I don't understand why derms don't know about these simple remedies.
I am female, 45 years old, and I've been struggling with perioral dermatitis for the last few months. Initially I did not know what it was, so I went to the the doctor, and he gave me… Steriod cream! Argh!
I started researching on my own, which led me here, and made me realize what a bad move it had been to start putting steroids on my face. I gradually weaned myself off that cream, but of course, as soon as I did, the rash exploded all down my chin.
I am writing this post, mostly to encourage others to be patient with the course of their treatment, whatever remedies they choose to try. I became discouraged when I read posts where someone tried some product for three days and suddenly they were all better, because after weeks, I was certainly not.
So…the first thing I tried, and what I believe did make the biggest difference was ACV. I would swab Organic Apple Cider Vinegar over the spots twice a day. It was not a miracle cure, and there were times I would despair because I did not seem to be getting any better, but I could see that it was changing. I kept going with it mostly because I couldn't find any GSE (more on that in a minute). But after 6 weeks, lo and behold, no more new spots… Much less flaking… And I could honestly say I was healing. 6 WEEKS… 6 weeks of patiently applying it twice a day. I also started drinking it a couple of times a day- 1 or 2 tbsp mixed in water with a bit of raw honey.
I would also apply some plain yogurt to the area after swabbing with the ACV. I figured that the ACV would kill off the nasties and the yogurt would put back what was good… That's just my theory, though. I left the yogurt on for about 10 or 15 minutes, then gently wiped it off with cold water. That always felt good.
After that, I would moisturize. For moisturizing, I did try coconut oil, but for me, it made things worse. What worked well was Calendula ointment. It's a little greasy-looking at first, but nice and gentle.
This routine helped after about 6 weeks, but I was still looking for something to get rid of it entirely. I had read the reviews about Grapefruit Seed Extract and wanted to try it, but I couldn't find the liquid. I bought some capsules and took them as directed on the package, but they honestly didn't seem to help. And then, I went to a health food store and asked them for GSE. It turns out, due to packaging regulations in Canada, that you won't find a product labelled GSE on the shelf. It is there, though. {the product that I bought is The Original Liquid with Vitamin A and Zinc, contains GSE }
Finally I had the elusive GSE. I started to take it in water, 3 times a day, 7 drops each time. That gave me heartburn, so I have cut back to 5 drops, 3 times a day. I made up a solution of 1 tbsp water, 10 drops of GSE for swabbing my face.
And now… Healing! I am still swiping my face (all of it) with diluted ACV twice a day. But I also dab the affected area with the GSE a couple of times a day, and also if I wake up in the night. I should say that I don't think I would do this if the rash were still really bad… I think that would be too painful and drying.
My best advice:
1. Be patient. 🙂
2. Be gentle. Don't make the mistake I did of using a commercial exfoliant, no matter how gentle, to try and get rid of the flakes. Trust me when I say that will make it much, much, worse! Yes, your skin will peel. I found that a very gentle scrub with a washcloth while removing the yogurt mask was the best time to get flakes off.
3. Treat the whole area from your nose to your chin and all around your mouth with whatever you are using (except the moisturizer, perhaps). Whatever this stuff is, it will jump around. If you are treating the rest of the area, any spots that do pop up will be small and quickly gone.
One more thought- I only recently started Oil Pulling and I can't help but wonder if that might be a helpful thing to add to the treatment routine of Perioral Dermatitis, especially using Coconut Oil. If it is, in fact some sort of yeast that causes this condition, then OP should help to correct that. Just a thought… I'll throw it out here in case someone more knowledgeable than me might like to consider that further.
Update to my original post- I am healed!
Healing took four months from the time I first quit the steroids and started with the ACV.
What definitely worked: ACV applied topically, yogurt masks and Calendula ointment. I did apply the ACV full strength at first, but if I had to do it all over again, I would dilute it a bit with water. It is awfully harsh on skin that is sensitive to begin with. But it did get the job done.
What probably helped: ACV taken internally, GSE applied topically and taken internally, probiotics.
What may or may not have helped: Bioten, switching soaps to an all-natural glycerine bar, oil-pulling.
What made it worse: Aloe Vera gel, coconut oil as a moisturizer, commercial exfoliant.
Feedback on using ACV- I noticed that at first it would fizz and sting the affected area and that it would turn white. But as healing begins and continues, that stopped. When you apply ACV toner (that is, ACV diluted with water) to healthy skin it doesn't burn and it doesn't bubble up at all. I wondered if I might be damaging my skin by long term use of ACV, but that wasn't the case.
I also mentioned in my original post that it's a good idea to treat the whole area around the mouth, even if there are no spots. I should also have treated my nose! I was nearly healed around my mouth and chin when the area around my nostrils started to peel and flake. It didn't last long, likely because I was well on the way to healing from within, but still I could probably have avoided that small outbreak. Now I am wondering if the real root cause of my POD was connected with my long-term using of a steroid nasal spray.
I just wanted to again encourage anyone who is suffering with POD to be patient while trying to treat it. Just because a treatment doesn't work miraculously for you in 3 days doesn't mean it might not work for you in the long term. Best of luck to you.
Anyone who has used yogurt, do you find that it stings? I just tried it today for the first time, and after a few minutes it started to sting!
I use yogurt and it stings at first because its so cold. I think it helps but not sure. I stopped using fluoride toothpaste over a year ago and I still have the peri oral. I also am using unfiltered vinegar a couple of times a day. those things seem to help but not make it go away. I'm going to order some calendula. I read it has helped some people. I'm ordering it from where they make it. I found it online. the one at target has too many other things in it. I'm 78 1/2 years old and I got perioral feb 2013. it must be payback for my youthful mistakes.:-(. also using organic coconut oil.
Hello,
I was reading your post and I have been diagnosed with POD and have been given steroid ointment and antibiotic ointments to help ( my derm highly recommended oral antibiotics but I am breastfeeding and can not take it). The ointments cleared it up initially but it has come back. I went and bought some ACV and GSE (capsules) and want to begin trying something a little more natural. I also will try the yogurt mask. My questions to you are; after you were all cleared up, do you continue this as a daily routine? How do you keep it from coming back? And also, do the GSE capsules work the same as the drops?
Thank you for your post and I look forward to hearing from you!
-Nikki
Hi, Nikki
It's been three years since I wrote about POD and I'm happy to say that once it cleared up for me, it pretty much stayed away. Rarely I will get a little flare-up around my nose, but just swabbing a few times with diluted Apple Cider Vinegar will nip it in the bud. I can always tell if it's POD by the fizzing feeling on my skin. Once that feeling is gone, I quit swabbing.
I did try the capsules and they didn't seem to work for me. But everyone is different and perhaps they will help you. If you can get liquid GSE you can use that to swab your face, so it might be worth looking for. I wish you the best, and I hope it clears up for you.
Thanks for your post. I've been reading all these post saying next day it was better, after 3 days it was gone, etc. That is not my story and therefore I was losing hope. Glad to hear your testimony.
Hi all! I wanted to post my experience with this debilitating skin condition called Perioral Dermatitis (it should be called Perennial Dermatitis! ) so that it may help another fellow sufferer out there…
I have had POD on and off for years since I was 19. It tends to occur in Autumn-Winter as the ‘dry’ version, and I have come to realise that I have had it in the Summer months too, albeit milder and ‘greasier’ looking, so I just assumed I had the odd acne pimple cropping up. Not so. I am now in my 40s. I firmly believe stress (which I always seem to have) and damp, cold weather play a key role. This makes me think the condition is yeast- or fungal-based. Anyway, as usual, this October I got a few bumps near the lower-right corner of my mouth. I thought nothing of it, that it was just a minor breakout of spots (how do I forget every year?! ). Unfortunately it spread like wildfire this time, faster than I ever recall before, even to the point I spotted one or two tiny pink blisters forming below my eyes, in between and above my eyebrows, and even under my middle jawline! The skin around my eyes felt as tight as a stretched elastic band, which is unusual for a long-term mild acne sufferer with supple skin.
I’ll try and keep a long story short: I must have spent around £100-£150 in the last few weeks on either exact or similar products to what others have had success with – you name it – Baby Nappy Rash Cream, Calendula Ointment, Zinc Oxide Ointment, Violet Extract from the USA, Oregano Oil, Comfry Ointment (I figured why not?), Healing Calendula Cream, Calendula Cream, Dermatological Colostrum Cream (getting desperate by now), Manuka Honey, top quality probiotics, Biotin tablets, tubs of organic live greek yoghurt for face masks… You get the picture (and can no doubt relate)! All the while the rash was spreading angrily and forming a flaking, crusting, cracking, burning, itching, bright red, papular, eczematous mess in my entire muzzle area. It was like watching an ever-growing army forming; the small hard papules would group together defiantly, ganging up against whatever I applied to them. Whilst the rash was widely dispersed, the stronghold was evident in my chin crease – it started to hurt on opening my mouth to eat… In a matter of a few weeks I had a full on nose-chin beard of weeping, painful papules and sharp flaky shards of skin that I couldn’t resist picking at in the evenings. I looked a mess. A few baking soda washes helped smooth the crusts out a bit, but it became so dry it was nigh impossible to cover up when I ventured out. Any of the above creams I tried out to soothe and moisturise the skin just brought out even more riotous bumps, and they were greasy so my cover-up makeup wouldn’t ‘sit’ properly and broke apart in seconds. I could see shop assistants and passers-by looking at my lower face. Looped scarves became my best friend.
With Christmas looming I was getting desperate. I’m not vain, quite the opposite in fact, and just wanted to look and feel ‘nice’ over the holidays. I read up on ACV and caved in, vowing it to be the last £10 to spend before succumbing to the dreaded 1-2 month-long antibiotics route that would no doubt open up another can of worms health-wise. I managed to track down a local health food store that sold raw cloudy ACV ‘with mother’. It had won a taste award, so I was sold. I absent-mindedly picked up some raw organic honey too (I’d read about its soothing benefits for skin wounds) and ventured over to the natural toiletry products section. I desperately needed to moisturise, but with what?! Then I spied a bottle proclaiming to be the best moisturiser for eczema and psoriasis sufferers. You don’t even have to rub it in. Just spray and go. Bonus. POD is so similar to eczema that I shrugged and bought it, what was there to lose (except even more money)?
3 days later my muzzle rash was almost gone! It wasn’t instant, I’ll be honest and say that after the first use of all 3 new products above my skin flared up a bit. But I stuck with it figuring that if this is a yeast or fungal condition, it’s just dying off or not accepting defeat and trying to fight back, briefly. Within 24 hours the angry redness was more of a dark pink, and I only got a few more papules trying to crop up on my chin and in my naso-labial folds. I could feel smooth bump-free areas forming in between. This was encouraging to say the least! I held my breath. Over the next 24 hours the papules didn’t burst, weep or burn so much after applying the ACV and the itching bouts were starting to ease off. By the third day, without makeup I still had patchy discolouration where the (now dried-up) plaques and bumps had been, but once covered up, I started to look relatively normal with just a few discernible tiny bumps and dryness left. Now, in the second half of my trial week, with a few days to go until Christmas Day, I expect to be fully healed and skin-content. I must stress that the above healing still occurred despite eating a few sugary Christmas treats and drinking a couple of glasses of red wine at night (yes this previously made my rash flare and spread). So… if you want the details, here’s what I did (morning and night):
1. Washed my face gently with raw honey, adding a little baking soda to help remove makeup at night and smooth down any crusts. Rinse well with lukewarm (not hot) water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Soak cotton wool pads in 50:50 ACV/warm tapwater solution and apply and press firmly into the rash areas, sweep the pads over all the clear surrounding skin too, just to prevent the rash trying to crop up elsewhere (I discovered its nasty little migration trick after application #1! )
3. Let skin dry naturally and apply Dermaspray Intensive all over your face (use a spray-soaked cotton wool pad for around the eyes), saturating the rash area in particular. You will be in heaven. The peppermint is so cooling and soothing and you will be able to move your face afterwards – it’ll be fully moisturised with no greasiness. In the evenings whilst watching TV, I applied it again within an hour or two if the tightness / dryness returned.
4. Cover rash and any redness with colour-tinted Night Treatment – lightly dust on and buff in a circular motion. I used the ‘Medium’ tinted version as it was a good match for my normal Winter skin tone. I’ll use the ‘Tan’ one next Summer. This ‘makeup that isn’t makeup’ contains zinc oxide and treats the skin whilst hiding imperfections. It is a gentle and natural solution to covering up the rash, and I highly recommend it for the daytime – nighttime is good if you are shy about baring your skin to your partner or family – you can even sleep with it on!
5. Add a tablespoon of ACV to a small cup of warm kettle water/fruit juice and a teaspoon of raw honey mixed in for flavour. Stir together and drink fast! It will go down a treat this way. Take this before your breakfast and evening meal. Remember to take your probiotics daily too, as instructed on the bottle.
6. Never go back to using products laden with nasty chemicals; stick to the above all year round – natural is best and your skin will thank you for it.
…and that’s it! I sincerely hope that this experience goes a long way to helping someone else win the POD war! Merry Christmas! 🙂
Update: On the fifth day, I felt that the remaining 20% of the POD wasn’t shifting and I even had one or two rebellious papules return, (evil stuff). So, undeterred, I popped over to a well-known herbal remedy store here in the UK and got them to make me up a 150ml bottle of pure calendula and myrrh tinctures (100ml:50ml ratio respectively). Having approx 50% of my wonderful intensive dermaspray left, I simply filled the remainder of the bottle with the tincture mix and shook it all up together – I now had a non-greasy base for the tincture which meant the alcohol wouldn’t be an issue – it was time to kick this stuff into touch!
The good news is that it’s worked an absolute treat! On the same day I also took 5ml of the tincture internally with water 3 x day before meals (as instructed), mixing in 10 drops of bitter Berberis tincture for good measure (I didn’t add this to the spray though). All the tinctures are highly antifungal and antinflammatory, and just 12 hours later the last of my POD has died down dramatically so now I have only dark pink-coloured patches and 2 small drying plaques left to heal. I now feel that I want to recommend trying the tinctures and dermaspray over and above any other treatment if your POD is stubborn or recurs – I have tried everything – trust me! Good luck everyone!
Just thought I would let everyone know that I have been suffering with perioral dermatitis for about 6 months now. Thinking it was just eczema I was applying Elocon cream (steroid) which cleared it up great! But as soon as I stopped using it it flared up again. I was searching the Internet for similar symptoms to what I was experiencing and found this forum a few weeks ago. I took on board what everyone was suggesting to use as natural remedies as I don’t like using antibiotics unless its really necessary. My face flared up so bad a couple of weeks ago that the whole of my mouth area and parts of my chin were covered in small fluid filled spots and was a real blood red in colour and sooooooo sore.
I bought some apple cider vinegar and some natural organic yoghurt and tried this approach. The first few days the area became more red and sore and looked awful but I carried on with the ACV. After a week it was still red and sore. I read somewhere that perioral dermatitis has also been linked to a candida infection of the bowel – I had been suffering with stomach problems for as long as this rash was at its worst.
I went and bought some Canestan (Clitrimazole) cream that is generally used for the treatment of thrush and hey presto two weeks later all of the small fluid filled blisters have gone and I am now just left with a very light pink patch where the rash was so bad. I noticed with the ACV that it made the sore skin go dry and once it started peeling and with the application of clotrimazole it started getting less sore, less itchy and started to show healthy patches of skin within the area that was affected. I am convinced that at its peak the ACV started to work on the bad skin and then the clotrimazole helped get rid of what was causing it.
I am also taking probiotics now as I am sure that this skin condition started inside the body. I hope this helps sufferers of perioral dermatitis – I became really down about it and was prepared to try anything as it looked awful. I have also bought some Zinc tablets to promote healthy skin….. Anything is worth a try.
I am so relieved to have found this site! I have suffered from PD for almost 5 years! When I first went to the Dermatologist, I was given an anti- fungal cream and told it would take 4 weeks to see results. Ugh! I have a very public job and needed it gon right away. I found a make up that hid it very well… After 4 weeks it was almost gone but tolerable… I have had flare ups off and on ever since. I was even told by one doctor that I was allergic to limes…. The great new is that I have found this site! and thanks to AVC and hydrogen peroxide topical treatments to the affected area, I am PD free as of today!! All that is left is smooth skin… The first 3 days were rough. After the first Apple Cider Vinegar treatment the area stung. I new it was working. After that dried, I used the hydrogen peroxide on cotton balls and applied them for 5 min on the area and it bubbled up.. I was sure this was the cure. I continued this for 4 days. Sure enough after the dried skin sloughed off the area is clear!! Thanks for all who cared to share your success with this remedy!!! I will continue as needed (if needed) 🙂 So very grateful!
I've had all the redness and small fluid filled pustules for several months. Don't know why this started. I used desonide .05 cream but it would get better and come back. Found this site and started with Apple Cider Vinegar right away, redness started disappearing, also started biotin 10,000 mcg, took one last night and more of redness is gone and no new pustules. Also bought some black African mud soap at health food store to wash face with. Will let you know further on down the road, but so far so good.
Hi there… It’s my first time posting on a forum like this but I wanted to share my experience so far. I’ve had Rosacea my entire life, so skin “stuff” has been on the back of my mind pretty much every waking moment of every day of my teen and adult life. About four weeks ago I started getting the mild symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis (PD): the severe burning, itching, sensitivity, and the redness around the lips and chin. I attribute it to sports-related activity as I wear a helmet with a chin-strap and a mouth-guard with my uniform a few times per week. Nothing over the counter helped, and actually it made it worse. It got so bad last week that scheduled a visit with the Dermatologist last Tuesday and she confirmed that PD is indeed what I had. After reading up on PD incessantly, I made a personal decision NOT to take the Cortizone topical cream and the harsh oral antibiotics she prescribed. Instead I decided to take the all-natural way first before diving into the scary world of harsh pharmaceuticals prescribed to me, since my body and skin are both very sensitive to medicine and antibiotics.
Well, it’s been ONE week and I can assure you that the following combination so far is helping me A TON:
— Do NOT use any make-up, moisturizers, face creams, ANYTHING that is synthetic. Leave your skin free of any soaps, washes, solutions, topical creams, etc. Trust me!!!
— Start out by gently cleaning your face with ORGANIC honey… I know, it sounds weird, but just start by washing it with warm water and the honey (trust me, it cleans your makeup off too! )… it leaves your skin super-soft and moisturized.
— When you are ready, start adding a plain yogurt mask to your cleaning regimen, preferably after gently washing your face with the honey. Try mixing the yogurt with the honey–it makes for a great, soothing, deliciously-smelling mask. Do that once in the morning and once at night.
— After a day or so of the honey and yogurt, add some ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) to your regimen. For the last 4 days, I have used it as a toner, as well as taking it internally. As a toner, use a dab of it on cotton or soft tissue over the affected area for about a minute, and let it dry, It WILL burn as all hell, but just let it be. The burning wears off as the effect of the naturally-acidic properties dry off. Then…
— Take a swig!!! The properties in the ACV are VERY helpful with balancing the properties of your skin. I don’t claim to know much about that part or the ACV regimen, but I can tell you, my skin has NEVER felt this happy. Nor my tummy’s digestion. It’s done something to my body that I can’t explain… just read up on it.
— Finally, I have been taking vitamin E and calcium supplements since last week. I have also been using the oil of the vitamin E to dab upon the affected area overnight. It feels funny because it’s an oil, but eventually it dissolves into the skin and it makes it feel supple and happy 🙂
Don’t forget to drink tons of water and to also stay away from spicy foods and sulfites… these are killer for PD.
So far like I said it’s been 6.5 days since the worst of my symptoms and I feel 95% back to the normal way I felt before. I will stress to try the natural way before you try the prescription creams/medicine. Best of luck 🙂 I know it’s frustrating as hell.
I have had perioral dermatitis for nearly 5 months now. At first it started out as a little red patch under my nose and another red patch on my chin. At first I just thought it was dry skin and used rosehip oil and moisturisers on it but it didnt go away. I then saw the doctor and he said it was dermatitis and gave me a steroid cream that I used for roughly 3 weeks, with no results.
I then stopped using the cream and my skin completley flared up and spread to larger patches on both sides of my nose and chin. When I went back to my usual doctor she prescribed me with a weeks worth of cilex (oral antibiotic). It did help slightly, my PD wasnt as red but it didnt completley get rid of it. I went back a week later and she gave me another weeks worth. This did not get rid of it either, although it didnt make it worse thankgod. At the same time I was on the cilex I was using apple cider vinegar and calendula cream. The calendula cream must be doing something to stop the dryness and redness but the ACV hasnt helped at all. When I first read about ACV and how well it has worked for other people with PD I was so relieved because I thought it would work on me too, but unfortunately it didnt! I applied it topically and took it with water everyday.
Anyway, when I finished the second week of cilex, I went to another doctor and explained what I had taken, she prescribed me with rozex gel which is commonly used for rosacea. I am not sure why this was given to me given that my PD was not mild. I explained to her that I had read that it wasnt good to take topical gels but she said this had an antibiotic in it. I thought that it was ok, so gave it a go. I have been on the rozex for just over a week and have noticed that the redness is fading but I am now getting heaps of little pimples ALL OVER my face. I think the dermatitis is now spreading under my eyes. I have made an appointment with a Dermatologist and I am hoping that he prescribes me with either tetracycline or doxyclycline because nothing else is working and it is really effecting my self confidence. I cant even go with out wearing makeup in front of my good friends!
I will be sure to update everyone on how my dermi appointment went, fingers crossed I will be rid of PD in no time!
Also, I have stopped using all products that contain SLS and I now use a herbal toothpaste. I am not sure if it is helping but better to be safe then sorry.
Sheena
Hi, I just wanted to tell you that I got he perioral dermatitis around my eyes, what they called periocular dermatitis as well and I used tre times per day to clean the area with peroxide, when dry after 5 minutes I used Apple Cider Vinegar and 15 minutes later I will put a mix of coconut oil with a couple of drops of oregano oil around the area very carefully cause the oregano oil stings pretty bad during like 5 min. Then it goes away. You have to be consistent, I did it during a month an now I am clear, I also took probiotics and the Apple Cider Vinegar orally like twice per day, in my case I think the candida brings all this problems up so no sugars and carbs is necesary for keep everything at bay. just be constant even if you dont see improvements in the beginning! I also meditate and asked for help to fix the problem to the higher powers and to my body to fix the problem as well, (it couldnt hurt, right?).
Love to all of you, Namaste
Topical Friday, 17 May- began using products.
For the first couple of days (after stopping all cortisone/elidel use), this rash got much worse; blistered and scabbed, with raised bumps and whiteheads. It itched and burned. Skin got dried out, flaky, but rash started to disappear. Letting the yogurt mask dry on face, q.d. , then rinsing and rubbing gently, helped remove the dead skin, as did using the dandruff shampoo.
Yogurt was the most soothing and immediately stopped the itching. Ate what was left in the little container, since I only used a Tablespoon or so for the facemask.
I did not put makeup on my face for the first 4 days. When I did, I dabbed “Almay Skin-clearing Makeup” on the red spots with a clean sponge.
Thursday, 24 May – Skin nearly clear; redness and scabs almost disappeared.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar- Apply w/ cotton pads – q.i.d., Dried rash (it burns; might want to dilute with 50% H20)
Aloe Gel 98% – Apply to face after vinegar, Stopped burn, soothed skin without spreading rash
Organic Plain Yogurt- Apply to face like a mask, Stopped itching and also burn; softened skin
Dandruff Shampoo- Face wash-leave on 1 min, Helped to remove dried skin, q.d.
Acidophilus, q.d. Probiotic
Hello everyone. I have suffered with perioral dermatitis for several years. I think it started many years ago after rounds of antibiotics. I also did not eat a proper diet – too much bread, sweets, etc. I tried everything – I mean everything to cure it. Apple cider vinegar, lye soap, neem oil, special toothpaste, special creams, baking soda, yogurt masks, honey masks, dermatologists, allergists, everything. Tried all kinds of supplements – biotin, turmeric, msm (worked for a while, sort of), etc. The list is endless. I finally decided to cure it from the inside, since nothing was working on the outside. Read a ton of info on candida… Folks, I’m telling you, if you are suffering from pd… It starts internally. Here is what has CURED it for me.
Morning with breakfast:
two capsules caprylic acid, one capsule grapefruit seed extract, one good probiotic plus some msm or turmeric for anti inflammation – I switch between the two
At dinner – two capsules caprylic acid, one capsule probiotic
The first week, I also took the capyrlic acid and grapefruit seed extract at lunch. one capsule each.
Now, I did change my diet drastically. But even with changing my diet, my pd did not go away – it didn’t start to change until I added the caprylic acid and gf seed extract. You have to eliminate the white sugars completely. you need to eliminate all breads that have yeast in them, white or not.
Sample of my day:
breakfast – quinoa with pecans, flax meal, unsweetened coconut with almond milk and fresh blueberries
lunch – salad with grilled chicken
dinner – homemade soup with gluten free, brown rice muffins
snack – greek yogurt
I drink either water or coconut water all day. One cup of coffee in the morning. That’s it. After YEARS of struggling with this… the above has cleared my face in one week.
Such a frustrating thing to go through. I feel, physically, so much better. I really hope this helps someone out there. Earth clinic is a great site. I can’t tell you how relieved I am to have this cleared up for now. I will remain on a maintenance dose of the caprylic acid and the probiotic. peace to all.
Just wanting to know how your pod was and if your healthy eating helped. Was wanting to try u were doing? I have been struggling with this since I was 13 now I’m 24 this time around I have had it for over a year!! Before I would have for a few months and would go with antibiotics! I just need help tired if going to dermatologist.
Hi there, Thank you so much for this website. It literally changed my life!
Let me just say I have suffered from acne and eczema since I was a teenager and now at 31 years old, I finally have both under control. About six months ago I had perioral dermatitis (from now on: PD), which I got from stupidly applying Clobetasol to a red, dry and pimply patch of skin near my mouth. My dermatologist had advised me not to use it, but only said that it was “too strong” and did not mention the reprecussions of using it my face. I have been using Clobetasol for years, sparingly, to treat eczema spots on my legs and hands. But for the past 4-5 years I have gotten this pesky dry/pimply spot near my mouth, always in the same place, usually in winter. This past fall I got it really bad. Every time I thought it had healed, it would come back again with avengence. I tried so many expensive creams, derm-recomended over-the-counter moisterizers, expensive creams from Sephora, etc. I spent hundreds of dollars on this problem.
Then I got a rash–ALL OVER MY FACE–as a result of using Clobetasol. I self-diagnosed the problem after several days of research (during which I did not leave the house once! ). I also discovered the Earth Clinic website. After reading dozens and dozens of people’s testimonies, I decided to STOP doing a variety of things: 1) using any kind of moisturizer, 2) using any kind of cleanser on my face, 3) washing my face with more than water, 4) wearing makeup.
Then I tried three natural remedies. The first was apple cider vinegar. Initially I used too much, which did not help my skin’s redness, although the ACV did noticably help dry out the bacterial infection. Then I diluted just a couple drops in water with an organic cotton ball and dabbed it across my face, about once a day. The second remedy was organic raw honey. This I slapped on my face once a day for its good bacteria benefits, finding that it also reduced the redness and softened my flaky skin. Third, I made a yogurt mask twice a day (full fat and probiotic are best. ) My doctor eventually put me on antibiotics, so I cannot claim that these remedies alone got rid of the PD. However, in reaching this ‘rock bottom’ I completely changed my skin cleaning and moisterizing routine–and THAT has kept my skin looking better than it ever has in my life now that I’m off the antibiotics.
What is that routine? Well, not much of one to be honest! I now wake up in the morning and splash my face with room temperature water, then pat it dry. When my skin’s fully dry I apply a minimal amount of Smashbox Healthy FX foundation, usually with an unused cosmetic sponge (rather than my fingers. ) I only wear foundation 4-5 days of the week, as to avoid clogging pours.
Then at night, I use a couple drops of California baby shampoo and room temp water to gently rise my face. I pat dry with a towel. I NEVER use moisterizer.
Once a week I do a yogurt mask for an hour before bed. Coach Farm probiotic yogurt, full fat. The good bacteria helps fight bad bacteria on my face. The next day my skin is noticeably softer. If I had more time, I’d do this every other night!
And that’s it. I also try to eat yogurt often, to keep good bacteria in my system. And during the winter months, I spray my face with rose water from the health food store just to keep it from over-drying. The cost of this routine is negligable!
I still get to wear makeup but need a whole lot less than I used to. It’s so nice to wake up to healthy skin! And no more dry patches near my mouth (even though it’s January and I don’t have a humidifier.)
Thanks, Earth Clinic, and everyone who has written about their experiences. Without all of these helpful accounts of trial and error, I might still be stuck in my room hiding with a rash!
Just thought I would post this link here as this information literally saved my life as well as cured me of my skin problems, including Perioral Dermatitis and Eczema. You are all on the right track with Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemons and Yogurt…. Now you need to get more of those, and other Alkaline Foods, INSIDE your body and your skin will Thank You on the Outside.
My problems were cycles of severe Acidosis and when they say that letting it get too severe can cause coma, they aren't kidding… I was there 5 years ago with no explanation as to why. Please go to this link to start with and then do a search on Acidosis. It causes many problems in the body that cannot be explained. It costs nothing but a little time to keep your diet more balanced (unless you buy the inexpensive PH test strips to monitor your PH). I'm just sharing it in hopes that it will help someone. You can fix and avoid many health problems right at home with food!! :0)
Oh, I should also add that my tap water was very soft (acidic) so it was part of the problem… Now I just add a slice of lemon or lime to every glass of water to get it balanced. Even though citrus foods are acidic, they have an alkaline effect on the body.
I am 32 and have never had perioral dermatitis until 2 months ago.
I went to two dermatologists. The first presribed clindamycin (sp?) topical antibacterial and a topical steriod. The second told me the steroid was the worst idea EVER and to immediately stop using it, but to continue the antibacterial! I also had a random and unrelated rash on my upper chest and the dermatologist told me to soak a washcloth in 1 part distilled white vinegar to 10 parts water and let it sit on my chest for about 10 minutes to clear that one up.
The rash on my chest went away immediately, but my face was getting worse and spreading. I decided that since my face rash wasn't going away, what could it possibly hurt to try the vinegar trick?
I dipped a cotton ball in the 1:10 solution and wiped my PD gently with it. Let it dry for about 10 minutes, then rinsed my face (cleanser for the rest of my face, just the water for around my nose). I then used mosturizer on my face except for on my rash. (Cetaphil facewash and moisturizer)
The next morning I was ASTONISHED at how much the bumpiness had gone down. Did the same thing in the a.m and p.m. for 2 days and had about 60% improvement. Even the redness went down! My friends noticed an immediate difference.
I have read much about Apple Cider Vinegar, but I just used plain old distilled vinegar.
I just wanted to say thank you to the posters on this site.
Like most of the people on here my doctor put me on steroid tablets and told me to apply steroid creams to my PD (around the eyes, mouth, and nose). I'd had for approx. 3 months. The creams and tablets did nothing. Literally zero improvement.
After reading the comments here, I started using ACV (organic, unfiltered) and noticed an immediate change. I could not believe that I was on actual prescribed tablets and it did nothing but two days of ACV and I could see it working!
For those who want to speed up the process, adding manuka honey helped in a BIG way.
I began flaking while using the ACV so I decided to make a gentle cleanser with manuka honey and olive oil. The manuka honey I had was the New Zealand blend (not graded like most manuka honey, although I'm sure those would work even better).
I made the mixture and then applied it gently to my face at night. The next morning I woke up and nearly fainted. I would say that there was a good 60-70% improvement in how I looked the night before. I am not exaggerating one bit.
That was a week ago and since then I do the honey wash in the morning and night and follow it with ACV each time.
I think in the next couple of days it will be completely gone – you can't really see it now…. well, I can cos I'm looking it for it : P
Not sure if this will help everyone but I felt compelled to put my two cents in cos I was floored by how much adding the manuka honey helped my PD.
Thank you to all who posted here about the use of ACV in clearing up perioral dermatitis.
Like several others, I was using corticosteroid cream to treat my perioral dermatitis, and it was working fine. But, every time I stopped using it, the rash-stache came back. Horrible!
When I learned that my treatment was probably also the biggest reason I had the problem in the first place, I stopped using the cream, cold turkey. (I have read other places that you should taper down, and that might have been less difficult. ) The rash-stache went berserk; it was red and bumpy and so so soooo itchy.
The first time I tried the ACV I was mesmerized by its effect. It actually kind of fizzed and bubbled on the rash spots. I don’t know what this means, but I think it’s a chemical reaction between whatever causes the rash-stache (yeast?) and the acid of the vinegar. It burns, it hurts. But it *works*.
I overused the ACV treatment, I think, because I felt so sure it was working. My rach-stache changed from being a red itchy bumpy thing to being a sore, crusty, dry thing. It still looked horrible but it was drying out, not itching, and feeling better.
A few days later the crust began to peel. And wonder of wonders, healthy skin underneath, no rash.
I’m so happy!
I am going to keep an eye on it to see if rash-stache shows signs of returning. If it does, I will use diluted vinegar 50/50 instead of straight out of the bottle. And I will resist the temptation to treat myself ten times in a day! But now that I know ACV works, I’m so relieved that I won’t be spending my life with rash-stache.
Thanks to everyone who posted!
Help! I found this site a few days ago and immediately went to Whole Foods for ACV with the mother. I have been applying it with a cotton ball twice a day as well as using a yogurt mask. I am on day 4 of this and my face is still REALLY red. The PD seems to be drying out a little, but it’s not going away. It still really hurts and I haven’t left the house in 4 days because it is so embarrassing.
Can anyone tell me how long it may be before I see any kind of results? Is there anything that I can do to lessen the redness? I have to go back to the office tomorrow and I’m so mortified I just want to cry. *sigh*
don’t use cotton when applying avc to the face. Use your fingers only.
I would like to share my positive feedback and advice with others, suffering with Perioral Dermatitis. After using cortisone cream on my face for months and suffering with facial eczema, I decided to stop the cortisone cream and try a natural remedy to cure my POD. This past week I had the worst POD breakout of my life. It was pure hell and it was hard not to go back to the easy fix, the cortisone cream.
I discovered your website and read more about the Apple cider Vinegar treatment and Calendula cream. For the last 5 days I've been following this regime. The first 2 days, my skin became red and dry but I just kept using the Apple Cider Vinegar internally and externally. I also used pure organic Calendula cream, and this soothed my skin a lot. My eczema improved, but it wasn't cured, until I discovered products online. The HONEY&PROPOLIS cream saved my skin. I promise you, after 2 hours of application, my skin is 95% cured.
I almost forgot to write about my experience with dermatitis on EC, but it’s something I definitely need to share! Last summer, I developed severe dermititis around my mouth. It started as just a small dry spot on the left corner of my bottom lip, and spread rapidly around my whole chin. I was so frustrated, and at the time I wasn’t sure what it was. At first I assumed it was just dry skin, but using lotion and exfoliating only made it worse. It was unsightly and painful.
I started researching what the problem was. We don’t have insurance, and I prefer to stick with natural remedies, so I wanted to see if there was anything I could try before I went to the Doctor. First, I discovered that I had perioral dermititis, and that it is quite common for women my age. Next, I started searching for remedies, and that’s when I found EC! I ate up all of the advise and information, and was excited to try the ACV and coconut oil regimine.
I would highly, HIGHLY recommend trying this. Here’s my experience:
I began drinking two tablespoons of ACV (the kind with the mother, from my natural foods store, obv) in a glass of water twice a day. It was gross at first, but after awhile, I began to crave it! If you’ve spent any time on EC, you know how benefical ACV is… So start drinking it even if you don’t have dermititis! Anyway, I also began applying ACV to my chin/mouth area with a cotton ball in the evening. It was so strange at first. It stung a little, and hundreds of tiny white bumps appeared. After I applied to ACV and let it dry, I would rub coconut oil into my face. The white bumps would disappear after the ACV dried.
After three weeks, my skin was scalier than ever and I was ready to give up. I couldn’t believe this “wasn’t working for me! ” my skin seemed drier than ever. Right when I was about to throw in the towel… One morning I applied coconut oil to my chin area because it felt especially dry. The dry flaky skin just fell away as I massaged my face! Clear, beautiful, NOT DERMITITIS skin was exposed instantly! I was so realived, and I couldn’t believe it.
For me, it seemed as if the ACV and coconut oil made it worse before it made it better. Please, if any of you are experiencing this… stick to it! I have never had a recurrance.
Thanks, EC and submittors, for being here. I really appreciate it!
ACV is amazing, one use topically and I can already notice the difference in my perioral dermatitis, I've been the doctors 3 times for it and I was not responding to the minocyclin and being told the same thing again and again. Thank god for this site. Definitely use acv! Definitely.
I suffered with Perioral Dermatitis for years. My dermatilogist gave me creams and antibiotics that would help the rash, but it always ended up reappearing. I found this site after researching dermatitis remedies. I tried applying greek yogurt, diaper rash cream, apple cider vinegar, violet extract and nothing helped! Finally, I decided to stop using everything on my face and just wash my face with water and apply no lotion. After a couple weeks, the dermatis was totally gone! My face would get so dry I used my son's really healthy lotion and my face broke out again! So I decided my dermatits was caused by something in lotion, healthy or not, and I have been dermatitis free since!
I can not stress how much Earth Clinic has helped my family. We now use molasses, ACV, raw honey, coconut oil, turmeric and a netti pot on a regular basis! Thank you Earth Clinic and everyone who has posted on this site. We are forever grateful!
After living for 44 years with a beautiful and clear complexion, I woke one morning in November and had a perioral dermatitis rash consisting of raised pustules and papules from the corner of my nose, down to my chin and on the other side of my chin. The side of my face where the rash is heaviest is swollen and puffy so I look lopsided.
I committed the ultimate skin sin, and applied a prescription strength corticosteroid to the rash, and was very impressed when it was completely cleared the next morning. It reappeared a week later, and I applied the same fix. This went on for about 6 weeks when I realized that something was wrong. I did research and determined that I had perioral dermatitis and the cause was unclear. My skincare routine consisted of medical grade skincare products, but my diet for the past 6 months was embarrassingly poor, and I was eating huge amounts of refined sugar.
Realizing my mistake with the topical steroid cream, I went to my primary physician (military healthcare, can’t see a dermatologist at this point), and left with an Rx for oral Erythromycin and Metrogel. Three days after starting the prescription meds, my face was worse and the rash had spread up and across one cheek.
I was discouraged by what I had read about the duration of treatment for the Rx meds and the results most people had, so I decided to take things into my own hands and look for alternatives. From this website, and based on user feedback I decided to try Apple Cider Vinegar and yogurt masks, vitamins, and probiotics, and better nutrition generally. I’m still using the Rx too.
I started applying ACV (straight from the bottle) to the rash 3 times a day, Yogurt masks 2x/day, and I sip green tea mixed with a teaspoon of ACV about 4 times a day. In a week the perioral dermatitis was completely gone. Each day I saw improvement, and I give credit to the ACV and Yogurt masks. I had one stubborn papule that I put some Tea Tree Oil on a few times, and that took care of it.
I have a few scars that are visible only to me and a little redness on my chin, but no raised papules or pustules. I also have tiny cracks on the corners of my lips that came with the dermatitis, but aren’t improving.
I plan to continue with this regimen for a while and then maybe wean down to just a few times a week, but if I need to use the ACV daily to keep the rash gone, I’ll gladly do it.
I wanted to add that in addition to the above remedies, I quit using my previous skin care regime, and anything with sodium lauryl sulfate. And to moisturize, I’ll use some calendula cream or cocunut oil.
Hi, Funny that I am also from Heideberg – 🙂 I have to say, when I was living in Poland I had the most beautiful skin ever- the water in my city is very soft. Here in Heidelberg the water is hard which is bad enough. I have stoped using the water on my face, I did get some filter ( even 2! ) for the shower.
I got PD one year ago, but I thought that the skin is just dry and I try to apply some face masks- it didnt help so I went to dr and he said it is from the all cosmetics that I use and I should stop it. I did but it didnt work. So I refuse to go there for second time and found this site. I apply yoghurt, today I did ACV.. (let’s see). I take Vitamin C, Omega 3 E, Zinc, and B complex. Today I will get some probiotic as well. I think ( I hope) in my case is the fluorid toothpaste – I used Elmex – the orange one (night one) that Fluorid content is 1400 ppm but the blue ( for the day) has only 1000 ppm! I did use only the orange one since I didnt like the taste of the blue one! Plus, I did use the Elmex INTENSE more often that I should. I just didn’t care that they wrote: ” use every other day” – but the Fluorid content is the same as the orange = 1400 ppm!
I went to organic shop ” Alnatura” and got some baby toothpaste, so lets see. Since it’s only one week.
The other thing is that I have read in some dr forum that Fluorid is probably the cause since one dr claming that 60 % of his female patients didnt got any PD symptoms since using olny non-fluoride toothpaste. And people right-handed have a bigger rush on the left side ( like me! My rush is actually on the left side of my mouth! ) – maybe we tend to brush more intesne or longer on the left side- but of course I never thought about it.
I am also not using any SLS products. Hope for the best. I think this is just a rush and there is cure for this out there!
ps I just read here today that nail polish could be reason as well ( strange! ) but I did remove it immediately! 😛
I wanted to post a comment detailing my ordeal with Perioral Dermatitis and what worked for me. First, I am in my late 20’s and am currently a little over 6 months pregnant and mine showed its ugly face for the first time when I was almost 2 months pregnant. I had never struggled with acne as a teenager and so when I started to get little bumps around my chin area I assumed it was “pregnancy acne”. I was well aware that hormones are crazy during a pregnancy as this was not my first and everybody around me, including my doctor and nurses, said “don’t worry, it’s acne and it will go away”. I did just that, until it started spreading all around my mouth with a vengeance. Before I knew it I had an ugly rash around my mouth that I could not get rid of. I went to a dermatologist out of desperation and of course he recommended topical creams (containing steroids) to make it look better but not cure it. Tetracycline, which is usually prescribed was not available for me since I was pregnant. I cannot comment on my experience with the oral pill or the creams as I did not take them.
Upon researching the meds he prescribed me I stumbled upon this website and read about how apple cider vinegar was a miracle drug. I decided that I would try it. It worked!!!!!!!! Here was my regimen for about 2-3 weeks (I was faithful and never missed a day because I was determined to give it a fair try and I wanted the mouth rash gone! ) 2-3 times daily I would put ORGANIC BR*GGS apple cider vinegar on my face (undiluted) on a cotton ball only on the rash. It burns like crazy at first, but stick with it.
2-3 Times daily I would drink 2Tbsp of the same stuff in a juice/water mixture.
I was amazed! But I stopped getting bumps and the redness was starting to fade. Now I had an issue with clearing up the redness that persisted. I again researched and came across calendula cream. It even says on the website that it helps with mystery rashes like perioral dermatitis. I ordered calendula cream. My regimen was for this started 2 weeks into using the Apple Cider Vinegar so the time overlaps with the above.
In addition to putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face and drinking it, I started putting calendula cream liberally on my whole face morning and evening. After there were no new bumps consistently for 1 week, I cut out putting it on my face as the Apple Cider Vinegar had done its job, I. E. Drying out the rash. I did and still drink it 1-2 times daily as well as still use the cream. Officially, it took me 5 weeks from when I began but my husband and I can barely and I mean barely see scars from it. If I wear makeup (which I can now!!!!! ) you can’t see it at all. I am so pleased that it worked for me and I pray it does for others too.
If you have this you know what a blow to the ego it is. You don’t want to leave the house ever because you feel ugly but it is impossible to continue living. I found myself explaining my appearance to friends, family, and complete strangers because I was so self conscious of the way I looked. I ordered everything from AMOZON. I hope this can help even one person! Please post comments if you also have good/bad results.
On a side note, I have also switched to products that contain no SLS and are paraben free (i. E. More natural and organic). In addition to this, I do not eat any sweets anymore and upped eating fresh veggies and fruit. I still obviously ingest sugar from fruit, juice, bread, etc. But no cakes, cookies, snack stuff anymore. It has made me feel great from the inside out!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experience with pd while pregnant. I am 31 years old 17 weeks pregnant and SUFFERING from perioral dermatitis. My first outbreak was in the spring before I got pregnant. The oral antibiotics and topical metrogel worked eventually after months and months, but I always had “the itch” and was scared to death it would rear its ugly head again. of course im not surprised that my pregnancy hormones have triggered it.I went to the dermatologist this morning because my entire face swelled and it was excrutiating. Sadly I had gotten a staph infection from the rash spreading to the corners of my mouth. it kept cracking open and wouldnt heal, and now im plagued with pd and staph.
I am a wreck. I feel like a leper in public, stopped going to work, and basically feel trapped in my house and my own body. I can only assume these terrible feelings associated with pd are not so good for my growing baby. I’m scared shitless.
I was prescribed mupirocin, a topical antibiotic and its only day one. So far major numbing and oozing still. not sure how this topical with affect the pd but I have to get rid of the staph since its so deadly.
Since I’m pregnant I can’t take oral antibiotics I just have to deal. I am forever grateful for everyones posts about alternative remedies, such as acv, yogurt, etc. I’m just not sure how it will affect staph.If anyone has some answers please help!
Just use Milk of Magnesia on your face.
Try apple cider vinegar on your face. Also see if you can drink it as well.
My son was diagnosed with contact dermatitis by a dermatologist. His whole body is covered with a nasty rash and little tiny blisters, including between his toes and fingers. I have been doing a ton of research trying to find an answer for him as to what will help besides the steroids the doc put him on again (this is the 4th time in 4 months). The other day I read many reviews for manuka honey and many of them said that it would kill a staph infection. Just make sure it is a good quality of manuka honey from New Zealand. Wishing you the best of luck!
I have been struggling to get of this perioral dermatitis for about a year now. It was really frustrating epscially during my second pregnancy. I had tried apple cider vinegar for it awhile ago but was unsucessful, in fact it only made it worse(I think my mistake was not diluting it enough)… So I tried other natural remedies .. For anyone who has PD knows that it gets very dry.. I tried EVERYTHING to relieve the dryness, and the only thing that worked was raw orgainc Shea butter. Once the dryness part of the PD was gone I had a much better outcome with Apple Cider Vinegar.
It’s been about a month since I started the ACV and continued use of the shea butter as a moisterizer and the results are astounding! My skin is less inflamed , there’s no more dryness, In fact my PD is 95% gone. So now everyday I wash my face with a cleanser from a website called (100percentpure.com) That doesn’t have SLS in it. Then after cleansing I use ACV as a toner diluted to 25 ¬V to 75% water in a small plastic bottle which I then Squirt on a cotton round , Apply it to my face And let it dry, DON’T RINSE OFF, Then apply Raw coconut oil (for added antibacterial/antifungal effects) then a small amount of shea butter. (a little bit of shea butter goes a long way) I don’t take ACV internally although I plan to do so now, the results would probably be even better! So if you have PD this might work for you like it worked for me. Don’t give up hope , it will get better, I know how frustrating this rash can be. Whatever you do though DON’T put hydrocortisone on it, I never did but I’ve read it makes absolutley WORSE! Good luck to everyone.
First of all – thanks for the great site which has literally saved me after months of hell with perioral dermatitis. My doctor started me on a steroid creme, which as many people here pointed out started off helping but then stopped working and it got worse and worse and spread up to round my nose too. I had had some limited success treating flare ups with tea tree oil, but no sooner would one bit dry out than the flare up would move a little and break out again.
Last week on Monday – 8 days ago – I started the apple cider vinegar treatment. I have to say it stung like hell, my face felt tight the whole time and the flare up given the steroid withdrawal was horrendous. I drank it too. I started rubbing natural yogurt into the inflamed area at night which helped a little. I then started making a mask to apply twice a day last weekend which has really helped and I wanted to share. The ingredients are natural greek yogurt, organic honey and lots of turmeric. I put it on after the apple cider vinegar every evening and morning and leave for 20 mins till it has dried out. It is very sticky and I then rub it off gently with my fingers which I think has helped to remove gently all the dead skin that has got left behind, then rinse with warm water. I read that turmeric not only is very antibacterial, but is also a strong anti inflammatory, and for me it has worked just like that. At night I have rubbed a little st johns wort oil into the red areas which seems to have also helped.
In addition to this I have been taking probiotics, and a antioxidant supplement as well as the usual zinc and vitamin b and the like (although I have taken many of these for some time now). I really believe that there has been a strong bacterial infection deep in the skin and the mixture of the Apple Cider Vinegar and the tea tree oil and the turmeric has helped to kill it off. I cant believe how much better my skin looks. It is still not 100% scar free, but I have not had any new outbreaks and it is all drying up and flaking off revealing new healthuy skin underneath. Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who posted their hints and tips on here. Without you all I would still be stuck in po hell – while I can now see a return to the clear skin I always had before…
I tried the treatment you suggested, but it was far from being real sticky. How much of each ingredient are you using when making this home remedy? Thanks.
4 weeks in and so far ACV has been a major factor in helping my POD to get better; read my summary below. The information on this site has been very helpful in terms of various natural treatments for POD & medical treatment that has not been successfull for many people. Now I know going back to the dermatologist will most likely be futile.
I have been suffering from perioral dermatitis for 4 years now, with unsuccessfull topical cream treatment from the dermatologist. I basically gave up and have been “living” with POD and keeping the inflammation down with otc 1% hydrocortisone cream, which I now know is really bad to use. One day I just became so frustrated & depressed that I resolved to continue the quest to find a sucessfull treatment. I have extremely sensitive skin and over the past few years have switched to all organic, natural personal care products with much improvement to my overall skin condition which tends to be very dry.
In additon my 10 yr. Old black labrador developed a horrible dermatitis all over his body… Inflammed, itchy, dry and flaky skin. I tried every medical treatment the Vet recommened from strong steroids to medicated shampoos, but nothing worked. My poor dog was miserable! It wasn’t until (through my own research) swiched him to a grain free, organic, raw based diet w/high doses of fish oil supplements that his skin dramatically improved within a matter of weeks. Sorry to digress, but my point is that we are to a huge degree what we eat. That made me think there must be a natural treatment, or multitude of treatments that will work for my POD.
Based on other comments here I started with the ACV (organic, w/”the mother”) 2x per day, applied undiluted to a cotton ball then directly onto my face on the POD areas, leaving it on 3-5 min. Then rinsing off with luke warm water (no soap afterwards). I also stopped using oral care products containing flouride and completely stopped using the hydrocort. The first day I applied the ACV to only 1/2 my face to experiment the effectiveness compared to the untreated 1/2. I used a yoghurt mask (plain, organic) on the non ACV side. The ACV burned and made my eyes water, but within 1 hour after rinsing off my skin was smoother and I did use a very small amount of jojoba oil to help with the dryness. The yoghurt mask did not work, it made my skin itchy and break out. So the next day I did the ACV treatment to my entire face. The first few days I noticed a slight improvement to the texture of my skin, which I attributed to the exfoliating effect of the ACV, but I still had overall redness and bumps. I was also taking into acount my skin was in withdrawl from the hydrocortisone. The end of the 1st week was the worst, it seemed my skin became worse and I was so tempted to apply hydrocort. , but I was determined to stick with it at least another week. by the middle of the 2nd week I stopped using the jojoba oil after the ACV as a mosturizer and tried a small amount of my organic body lotion (Alba Botianica – original, uncented). It contains no synthetic humiticants. A few hours later my face felt smooth and the redness slowly disappeared. Now into my 3rd week with the ACV 2x per day, rinse with only water (I use a gentle cream cleanser to wash off my eye make up only) then the Alba Botanica lotion to keep my face moisturized, my skin is starting to look better and 90% better than the first week. I also eliminated flouride containing products, and any make up on face (only eye make up). No lipstik either, I have POD on my lips so I use the ACV on my lips as well then use jojoba oil to moisturize them. I have also been eating at least 18 oz per day which contain various probiotics. I have also been taking fish oil supplements for anti-inflammitory/anitoxidant properties.
Now into my 4th week and the POD is 90% better, but not completely gone. I plan to stick with the regime and add oral probiotic capsules to my diet. I have also tried to cut down on my intake of refined sugars. ACV has helped a lot, but I also think the key to sucessfull POD treatment is a holistic approach (diet & topical treatment), there is not 1 single factor that will cure it. There are just as many things that can make it better, than can make it worse. So far I hope I’m on the right track to keep it getting better.
I dread summer, because most sunscreens make my skin break out, but I will have no choice but to start using some to protect my skin. Right now I’m just trying to let it breath and heal. Hope this helps someone else.
I’ve read that coconut oil is a mild and effective sunscreen. read up on it.
Aloe vera is also a good sunscreen.
So after 6 months of thinking I was getting random acne on my chin, after having beautiful skin my whole life, I went and had a dermatologist look at my face…. And surprise… Perioral Dermatitis. Barf. He was going to prescribe me antibiotics and a mild steroid cream… Shocker… I declined, and set out to figure this out myself. I went and bought a bottle of organic, raw, Apple Cider Vinegar with MOTHER(MUST HAVE MOTHER), RAW honey, organic coconut oil, decaf green tea, California Baby Aloe Vera Cream(has calendula in it), and plain unsweetened Kefir. I also switched my toothpaste to the flouride free paste from The Natural Dentist… And also purchased their ‘healthy gums’ mouthwash. I am also using a facewash from Eclos that is SLS free, as well as a basic sensitive skin basis bar. I wash my face twice a day. I dilute a cotton ball w/ water and then dip in the ACV, let it sit for a couple mins… Yes it stings at first. Then I put the Kefir on my face. If I’m not going anywhere, I’ll leave that on for 10 mins, and then put a paste of the honey on my face and leave that as long as I can stand having a sticky face. I rinse it off with luke warm water, and then put a layer of coconut oil, then a layer of the cali baby aloe cream.
I’ve been doing this general routine everyday for the last 3 days. I also used green tea bags pressed against the affected area a couple times. I have seen a 50% improvement in my skin in the last couple days, and I’m assuming it will just continue to heal more and more… The bumps and blisters have diminished and the redness and flakiness is improving. THANK GOD. It is so embarrassing and makes me so self conscious since the rest of my skin is clear and soft…. Considering taking aloe juice internally…. I have not really changed my diet and I still put on makeup for work (bare minerals powder) I really think the toothpaste was a major issue. Hopefully this helps someone else… This site helped me find my own remedy and I just pray this continues to work and becomes manageable and my skin looks normal again! Good luck!!!
Hello,
I have had this my whole life and didn’t know what it was. I finally went to dermatologist, who told me is was the P-O Dermatitis, and I needed long term antibiotics. I thought it was great to have diagnosis! But since then, I have done maybe 6 courses of tetracylcine over the past 3 years. I just finished one this spring and my skin is WORSE THAN EVER. Watch out for the antibiotics!!! Also all the prescription creams such as Pramsone DON’T WORK. It has spread now all over my cheeks up to my eyes, and down my chin and chest. My skin seems to be addicted to the cortisone, and it is not working anymore either. Yesterday I had a huge breakout, scrubbed it with alcohol and slathered with cortisone. It still itched. I am feeling I can’t stand it anymore and decided to google a natural remedy (I had amazing results for one for a common “female” infection). I went and washed the cortisone off, applied ACV with a wet cottonball- splash of ACV. It looks better already. I applied again this morn, it burned a ton last night but not so much this morn. I am going to start eating the yogurt/probiotics too. I know from past experience this can only be helpful for so many things. I’ll post back with hopefully my long term success! Like my husband says, makes you wonder what these Dr.s really throw at you without really understanding the problem.
OK I said I would post back so I am. It has been 2 weeks since I quit Coritsone and other Dr. Creams. I was using the ACV a few times a day, diltued by 1/2, applied topically. It didn’t seem to be doing much, and honestly I couldn’t stand the smell anymore on my face, and it didn’t seem to be doing anything. My sister in law who is a pediatric nurse suggested I try Cetaphil soap and lotion, said it is amazing on the kids “dermatitis”. About a week ago I bought a bar of “anti-bacterial” Cetaphil soap. I started using it 2X a day. My rash seemed to dry up quite a bit, and if I put lotion on, it seemed to want to break out again. I let it get totally dry and flaky. Now 1 week later, I seem to have made a breakthrough! I don’t know if it just took this long for my skin to break its addiction to hydrocotisone, but this soap sure seemed to help. Patience, I guess, for your skin to calm down. My face is now soft and 98% cleared up.
I was cripple with dermatitis for 20 years. I was desperate. And had to quit gymnasiums because when I sweat the make up was gone and I felt people staring at me, I hate it! One very concern lady told me to look for help if I was being hit by my husband. After many doctors and creams, I found a yahoo group that was using ethyl alcohol, ACV, and aloe vera. I was so bless that I have aloe vera in my backyard, ethyl alcohol is easy to get in the drugstore and ACV was in my kitchen (without the mother). I started the treatment washing my face then clean it again with ethyl alcohol and then the ACV without the mother, the one for salads, the brown one. It was painnnnnnnnnfullll!!!!! But I was desperate. I finish covering my face with the natural aloe vera gel from my backyard. In one week I saw the results, impressive, Finally my face can be free of the sones, cortisones addiction. I have find something that worked! I did stop when I got cured for the same reason that you: The smell. Dermatitis come back and the treatment again. Now I decided not to stop because is working wonderful in my face, I guess the aloe vera gel locks the moisture in. I wake up with a beautiful complexion. I do not wash it in the morning I make up over it. Maybe I should to prevent other from smelling my face. I have suffer so much of this dermatitis that I don’t care about the ACV smelling face.
Recently I found this site and people where using ACV for weight loss, I immediately went on my quest to find the “mother”. I am having three tablespoons a day mix with orange juice and V8, before eating. I will post results when I am sure it worked for me. I don’t dare to doubt ACV it has been a lifesaver for me.
Hello there, I’m back! I just had to come back and say I was wrong about that soap (although I do still like it for my body). In the middle of the week, I had applied cortisone to an itchy bug bite on my leg and my daughters from camping, and I had touched my face. Once the cortisone effect wore off, oh my I had a massive breakout. I went back to ACV, but it still wasn’t helping that much. I decided to try Ted’s suggestion. I bought a jar of boric acid and had peroxide on hand. I mixed maybe 1 TSP, with 1TBSP peroxide with 8 oz of water. I apply this twice a day. If it is feeling too dry I also apply Aloe Vera straight from the plant, this feels lovely. I started this last Monday and it was absolutely amazing. The best part was the itch going away. I still have a few bumps, but overall this was the most effective thing thus far. It is still returning my skin looks like 90% better. Thanks Ted! I will continue to try the other things to see if I can get rid of it all together.
I totally want to know just what those docs are thinking when they tell you that you have this or that, or worse.. When they tell you that they don't have a clue as to what it can be but here, take all these meds and creams and good luck with all that! I'm 26 years old and just discovered that I have PD or eczema. It started around my mouth about a year ago and I just thought that I had chapped skin or something. After a week it got worse and even though I was applying every type of chapped skin cream, lotion, and stick, nothing would work. I spend at least 3 months straight looking like a clown because right around my mouth I would break out in this big red ring. It was only and always on the sides of my mouth, never above or below which I always thought was odd. It looked decent in the mornings but would always break out quite soon after waking up. I finally made an appointment with a Derm and he told me that he thought it was PD but wasn't sure because it also looked like 5 other things… I decided to google them all as well as signs and symptoms. I finally settled on PD because it was an undeniable match. The creams would work temporarily but about a week after stopping (because the redness would go away) it would come back with a vengence.
I've given up hope with the creams so back to google I went and found myself on this forum. I was sooo happy to read about Candida being a huge problem and stress causer for this type of skin issue because when I called down to my local vitamin shoppe I was told that they sell products that attack the candida and it clears your skin and also lessens fatigue (something also caused by an abundance of candida). I also read that other things that bring on a flair are alcohol, bread, sugar, processed foods, grapes, tomatoes, etc.. Basically anything spicy, acidy, or anything else above that feeds candida. I'm also going to look into this ACV (apple cider vinegar). I rarely ever ate yogurts before but I've been eating them for the last 4 days, maybe twice a day, and I've noticed a dramatic difference in the redness and swelling/irritation/itching. Its not completely clear yet but it is a far cry from inflamed and spreading out of control! I already eat very healthy and am in the best shape of my life but that isn't good enough to fight this PD badass… Time to get inventive because I refuse to hide in my own house due to something I could be preventing by just taking on an even more natural and healthy lifestyle via switching up my diet. It sucks that I have to give up everything I love to eat and drink but it sucks even more looking like I have some kind of contagious disease (yeah, most people see just that).
I've been struggling with perioral dermatitis for 4 months, ever since having my hormone-releasing IUD removed (after 5 years). I tried a few things, including apple cider vinegar, which helped a little, but didn't remove the rash. I finally found a calendula cream with calendula, several coconut products, aloe vera, viola tricolor extract (pansy), willow bark, yucca, vitamin e, french lavender oil, clary sage, and amino acids.
I read about people using calendula cream for eczema, so I gave it a shot. It is sooo soothing. I use it several times a day. It helped immediately.
I also decided to use Ted's topical remedy. The rash is now almost completely gone. I am still using both the borax/water/peroxide topically and the calendula cream, afterward. Almost totally gone! Yay!!!
I have had what seems to be perioral dermatitis for nearly 20 years, have tried all sorts to manage this but for the past week have used acv in water…very quickly cleared up and very very grateful to this site. It gradually started to reappear when I went a day without sipping the acv and am anxious about taking this long term but so pleased that I seem to be heading in right direction 🙂
Apple Cider Vinegar & Perioral Dermatitis
What a great site! About 4 weeks ago I started getting a rash around my mouth. Was diagnosed with Perioral Dermatitis. Dr. gave me some Metronidazole cream to put on it and at first seemed really to help. Then it came back. So, she decided I needed something stronger and put me on Doxycycline Hyclate pills. They seem to help dry it up but, still have much redness and some dry bumps. I understand that this is an antibiotic and therefore am taking acidophilus also. You all need to understand that we all have and need good bacteria in our system for it to function properly. When you take an Anti-biotic it kills both the bad and the good bacteria in our bodies. You need to replenish the good or you will eventually have many problems including yeast infection or candida. Yogurt has acidophilus or pro-botic in it.
If Perioral Dermatitis is caused by or encourged by yeast infection than it makes sense that Apple Cider Vinegar works to help it. That is an old and correct remedy to kill Yeast infection. I just put some on the rash with a cottonball that was first wetted with water. After only 20 minutes it seems less red and just a stinging at first. Hopefully this is the answer
Also, WATCH WHAT YOU EAT! Before researching what flares it up – I went to a friend’s house had a couple of glasses of wine and some chips and Salsa. Wow – 3 hours later my dermatitis has flared up like wild fire. I understand Caffine or any other spicy food will flare it up also. Anything that dialates the blood vessels.
I will post later and let you know if the Apple Cider Vinegar worked or not.
I have self diagnosed myself with perioral dermatits because I cant afford a dermatologist. When I had been plagued by a nasty pimply, red, sore, flaky rash on both sides of my chin I began researching, almost obsesivly trying to find out what was wrong with me. At one point it was alost gone but after a few days of being very stressed it came back full force forming a solid red mess of a rash resembling a pimply four o clock shadow spreading up my cheeks and temples. Narrowing it down by matching up my symptoms, I’ve desided that it could be nothing else. After reading hundreds of home rememdies and testemonials by others suffering from similar symptoms (after 6 months) I’ve finally created a regimen that is working for me. I’ve been doing the following for less then a week with amazing results. Keep in mind I’ve spent a tone of time indoors trying different things while nursing my condition so this is what I’ve come up with thats finally working:
First of all I’ve cut out meat, dairy and processed foods eliminating as many preservatives and chemicals from my diet as possible, and significantly reduced my sugar intake. When I cheat I go for organic free range chickens and organic milk so as to not to take in extra hormones.
Next I found out that sodium lauryl sulfate is a probable cause of this horrible rash. So I cut it out completely. Be careful because its in almost everything from shampoos, moisturizers, face washes and toothpaste (even products for sensitive skin and babies too). I’ve looked for all organic natural solutions which are available online or at your local healthfood stores.
I take supplements: Freeze dried garlic capsuls (5 a day). A womans supplement which includes probiotics and an also a multi vitamin immunity booster as well. I take all of these in the beginning of the day. I also swallow two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water morning and night.
I wash my face with traditional african black soap. Once in the morning and once at night. In the morning after washing I use organic apple cider vinegar as an astringent applying it with a cotton ball to the affected area (it burns and reddens right after but fades the red and quits burning after a short time). After my face has dried I apply msm cream (which contains a natural occuring sulfur) as a moisturizer. If I must I use a hypoalergenic coverup for makeup but usually I do not apply make up (and it looks all cakey and dry when I do anyway).
If I have a chance in the middle of the day I rinse my face with warm water mixed with epsom salts and follow up with a mask of organic plain yogurt and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then I rinse it off with the epsom salt water again letting it air dry if its convienent. If I can stand it I leave it with out applying more msm cream but if it is itchy and too dry feeling then I do.
Then at night I wash with the black soap. After I wet a cotton ball or pad with hydrogen peroxide and hold it on a section of the affected area for several minutes then move on to another area of the affected skin so that when Im finished every part of the effected area has had the peroxide soaked cotton pad on it for several minutes (up to 5). Then I rinse off the hydrogen peroxide with warm water. After I apply a yougurt mask for 10 or more minutes and rinse it off with either regular water or epsom salt water. I also drink the apple cider vinegar water again. Then I apply the msm cream and go to bed making sure to get a full nights rest.
I usually enjoy a nice cup of detoxifying tea before bed as well.
When I need to exfoliate I use a baking soda and honey paste scrubbing very gently. Before I found a sodium lauryl sulfate (sls) free toothpaste I brushed with baking soda.
I also want to mention wearing a mask of garlic and honney nightly helped for sometime but only took me so far.
I swear to you as soon as I did these things I saw immediate results and my condition is still improving. Id say one more week of this routine and I’ll have my soft skin and pretty face back. I believe after my skin is back to normal I still will need to use organic natural products and stay away from sls as well meat, dairy, and processed foods for maintenence. I DO NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH THIS EVER AGAIN! I hope this was helpful.
Here’s what worked for me (a high end skin care addict for years- all that had to go):
1. AKN Skin Therapy: Natural skin supplement found at natural health food stores- 4-6 capsules per day
2. Neem Soap only on face and body
3. All SLS and Flouride free shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, etc. (I use some makeup around eyes and cheeks daily that is not chemical free)
4. Organic yogurt mask daily or as needed- sometimes I leave it on for hours
5. Pure coconut oil as a moisturizer on the sensitive areas- even when it has cleared up. I use chemical free moisturizers on non-sensitive areas. Check out Tata Harper skincare online.
6. Oil of Oregano 3x daily when needed
7. Zinc supplement daily
8. Acidophilus and Biotin supplements
9. I try to eat and drink fermented foods and stay away from processed, gluten filled, sugar filled foods.
10. I have Borax for cleanser as a back up if I need it.
Seems like a lot, but my skin looks amazing (AMAZING!), my hair has never been softer, and the PD is gone. It does creep back in one spot if I am bad with my diet (lots of gluten and sugar). And all this costs less than my old moisturizer alone.
I wanted to write in to give my long story to all of the people who are suffering with Perioral Dermatitis (POD) – I know I pored over these entries and was willing to try anything to get rid of / improve this rash. This board was a beacon of hope for me, and I’d like to pass on what I’ve learned, and what has worked for me with POD.
I’m 35 and live in Calgary, where the water is fluorinated (BOO!).
I suddenly became afflicted with perioral dermatitis in June of this year, a couple of days after receiving a tetanus shot.
Yes, I believe that is the cause; no, I can’t prove it and have found no corroboration online. Anyone else get an immunization or vaccine just prior to this?
I had a very sore stomach for a couple of days after the shot, and then started getting an “acne-like” rash around the sides of my mouth and chin. I didn’t think too much of it – I get the odd pimple in that area once in awhile.
I didn’t notice any particular food related ebb and flow of symptoms, aside from some alcohols. No problem with spicy food or exercise either.
But this didn’t go away, and it got worse and spread. These were blisters, not pimples (filled with clear fluid). I tried all my usual skin “cures” – primarily coconut oil, which is generally what I use on my skin and it’s *usually* brilliant. But that only seemed to make the bumps worse! And a bit tender.
I tried castor oil – same thing. Bio-Oil – same.
I finally tried some of the cortisone cream my doc had prescribed for a different rash (on my shoulder – TOTALLY different beast), and that worked great… for a while. Then, like everyone else, I had the rebound, and the decreasing efficacy, and the spreading. Finally, I read that the cortisone can make it much worse (if I’d only known!).
I searched the ‘Net, and self-diagnosed based on several write-ups of POD – I was not willing to go to the doc and end up on several months of antibiotics! There had to be something natural… And then I found Earth Clinic!
Now, the POD was on my eyelids, under my eyes, forehead, sides of the nose and around my mouth. When I stopped the cortisone, it was raw and painful and really unsightly and I was completely beside myself.
I tried whatever I could get my hands on that people were recommending here, with varying levels of success. My bathroom counter is covered with the many items I’ve bought trying to solve this!
My findings for the things I tried here:
Zinc Oxide cream – found that it relieved the rawness a bit, but the blisters proliferated and the redness did not subside. Might be partially due to other ingredients. I could not find one that didn’t have either castor oil, petrolatum or other oils. ANY oil (except Tea Tree Oil) = FAIL. At least for me.
Vitamin E Oil – this was nice and soothing after using Tea Tree Oil or Apple Cider Vinegar, but – ANY OIL (except Tea Tree Oil)= FAIL. It would soothe the redness and rawness, but then I’d start over again with more blisters. Overall, I gave up on it for this condition.
Aloe vera gel (topical) – also stings. Helps the spots to feel better once the burning stops, but makes everything feel very tight and dry – need an emollient afterward, but at the time couldn’t find anything. Helpful, but didn’t cure anything.
Acidophillus – I’ve been taking acidophillus on a regular basis for years. I upped the dosage, but I didn’t feel that this had any effect on my face.
Tea Tree Oil (TTO) – stings like crazy, but I could cope with that. It really helped by drying out the blisters. Definitely helped, but still never made it go away. Overall drying effect, so it didn’t seem to contribute to new blisters, but it may since I couldn’t seem to stop the blisters/dry & flaky cycle.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) -helped the most – stings, and very drying, but reduced the redness down to small spots.
I found TTO and ACV in tandem to be the most helpful in toning down the overall redness (after the initial burn, that is). I would alternate days using ACV and TTO as a “toner”, using a small amount of a 20% Urea cream afterward (to combat the flaking and tightness – this was the ONLY thing that helped in that area without creating more blisters).
That got me into a more manageable cycle, BUT still the redness and flaking skin persisted. If I knocked off the ACV & TTO, the blisters would come back.
I decided to revisit some earlier advice from my acupuncturist. He said (back when this all started) that the area around the mouth (where it first showed up) is related to the intestines in Chinese Medicine. I’d tried elimination diets (dairy, meat, grains) throughout the summer and fall to no avail, and no appreciable effect.
So – my new strategy. I did 3 things simultaneously:
2 days ago:
I bought a huge jug of organic Aloe Vera juice (for drinking).
I took 4-5 oz twice a day (mixed with orange juice because it tastes better) to start with, along with some acidophillus (at the same time – the aloe helps with absorption as well as healing intestinal troubles).
I stopped the topical treatments of ACV and TTO, and now I just use a tiny amount of straight calendula cream (from a tube; not mixed in a lotion, but be careful – it’s a bit oily!) mixed with 20% Urea cream to help with the dry/tight feeling.
I also finally found a really good, natural and fluoride and SLS free toothpaste at my health food store with Neem, TTO, activated oxygen and other good stuff.
It has been 2 days, and I’ve had the most dramatic change in the POD!
Literally, the redness is about 95% gone (in 2 days!), and the blisters are flaking off with clear, new skin underneath. A couple of the more severe areas are still a bit tender, but less red, and they’re very like healing blemishes now. I can’t even see it around my eyes anymore!
So – after all that, I’m recommending that all of you treat your tummy! Even if you don’t think you have a problem, Aloe Vera Juice certainly can’t hurt!
The acidophillus alone didn’t do anything for me, which really isn’t all that surprising if (as I surmise) I have a malabsorption problem (do you?), which prevents many things taken internally from working; prevents nutrient absorption, etc.
I’m not certain if it is one part of this latest regimen, or the whole thing together, but FINALLY I am getting some “love”, and finally seeing some very promising results.
I’m going to keep going with 4-5 oz x 2/day of aloe juice (I bought a gallon of it for about $30; in Canada, that is), and I’ll let you know how things go!
As an aside, I’m starting to think now that there are maybe 2 (or more) different kinds of POD – seems one can be “mite”/ topical parasite/ bacteria related, and one seems to be more connected with the stomach and intestines, based on the fact that there seem to be such wide ranging results for different people.
Any other thoughts or hypotheses on this?
Best of luck to everyone!
Namaste!
Colleen
UPDATED RESULTS
Hello again!
Well, it’s about 4 weeks since I started to take aloe vera juice (internally) and I am VERY happy to report that my perioral dermatitis is completely, 100% gone!
My skin has never been better! YAY! I’m absolutely thrilled, and I’ve had the best “side effects” from this addition to my regimen…
I’ve kept up with my protocol of ~4 oz organic aloe vera juice twice daily (mixed with juice and water) – but seem to do best if it is taken away from meals (one hour before or after seems to be fine).
I have also maintained using a fluoride-free toothpaste, and I’ve recently started mixing a bit of my regular organic skin cream (with oils in it!) with the 20% urea cream and had super-wicked results – no recurrence of blisters at all!
In addition to the restoration of radiant skin, I am having a lot less issues with my digestion, and have been feeling better overall. I’ve struggled in the past few years with chronic fatigue /fibromyalgia-type issues, sensitivity and irritability (er… grumpiness) and these issues are all improving steadily – colour me surprised!
I’m re-investigating the possibility of celiac disease causing a lot of these problems, but that’s going to take some time to determine.
In any case, it appears that my POD stemmed from intestinal problems (malabsorption most likely), and the aloe vera juice is treating it very nicely! And it doesn’t burn or scar your skin in the process!
It’s worth a shot if you suffer from POD, folks! Unless you’re allergic, I don’t think it can hurt…
Namaste!
Colleen
Hi Colleen,
What a brilliant association you made! Yes, I also received a tetanus shot back in the mid-80’s because of a motorbike accident. A few weeks later I noticed the PD on my chin. It was relatively mild and it came and went annually (nothing serious) and eventually it went away. A year ago, I received another tetanus shot and this year BAM! I have a big, red, blob that seems to be spreading around my chin and below nose. I too understand (from an Eastern perspective) that this is associated with the intestines. Regarding different causes of PD, I was thinking same, since different therapies work for different people. Thank you, from my heart 🙂 for sharing your experience and thoughts! I will try the aloe-vera treatment. Currently, I’m only drinking a little of it with coconut water but will go for the gallon tomorrow.
Namaste! 🙂
So here’s my story. I got a pimple in the corner of my mouth so I used my topical clindamycin solution on it. A week or so later I developed a dry patch of skin, it didn’t itch or hurt, just was very flaky. That lasted for a couple of months despite using aquaphor on it several times a day. 6 months later I was developing little fluid filled bumps that would break open and then leave a yellow/orange crust on my skin. The area expanded and then a little further out I got a very dry patch of skin, this time no flaking. I started using hydrocortisone on the area with the bumps and it would keep it under control but it never completely went away. After dealing with this for a year and a half, I finally got in to see a dermatologist who diagnosed perioral dermatitis. He put me on clindamycin solution, oral erythromycin (3 week course). I was pregnant at the time so I could not use the Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment he wanted to prescribe. After 4 months of using the clindamycin twice a day the symptoms were gone and I just needed to put a little aquaphor on the corner near my mouth and was able to stop the clindamycin. About 3 months after delivering my baby, the bumps started coming back in the same spot. I started using the clindamycin again but it seemed to get worse and even started spreading around the bottom of my lip to the other corner. I went back in to see the dermatologist who thought it was contact dermatitis this time. He recommended topical steroids, oral antibiotics, and topical tacrolimus. I was still breastfeeding so these medications were scary to me and I didn’t .
So here’s what I did. I switched toothpastes to a non-fluoridated one. I bought the organic Apple Cider vinegar (my local grocery chain had it – Meijer – for like $4). I tried drinking 1 oz (shot glass) straight but it was so acidic it hurt my teeth (I have severe tooth sensitivity). Even watered down I couldn’t take it. So then I put it directly on the affected skin and all around my mouth. It burned like crazy but did seem to take away the bumps, however I still had very noticeable redness and dry flakiness. I put yogurt on the skin after the acv. I started taking acidophilus supplements as well. After a week of doing this, I stopped the yogurt. I then started putting a diaper rash cream on the area (MotherLove diaper rash and nipple cream – $9.00 online but costs $9. 00 for shipping. I got it for $12.00 from my local lactation consultant). It started to get significantly better, almost looking normal. However, after a few weeks it was still red and my lips started to become very flaky. I almost resorted to giving up breastfeeding to take the recommended medications because I have to work and it was so embarassing. Then I started putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face again but this time also dabbing it on my lips and the mucosa just inside my lips (pull the bottom lip down to expose the inside and swab Apple Cider Vinegar there and on the inside of the top lip). I use Vannicream moisturizer on my skin and vaseline (dermatologist said not to use aquaphor because it has lanolin and it can be irritating) on my lips and MY SYMPTOMS ARE COMPLETELY RESOLVED. No bumps, no redness, no dry flakiness.
My heart goes out to you, this is an extremely irritating and embarassing condition. Hope this helps.
I suffer from this perioral dermatitis and I agree that using yogurt both topically and eating it works well, but I also think acv works amazingly well! if you dilute it with water it doesn't burn.
I used apple cider vinegar to cure my perioral dermatitis. I self diagnosed online after getting the rash for the first time a few months ago. I tried a few different things – getting rid of soaps, lotions, and using a yogurt mask since I read the rash may be caused by a yeast overgrowth. Yogurt worked a little bit, but didn’t cure it. After reading about the apple cider vinegar review, I decided to try it. I just bought a small bottle at the grocery store. I splash a little onto a cotton ball and apply it around my mouth twice a day after washing my face – in the morning and before I go to sleep. It definitely stings and the rash turns bright red for a while, but after a few days of this I definitely noticed a difference. It’s been about a week and you can hardly notice the rash now. I’m going to continue doing this for at least another week to be sure the rash has completely gone away. At the same time, I’ve also been only washing my face with warm water, and using a very light, basic lotion. As for other side effects, when I first started using the vinegar, it really dried out the rash and my skin was especially flakey, but I just rubbed a mild antibiotic petroleum salve on it for the first few days while my skin got used to it. I would definitely recommend this cure, it’s inexpensive, easy, and you’ll see results almost immediately.
Perioral Dermatitis / ACV / Hydrogen Peroxide
I must begin by expressing a sentiment I have read many times throughout this site yet feel compelled to reiterate just the same. I am simply agog at the time, money and heartache – especially the heartache – I wouldn't have had to spend if just one of my doctors had known of the effective, natural cures I have found here at Earth Clinic. Thank you, Earth Clinic.. from the bottom of my heart.
After almost two months of being mostly trapped indoors with perioral dermatitis, I found this site. For five days I followed this regime:
~ 2 tbsp of pure organic apple cider vinegar in 16oz of water, 2-3x/day
~ Saturation of a cotton pad application of straight apple cider vinegar to the affected area 2-3x/day
Less than a week later, 85% of the hideously shaming rash had cleared. Rather than a solid mass of red bumps (scattered with whiteheads) from nose to chin, the condition appeared as individual spots, more like regular acne. I noticed these spots were stubborn and seemed somewhat resistant to the ACV. Additionally, in areas that had healed, hyper-pigmentation was extensive.
I searched about this last issue and found the page re. hydrogen peroxide and acne. Yesterday (day 6), I did this three times:
~ Dip cotton swab on stick (you know the kind for ears .. won't say brand name) in HP
~ Apply to individual spot and hold in place for at least 5 minutes
I did this on the couch while watching a movie because it was a little time consuming. When my husband came home and saw the difference after two applications he yelled out loud (with joy for me :). The speed at which HP healed the remaining spots was astonishing. I literally could see it happening in the mirror. Toward the end of each of the three sessions, spots I had started with were visibly reduced. So was the hyper pigmentation. I expect another day or two of this will completely clear things up. 😀 !!!
Today is September 23 and I went out WITHOUT FEELING HUMILIATED for the first time since August 5th. Until a week ago, I hid away indoors as much as I could and watched the summer end while agonizingly waiting for prescribed pills and creams to work. If I hadn't found this site, I expect things today would be much the same. Thanks once again, Earth Clinic! And to anyone who reads these posts and can relate, we're all rooting for you! Give it a try, don't give up hope and have faith in the healing power of Ma Nature!
Perioral Dermatitis — I feel so fortunate to have found this site, its wonderful to see people so selflessly helping each other. I self diagnosed myself with PD after surfing the net for pictures, going to a derm wasn’t an option because they’re so unreliable in this part of the world. Little, unsightly bumps appeared about 7-8 months ago around my mouth and I made the fatal mistake of using cortisone steroid ointment, which as I now understand could actually cause PD.The bumps cleared up for a while and came back with a vengeance a few weeks ago around exam time. Under loads of pressure, the little bumps just flared up, spread to my cheeks and forehead. Reading through the symptoms of the rash I find that mine are nither red, flaky or itchy, quite the contrary their moist and applying ACV doesn’t burn at all, which I’m concerned about. I’m assuming its organic coz the ingredients are apples and water only, but there’s definitely no trace of the ‘mother’, in it. (Its really difficult to find anything organic in my city) I’ve been using it for about ten days, and the PD doesn’t seem to be drying up :(, I was really looking forward to having it disappear as miraculously as all the testimonials claim. I also drink 1 tbsp in a glass of water twice a day. I’m using nothing on my face not even soap, just washing with plain water as many times as possible. I used a yogurt mask once, but it seemed to worsen the situation. I live in an extremely hot, dry climate and this summer was particularly harsh. Today my baby brother said it looked like chicken skin which just killed me coz he’s right.. I’m hideous! I haven’t left my home in ages (I’m on a 2 month vacation, Thank God!) I’m desperate for it to clear up before the next semester of college in about a month.
I’d be so grateful if anyone could suggest additional remedial measures I could take or changes in my diet, we do consume alot of spices and I’ve never had a flawless skin, but never a condition of this severity, otherwise I’m quite a healthy 24 yr old.
Just wanted to say how thankful I am for the internet. Struggled with the disease for about 3 months now and never went to the Doctor’s but this article in addition to others has blessed my situation tremendously. All that were suggested worked in just a day. Not completely healed but a dramatic difference than yesterday. Trader Joes had all the items many had suggested in addition to their all natural facial cleanser and lotion. I’m back!!!
I suffered with POD after using topical steroids on my face for several months to keep outbreaks at bay, unfortunately it became ineffective and once I discontinued the topical steroids on my face it went into a full angry rage of POD in a couple of days. I came across this website which saved me, I was so depressed as it contiuned to get worse each day, so severe that it had me in tears, I was even to embarrassed to allow my loved ones to see my face. Eating and talking was difficult, as the corners of my mouth were split which prevented me from opening my mouth very wide.
I began with the ACV diluted on a cotton ball twice a day, it initially burned and I had a tremendous amount of redness , but the burning subsided after a few days, I also followed up with tea tree oil at night, it didn’t heal overnight or in a few days for me, it was several weeks before it cleared, which seemed like a lifetime, but don’t give up and be consistent. I also gave up fluoride toothpaste which helped. I haven’t had an outbreak in 6 months. I hope this works for someone else. Good luck because I know how devastating it is.
Side effect reported
I have been using ACV on my face for perioral dermitis for a week (morning and night on a swab). It stings like crazy on the open skin but I am determined to stick with it. I then open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil. Just the last couple days ago the ACV made my skin very hot and bright red all over. My reaction to it is getting stronger – now it stays hot and red for a while before it calms down. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? I am just wondering if I should stick it out and hope it’s just what happens to some people or if I should try something else…
Thank you everyone for your comments. I have now had to stop using ACV. I am not sure it is related but I broke out in a rash on my neck, chest, eye lids and inside of arms. It is extremly itchy and bright red. I stopped using ACV to see if it will go away. So far it hasn’t though and it has been 1 1/2 weeks. Also I have switched to a non-fluoride toothpaste and we have a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
If ACV is too strong for you, you may want to dilute it with water (50/50).
Borax/Water -I make a mixture of borax and tap water in the palm of my hand to wash my face with every morning. My face feels clean and no drying.
It might have been Vitamin E oil that caused the redness. I had a contact allergic reaction from Vitamin E oil, so be careful about using this… or better yet, don’t use it at all.
Hi all, thank god i found this website!!! I have perioral dermatitis i have suffered with this for about 10 years, i started with this after taking accutane for acne, i never had it before – this was about 10 years ago. Oxytetracycline has cleared up the dermatitis in the past but i have got an especially bad bout of it this time after taking accutane from the Derm for a second time, so i have been in search of other solutions. I have come accross the ACV, i have been using it for 3 days – an organic unpateurised version from the health shop, i have applied it topically 3x a day and it has worked almost immediately – reduced redness and bumpiness etc., it works better neat for me rather than diluted. I am also using calendula cream to moisturise. I am taking two tablespoons of the vinegar in a 500ml bottle of water 3x a day, i have seen a good improvement and will continue further to see what improvements i get. I have also found that a white clay powder mixed with lavender water in a paste as a face mask put on the affected areas in the evening before the topical application of the ACV really helps as well.
Questions:
1. Should i not use moisturiser as i have heard that it can make the perioral dermatitis worse? – is the ___ calendula Cream OKAY to use?
2. What should i wash my face with – i am avoiding all SLS SLES etc… products and i’m using a natural glycerine soap from the homeopathic shop – any body recommend anything else?
3. From using accutane my lips are dry as hell can anybody recommend a lipsalve without petrolatum/ paraffin or any of the other nasties – i have been using calendula oil at present
4. What brand of ACV is best
5. Can anyone recommend a foundation or cosmetic line to use that wont aggrevate the dermatitis
6. Any other suggestions??
I got PD from accutane as well a few years ago and everything the dermatologist has given me never worked. Apple Cider Vinegar is the ONLY thing that works! I hope we can all find more cures in the future:)
I also had this bumpy type of eczema when I was younger – after I had been on the contraceptive pill for 10 years and came off it. At the time, I used the homeopathic remedy Rhus tox, but that was for about a year before the eczema went. Now, looking back and having learned much more about nutrition, I realise that the remedy at the time did noting but the eczema can sometimes be caused by an estrogen imbalance. I would suggest some of you explore that idea a little further … Much later, I discovered that I had low stomach acid which meant that for years (30), I had not been digesting my food properly (specifically fats – hormones are made of fats) and so my body struggled to balance. Many other problems arose too but that’s another area. Hope this helps with your research.
Side effect reported
I am at my wits end.
This started 1 year ago when 2 little red bumps showed up in my face. I went to the dermatologist and I was prescribed Desonide for 3 weeks, and I was told to change my moisturizer. To repeat if it did come back. I did that, it went away but kept coming back. NOT knowing I was putting steroids on my face I kept reapplying the Desonide as instructed…. Maybe for about 3 or 4 times total. Well, I finally googled what I had and realized it is Perioral Dermatitis and the desonide IS THE CULPRIT and not the help. So I stop it 1 week ago, and…. It is been down hill since then.. OMG I am miserable. I was able to hide it with natural makeup or nothing the first few days, now my face is a big giant red mess. One side under my mouth and a bit around my nostrils. The ACV seems like it is irratiting it more. I did buy the one Organic with the Mother. I do put the yogurt mask. I do drink a cup with 1 little lid of vinegar with water. And I have been taking oral antibiotics now for 4 days with no improvement….
This morning I woke up with tons of white little bumps, so the pustules have pus now… Beautiful sight in my face… PLEASE HELP! What am I missing? Why is it soooo red? It looks like a wound not just red little bumps. Did I make it worse by putting the vinegar? Looks like it. Please help!
I would like to add that I am also taking:
– Probiotics with an empty stomach and plenty of water
– Biotin and Vit C, Vit D
– No wine, no spicy food, lots of veggies and fruits, I just don’t like greassy food.
The white pustules went away with the last wash with 50/50 vinegar but it really looks like one giant wound, all red, terrible… Omg HELP! I pray people don’t look at my face and hide as much as I can but I really can’t!! Gosh! What to do? I have an appointment with a new dermatologist tomorrow. I can’t stomach seeing the one that caused me all this misery ever again 🙁
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SORRY YOU HAD TO ENDURE THIS AS WELL. But like hubby says, no worries, you will be OK, it might take some time but at least is not dangerous…. Right, I should keep things into perspective, but it is in the middle of my face! People are going to think I have crazy acne and I went on a scratching spree or something, I never touch my face, barely dry it with a clean towel each time. Ack…. Help help help
A word of caution.
When you apply the vinegar, you may want to do a test patch, and start only with diluted.
It turns out, because I didn’t diluted initially I did have some skin breakage and that triggered an infection. It inflames the skin more. So probably seeing how many people have good results it helps as long as you don’t make it bleed or, in sensitive skins, like mine, you have to be very, very careful and dilute it or may not even work. I don’t know anymore.
My new dermatologist is a clinical dermatologist (not cosmetic one, gosh how much I hate my old one now…. ) and he says I have Perioral Dermatitis but in one spot it got infected with staph so I really have to be very careful with hygiene and I am on oral and topical antibiotics. If I thought that PoD was bad enough ….
So just as a word of caution, what might work for many might not work for all, be careful, do a patch test, and start maybe diluted.
I will keep you posted. Pretty depressed right now, but have to keep my “chin up” for my family. I wish I could hide for 3 weeks. That’s how long this nasty thing can take to clear up…. Omgosh…. I am ready to get a facial mask and go around with it, seriously… Has anybody tried that? it would avoid the stares , maybe not… AAAAAHHH HELP! I need a miracle!
Well my MIRACLE arrived! I really don't even want to celebrate too early. But I washed my face following my new DErmatologist instructions with Betadine diluted and Peroxide and then metrogel on top. I slept all night and woke up with my skin ALL DRY and peeling, all the yucky gunk washed of this morning. I have NEW clear skin, very red and tender but looks so much better.
Now in retrospect I think the Vinegar DID WORK. Maybe for my very sensitive skin I went to aggressive and should have started with very diluted but anyway, now that it is all peeled I think it did work. The metrogel will keep it clean I hope but I will keep the washes with ACV too, just diluted. And I am also drinking very diluted ACV twice a day. PRetty much eating only fruits and yogurts and yesterday I had a bite of grilled chicken. Drinking loooots of water too.
Yesterday I was near a nervous breakdown and today I couldn't believe it.
The one thing I also did was listen to my relaxing tapes 2-3 times telling myself that my skin would clear soon, and trying to relax a lot. Maybe all together worked.
So hey if you feel like POD is hell, and you are miserable, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Just be VERY patient for me the ACV process took 2 weeks to the big peel today. I do have lots of redness but looks soooo much better.
THANK YOU ALL!!!! HEALTHY VIBES YOUR WAY EVERYBODY! I think I learned a lot from here, really, thank you!
i had perioral dermatitis for 8 months and it was horible i didnt want to step a foot out my door i went to my dermatologist and they gave me all sorts of creams and antibiotics and it all made it worse so i went natural please try this cause it works so well but be pacient because it takes 3 to 4 weeks but you will notice a difference after the first week!my regime consisted of when you have the rash and small blisters dont wash your face just rinse with water then on a cotton ball put ___ ____ ___apple cider vinegar all over your face it does burn and cause redness to your face for the first few days and second i put tea tree oil on just my rash and its good for pimples too then i use pau d’ arco and calendula cream mixture then i use ___ ____ ___coconut oil just a small dab works great and you can apply to your whole face its good for wrinkles and acne and it wont clog your pores and it moistureizes and you need moisture you can get all this in a health food store from what i have reserched perioral dermatitis is a yeast infection in your body so i drink ____(lacto- bactolis) and get a shampoo free of sulfates dont use anything with sulfates one more thing that is also good before you do the facial regime once a week do a steaming facial with a few drops of tea tree and you can also do organic plain yogurt masks leave on for 15 minutes well i hope this can help anyone out there that suffered with it as i did i have been free of it now for 3 months…. thanks good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar reduced the appearance of my perioral dermatitis.
Hey my names bella. After reading this site desperately 2 days ago, i decided to try using the apple cider vinegar on my face to reduce a breakout of dermatitis. I have recently been put of doxycycline for my dermatitis but found that i had a massive outbreak as soon as i started using the antibiotics and stopped using the steroid cream. I have also just moved in with my gorgeous boyfriend and was horrified and embarrassed when this happened. So i began desperately searching the net for home remedies and came across the ‘apple cider viniger’.
I have been using this for roughly 2 days now and can already see a difference. I have used a face wipe that has been dampened with warm water and a splash of ACV. I have done this a couple of times a day and can already notice the bumps, and blisters/pimples reducing. I highly recommend you just GIVE IT A GO.
I use 1/2 green tea and 1/2 White vinegar. This has done miracles for my scalp and wonders for my face. Apple cider vinegar alone did not do much, but Green tea plus White vinegar are amazing.
ACV is liquid gold! POD came on unexpectedly a few weeks ago and i began taking ACV internally, 1tbsp/3x/day and wetting a cotton ball with water first then dipping it in ACV and applying it to the affected areas-around my mouth on both sides. At first i didn’t think it was working, it burned like HELL! and made the area very red, but also relieved the itching. at night i would apply the diluted ACV topically and also rub a salve made of organic olive oil, calendula and tea tree on the area. i would alter the olive oil salve with coconut oil. I also ate 1-3 tbsp of coconut oil as well for several days. doing all of these steps the affected area has greatly improved in less than 7 days! i was considering making an apt w/a dermatologist, but thought to try natural remedies instead. Earth Clinic is THE BEST! i have used so many remedies on this site and they have ALL worked incredibly! my advice is to try the recommended treatments for 3-7 days diligently and be optimistic! thank you everyone for posting your experiences! thank you EC for putting up this amazing site! it’s so great and encouraging to see people helping people! best wishes to all!
Sally, when you took the ACV did you take it straight or with something? I have had POD in the past and it was cleared up, so I thought, and have recently had a bought of it and it’s been more concentrated on my forehead, but that is new for me. I have been using the ACV straight on my face with a damp pad, and I have noticed a reduction in the redness….thank heavens. The itching has reduced as well. So happy I found this site. I was ready to make an appt at the Dermatologist, but was dreading having to go on any medication. Thanks everyone!
Side effect reported
I have been dealing with an outbreak of PD for about 3 months now. I was prescribed metro gel for what my Dr. originally thought was rosacea. All it did was make my rash worse and cause many red bumps. I now have some red bumps on my upper lip, and in a ring around my mouth with my entire chin is covered in it. 🙁 It is not super red, but still noticable and flaky at times. Not itchy or painful though. I stopped using the metro gel and went back to my Dr. She then prescribed clyndamicin. I used it for awhile and didn’t really see any results. If anything it was getting worse. Now, after reading this website, I am trying apple cider vinegar. I started using it 2 days ago and so far don’t feel like it’s helping. I have new red bumps and overall the whole area is just redder than before. I am hoping this means it will just be worse and then get better. Has anyone else experienced a worsening of symptoms and how long did it take in general for you to see positive results. I have not taken it orally yet, but I am considering it. I am not using the organic kind, although I can see from the site it is recommended. I will likely buy some in hopes that it will help more than the regular stuff. The amount of time I spend looking at my face and feeling horrible about it is just getting to be too much. Ugh!! I hope to hear back from you and also really hope these remedies are working for you. Hang in there!
Hi Tayrn,
I broke out with Perioral dermatitis after handling contact cement, (apparently adhesive products can trigger it among other things). The rash went from one corner of my mouth straight down then across the chin and straight up to the other corner. I applied ACV to the rash and when the acv dried I then applied Calendula cream over the rash. You can find Calendula cream in health food stores, it’s used for skin problems. After a few applications of both I started healing within a couple of days, applying both 3 x’s per day. Within a week it was healed and gone. You sound like you have a tougher case of it, so not sure this will help. Good luck I hope it does, I know how badly you must feel.
Did this ever clear up for you? I’m in the same boat as you. ACV did not help me so far. It’s making it worse.
Perioral Dermatitis and Apple Cider Vinegar: About a year ago I went to the dermatologist with a bumpy, itchy rash on my chin and mouth. The Derm determined that I had Perioral Dermititis and prescribed an oral anti-biotic and 2 different high-dose steroid creams to be used for 2 weeks. I spent $500 on the visit and the treatments and the POD disappeared. BUT, I was told at the time that if I ever got pregnant the POD would come back, likely worse than before and that I couldn’t take anything to treat it then due to possible side effects to the growing baby. Well, here I am, 4 months pregnant and the POD flared up big time. Itchy, red, bumpy, flakey, cracked skin and spreading. So, I found the suggestion of Apple Cider Vinegar and for $2.00 I bought a bottle of organic, raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. I put in on a cotton ball, twice a day and dabbed it on the area. The first 2-3 days it stung really bad (nevermind the terrible smell) and the rash seemed to get a bit worse, with extra drying and flaking and more pain…but then day 4 the bumps went away, as did the flaking skin and the bright red color is fading. Now, when I put the vinegar on it barely stings at all. I promised myself I would do this treatment for at least a week and it’s been 4 days and I already see a huge improvement and I will continue using this. Because I am pregnant and I have organic, unpasturized Apple Cider Vinegar I am not ingesting it, I am simply dabbing it on the affected area twice a day, morning and night. Also, since it is currently winter I need to protect the rash and my skin from the cold so after the vinegar dries I put Aquaphor ointment over it (I’ve used this before with no change in the condition of the rash). Lastly, I am not using my old face wash/SPF face lotion on the affected area– though I do still use that on the rest of my face, as I have for the past 10 years…so the rash is not a result of change of product or use of too much product as I don’t put make-up on this area either. The only thing I use to wash the POD is an organic baby-body wash, with no chemicals or perfumes. Thus far, I am thrilled with the result– thanks to everyone who recommended it. This is one happy pregnant-mommma-to-be!
I am estatic that I just found this site. I, too, had oral dermatitus recently and my doc prescribed a steroid cream which did not work and then he prescribed minocyclene, an antibiotic pill. Several days later I ended up in the hospital for a week with an allergic reaction to minocyclene only then to develop BOOP disease, an organizing pneumonia requiring 6 weeks of recovery. I was very weak and sick requiring fulltime care. In the healing process with yet other drugs, my dermatitus disappeared. But, alas, this week it is starting again near and under the nose.The breakout is itchy, red and bumpy. I am on my way to get the apple cider and start today. I thank everyone for their blog and will give an update in 7 days. I am so hoping this natural way is the cure for me.
AMAZING CURE! This is a followup to my email on Feb. 22nd, saying I found this site and would try the cider for two weeks for oral dermatitus. The cider actually worked! Here are my recommendations. Dilute the cider and try it twice a day, then cut down to once a day due to the itching and dryness. I used chapstick or a serum every third day for the dry itching under the nose, as well. I am especially careful to keep my hands off my face due to germs. My rash is almost clear and I appreciate knowing that if it comes back, I can get my cider out! Thanks to who ever set up this site. Ger
I read here that a lot of people were prescribed topical steroids for POD. Do not use it! I read and am a living prove that it worsens it. When my POD break out happened last winter I tried everything and failed. I had a steroid cream orescribed to me long time ago for contact dermatitis on my body and decided to try it. The rash was gone withhin a couple days, but now when I don’t use it for a day it comes back. I read on a few websites that it is the case. While helping with the rash it causes a sort of addiction. I do not want to rely on the steroid cream for the rest of my life and will try ACV and yogurt. I belive that many skin problems are related to digestive system. Any problem can be fixed from the inside.
Hello all. At 28, I have recently been diagnosed with perioral dermititis. I believe I had my original flare up about 1 months ago. Foolishly, I borrowed some steroid cream from my sister and applied it to the area around my mouth/chin. Like many others, the POD went into overdrive as soon as I stopped using the topical steroid. After a little research on the net, I was confident I had POD. I went to see my derm, and sadly he confirmed my suspicion. He prescribed me an oral steroid (doxy) and to my horror gave me some more steroid cream! I have been taking the antibiotic for 4 days now but I will not use the cream. I’m committed to weathering the storm and not falling into the steroid trap! I do not consider myself to be particularly vain, but the POD has really knocked down my confidence and self esteem. What made matters worse was that there is so little definitive information about treating POD. I really started to panic reading that many traditional med. sites offer months of antibiotic courses with no promise of success. I have to admit, I started to feel a little depressed. I feel embarrassed explaining my desire to “lay low” until the rash has improved, because as my boyfriend said “it’s not like you lost a limb or something. ”
I am seeing a tiny bit of improvement after 4 days, but I’m not sure how to explain this. I have already switched over to a natural tea tree “soap-less” cleanser (no sulfates). My sulfate free natural shampoo/cond. is on its way. I have switched to a natural fluoride free toothpaste. I’m so grateful to have found this thread! I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with taking the supplement MSM? It was recommended to me at my local health food store. After some research on MSM, it seems to be a relevant thing to try as far as helping to create better conditions for healthy skin. Any thoughts or experience with MSM would be greatly appreciated.
Today I started the Apple Cider vinegar regimen. I mixed 2 tablespoons in a glass of water and chugged it down. Then I dabbed a cotton ball with ACV on the effected area. Call me crazy…. But within an hour I have noticed that the tightness and itching have become less intense. I am going to stick to it and continue to take my course of antibiotics. I am keeping my fingers crossed! I will post updates as to my progress. One other question… Can any of the ladies out there make a recommendation to me for makeup (once the flare up dies down a bit). I was already using the very popular brand mineral powder, but I have read that bismuth oxychloride, talc, phthalates, nano-particles, and perfumes can really irritate folks like us. I have found an alternative powder, but any recommendations for a concealer/foundation etc. Many thanks and lots of positive vibes for all the POD sufferers out there.
Your story is so similar to mine that I had to write to you. In November, I dabbed some tone corrector/dark spot remover while I was at a friends house and went out for the night. Big mistake! The next day I woke up with little red dots on the spots where I applied the cream. I thought I was breaking out b/c my skin is so sensitive and so I made a note to myself never to use that cream again. The dots stay on my face for 2 weeks. I go in to get my eyebrows waxed and my esthetician asks me what’s going on with my skin. I told her I’m breaking out and she tells me that it doesn’t look like a normal breakout but rather an allergic reaction to something. She tells me to use some cortizone cream and take some benadryl. I do that for 2 nights and by the third day my skin is 100% improved. My skin stays normal/great for one week. Then all of a sudden out of the blue on a Monday my face swells up with red, itchy pimple-like bumps all over. It was 10x worse than it was after the initial application of the tone corrector.
I made an appt with a dermatologist and he said I have Rosacea. He tried to prescribe an antiobiotic and steroid cream but I refused to take it. I went home and cried. I was devastated by the diagnosis. I know that sounds like an exaggeration but I was full fledged depressed by the news. I felt hideous. After feeling sorry for myself for a good 2 days, I turned to earthclinic to see if ACV could help me. For 2 weeks I’ve been dabbing ACV on my face followed up by coconut oil (I’m also ingesting it 2x a day). Gradually, my face started to look better. The redness lightened and the bumps began to go away. I still have some bumps but it’s nothing compared to how bad it was.
I saw a different dermatologist today for a second opinion. She diagnosed me with Perioral Dermatitis, prescribed me one month of antibiotics and a prescription cream. I don’t want to get the prescription filled. I’m going to continue with the ACV and get one more opinion before I resort to any kind of rx. Good luck to you and give an update on your status when you get a chance.
Hi Lynn, Try adding lots of Vitamin C to your diet. Vitamin C encourages Collagen production which is great for your skin/face. Also, try taking Lysine as well. There is a theory that the increased redness in your skin is due to a different underlying condition; in this case your vein walls aren’t very strong. I’ve heard of some women who have minimized the redness in their skin, and reduced symptoms of rosacea by adding about 5000-8000 mg of Vitamin C and 1500 or 2000 mg of Lysine (spread out throughout the day). It will take a few weeks to see results, but well worth it. Good luck!
My dermatologist had prescribed me topical steroids (vanos) about 4 months ago for small red bumps. It seemed like a miracle drug, my bumps quickly cleared but when I stopped using the cream, they would reappear. Eventually, the steroid cream couldn’t stop it… The rash worsened. I went back to the doctor and she diagnosed me with POD. I stopped using the steroids… Which made me look like I had terrible burns around my mouth and nose. It was awful. My skin was bumpy with pustules and very red. Make up couldn’t cover it.
(I was also recently diagnosed with celiac disease which means I have a gluten allergy. My digestive tract has been damaged and is in repair. I believe the POD is related.)
So, my dermatologist gave me sumaxin face wash and an anti-bacterial gel to use 2x/day. It itched and burned the first week, but I stuck with it. I cut out cinnamon and floride in my toothpaste. I try to drink bottled water. I don’t wash my face with hot water, only lukewarm.
The rash is SLOWLY going away. I’ve been on treatment for 4 weeks. It is still a little dry and I use Cera ve moisturizer AM and PM to help.
Also-A great MAKE-UP that won’t irritate the POD is Jane Iredale. She has a website.
Hope this helps! It is difficult to live with these diseases, but stay hopeful and try not to stress about it. YOU are not alone!!!
I came across this site one day searching for cures for perioral dermatitis. I saw how many good results people were having with apple cider vinegar so I figured I would give it a shot. My grocery store didn’t carry the organic so I just bought the regular kind. I also purchased some balmex after reading some good comments about that as well. After 3 days of cleansing the face with ACV and sleeping with balmex on at night my face is almost completely cleared up. Thanks so much to everyone who posted you definitely helped me.
After reading all of the suggestions for using apple cider vinegar on your dermatitis I decided to give it a try. I did not drink the ACV, but rather just used the solution of half ACV and half water and with a cotton ball swabbed it on the area affected (the skin on either side of my nose) two times a day – morning and night. After letting it air dry, I put a moisturizer protectant over it – Cetaphil – which has no dyes perfumes to irritate further. Within two days I saw a huge improvement and I am sure in a couple more days it wil be completely gone. I am so glad I found this website!
I have had a very red, blotchy rash on my face for weeks, mainly in the cheek area. I recently found out that I have Perioral Dermatitis, and when I researched more, I found out that everything I could have been doing to create this skin condition, I was doing. Firstly, I worked at Lush Cosmetics- so I was always using creams, face masks, and face wash… Mind you, most of it is organic, but it was overkill. I am also on birth control, which has been known to create imbalance. I ate many sugary, starchy, and wheat-filled foods. I was on antibiotics for a UTI before my chin broke out. When I self-diagnosed my self three days ago, I was red, embarrased because I didn’t want my boyfriend to see my face looking a mess, and nothing I put on it seemed to help. I found this site, and was overjoyed by the good reviews ACV had gotten. I had some in my cupboard, and have been using 2 Tablespoons in a little bit of water twice daily. So far, it has really dried out my chin, but the bumps are fading and the dryness tells me that it is beginning to heal. In combination with topical ACV, I have been taking 2 tbsp’s in tea or water 2x daily. My rash is slowly healing, and the quality of my skin is improving. I have faith that this will cure my Perioral Dermatitis, but I think my body needs more time and change to heal completely. Wonderful site!!!
I unknowingly had perioral dermatitis in sporadic bouts for the last 5 years. The first time it was just a dry red patch on my chin in the winter during college – it went away on its own. The second time was 4 years later and it was awful, a full red ‘goatee’ of peeling redness that coincided with pneumonia and my doctor gave me topical ketaconazole 2% to treat it but never told me what it was. It went away within a week, I was so pleased!
It came back this year, (3 years later) and I recognized the redness before it got really bad. The ACV remedy I found was a spray mixed with a few drops of lavendar essential oil for additional calming. the vinegar burned my face a lot and even after 10 days of using it the redness hadn’t gone away, or changed at all. A pharmacist told me that if prescription ketaconazole worked once, I could try OTC miconazole 2%. You will recognize the brand name Monistat. It didn’t have the same effect as the Keta, but it kept the skin moist and not icthy or peeling.
Finally I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed the PD and said to throw out every cosmetic product I had, including my toothpaste, and to wash only with Dove Sensitive Skin (no fragrance or dyes), and find a toothpaste that does not have Tartar Control additives. I am on 3 months of Doxycycline which I am not thrilled about but he basically told me that if I don’t get rid of the bacteria that is causing this, for good, the PD will come back again and again in closer and closer cycles until it is permanent.
I’m also moisturizing with Neutrogena Sensitive Skin because besides having no fragrances and dyes, it’s the only moisturizer i’ve found that doesn’t have SPF which causes really bad breakouts on my face. I recently tried Dermalogica thinking it would be better but i got a dry patch on my chin almost the next day!
I wish ACV had worked for me…
I am so happy I found this site! Like many of the other people who have left notes here, I am cured! I starting noticing a rash on my face the first week I moved to Sweden (no idea why, but I do fit the: 20’s female, chances). After a few weeks, I starting researching what it could be and came to the conclusion that it was perioral dermatitis. I continued researching and realized that if I went to the doctors, they would likely give me antibiotics which I refuse to use unless there is no other option. So I continued on with this ugly rash on my rash on my face for a few more weeks, until I found this site!
I bought organic apple cider vinegar the same day, and starting using it immediately. I applied it with a cotton ball to the rash twice a day (morning and before bed). I saw results immediately but it took until now, about 1 month later, for it to be about 95% gone (I think only I notice it now). For a few days in the middle I starting putting it on 4 times a day, but that was too much and irritated my skin. twice a day is good. Be aware that sometimes it does sting (and it does kind of stink), but not so much.
I think the acv is working! I have been using it for 3 days and it is clearing up! The bumps are gone, and the redness area is getting smaller. I also used a yougurt mask last night, it felt so good! I am also on Doxycycline, but I truly believe it is the acv. I am drinking it also 2 tbs in 8 oz of water 2 x’s a day. Good idea about the straw and the teeth. My husband bought me the regular acv, not the organic. I am going to the store today to buy the organic. Now I have to battle the dryness. I am afraid to put a moisturizer on it, in case it gets bad again. They say to aviod the moisturizers. I might try the candula cream. Anyone have a treatment I can buy at a big box store? I don’t want it to clog my pores. Has anyone heard anything about olive oil and perioral derm? I am so glad I found this site!
I believe I have either Perioral Dermatitis or Contact Dermatitis it comes and goes for over a year now I want to try the Apple Cider Vinegar but no where does it say how much to put on my face do I mix it with anything? I don’t wear make-up & wash my face with soap only I really want this to go away and can’t afford a dermatologist right now. Can anyone tell me how much to put on my face do I mix the ACV with anything? I did put some on my face which made my face redder and burning not sure if that’s a good sign or what lol. I don’t have it bad kind of looks as if I have sunburn on my face I don’t have pus bumps like many others talk about last year it started on my chin but now this time I have it on my chin my cheeks forehead and around my eyes. Please someone help me out with this thanks
To Princess78 re: perioral dermatitis…dip a cotton ball in ACV and swab it straight on your face twice per day. It will get red for several minutes after and may burn a bit, but that will go away. In addition you should drink two tablespoons of ACV in water or other beverage twice per day. You should see results in 1 to 6 weeks.
I use the cotton ball to apply straight ACV on the affected areas. The first time it did sting for 10-20 seconds. But 50x less painful than having a bikini wax LOL I kept my blow dryer handy on cool to dry off my face after i applied the ACV. It was red for a few minutes then toned down dramatically. That night it did not sting as bad and the next day it did not sting at all. I am still uneasy about drinking it yet. I will have to read more about it.
I suffered from POD for about 2 years and this is what I did to get rid of it: Stopped using Cetaphil cleanser and anything with sodium laurel sulfate in it, I used the apple cider vinegar and saw immediate results, did it for a month before I stopped. I also started using ____’s “Nourish All in One Facial Cleanser, and the Oil Free Moisturizer”. Works great and keeps my skin clear and soft! The antibiotic treatment never worked for me. Good luck, dont give up!
ACV cured my dermatitis and is also healing my rosacea!
I’m amazed at how amazing this $6 bottle of organic acv is. I would have never believed it if I hadn’t experienced it for myself. I’ve had rosacea now since May which was a result of a major stress factor in my life. I’ve been to the dermatalogist and have spent over a hundred dollars in topical creams and pills that just did not work. I then learned that the creams I was given for the rosacea was causing dermatitis so I was again given another cream to try and combat the dermatitis to no avail.
When the dermatologist failed to help me, I went to an esthetician. She put me on supplements stating that it was more likely an internal digestive problem. This actually made it worse. Whereas before the supplements I had the rosacea & dermatitis only on my cheeks, after taking the supplements it immediately spread to my whole face which freaked me out.
I then did a google and somehow found th Earth Clinic website with remedies and saw a few testimonials concerning dermatitis. I thought to myself, I’m desperate and what harm can it do in trying (as I’ve done about everything else short of doing laser treatments) to try and take care of this. I was even going out without makeup as the dermatitis caused my make up to look cakey and blothcy. On my way home from work on October 17th I stopped at a nutrition store and bought my $6 bottle of ACV. I washed my face and applied the ACV directly to my face with a cotton ball. Saturday it started looking better. I’ve applied it in the morning and at night after washing my face and follow with my moisturizer and a week later the dermatitis is completely gone and so is most of the rosacea. I also put 2 TBS in a 16 oz bottle of water each day.
I am now a firm believer in ACV!!
I’m a first timer here but this question is to Nan hopefully I’m doing this right….
I have Perioral Dermatitis which first started about 7-years ago. My chin broke out in these huge lumps and they hurt and itched like crazy. They lasted about three months and then just disappeared. Two years later I started my first job in a very dirty factory and the bumps came back smaller and in a very exact rash pattern. After about a month it felt like someone had punched me in the face it hurt so bad. I couldn’t sleep at night from the throbbing. So instead of sleeping, I spent hours online trying to figure out what it could be and finally I found pictures of PD and I instantly knew. I immediately switched to all natural products, everything. It went away for about a month. I just recently moved and it is back and worse. This time it’s on my chin, up to my nose and spreading to my cheeks. I have been on lockdown since I look like a mutant.
I found this page last night and thought I have to get some ACV, however that requires leaving the house! Well I have it now! I just applied it for the first time a few moments ago, so far no itching which is a relief. I will update in a few weeks as to whether it worked for me.
Hmmmm…ok I see that you can’t ask about product recommendations. So I’ll ask do you think it’s too much to use face wash, toner and moisturizer? I’m concerned about using too many products at once. I was also curious as to whether anyone here uses fluoride? I don’t use any SLS, but I have been reading mixed reactions to fluoride. Another thing that I have noticed is that (I have been reading a lot of different boards online) PD sufferers seem to have sinus problems. Which I find coincidental because I have serious sinus problems, which started around the same time as the PD. Does anyone else here have sinus issues? If anyone else wants to answer these questions that would be lovely, I appreciate anyone’s input.
Hey Nan & Susan, I have had perioral dermatitis for a month now – it started right after I had the first of a 6 series gycolic acid peel at my dermatologist’s. The line of the rash is the nasolabial fold from nose to mouth. The doctor said that there is no connection to the peel but I think there is. I have had other peels previously but never had a reaction like this! I bought the ACV yesterday -it burns, but I will keep trying it for at least a week. After the ACV I use either Psoriflora Homeopathic ointment or Aloe Vera gel. Any more suggestions? Should I try plain yogurt on my face too? Regular or Nonfat?
Thanks!
Susan- I am not using my normal moisturizer or toner. The esthetician recommended and sold me a cleanser and a moisturizer which seems to be helping as well as the ACV. She did recommend a sunblock moisturizer which actually seemed to make it worse so I’m not using the sunblock. The moisturizer is a Neova product. I am also using a perfect finish toner from Neova that you spray on your face before the moisturizer to give added hydration. I spray this on throughout the day if I feel my face is getting dry.
Marian: Sorry for the delay in response. I just now came back to this site. I honestly believe that PD is a result of using harsh face products over the years. I had always been a product whore, you name it I’ve tried it. I had spent so much money buying and trying products not because I needed them at the time but because I loved trying new things that were on the market. At one time I actually got paid to try products and give my opinion. Now that’s not me, my face can’t handle it.
Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different even the one’s with PD. My skin can’t handle any SLS whether it’s a shampoo or hand wash, it doesn’t matter I can’t use it. I’ll tell you what I use but that doesn’t mean it will work best for you. It took me 7-years to figure out what works for me. I use Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Liquid Soap to wash my face with. I can’t use toners because I have an adverse reaction. I use California Baby Calendula Cream on my face; you can use it all over it will not irritate the skin. On occasion if my PD is a little dry I use Karite Gold Shea Butter for PD, a little goes a long way, one tub will last two years (keep that in mind- good for dry skin). Balmex Diaper Cream is also nice on PD.
Apple Cider Vinegar organic undistilled works best for me because I have a lot of natural oils in my face, and ACV is more drying then the other options. I never put it on in excess or rub the skin vigorously. ACV is natural however it does have side effects. If it burns on your skin you should water it down. Anytime the skin is burning it’s telling you it’s too much. I only put it on in the morning and at night just a dab with a q-tip. If you plan on ingesting it remember there are side effects. ACV is known to wear enamel off of teeth and if ingested on a regular basis it is known to cause esophagus problems. I only ingest it if I’m having a serious outbreak of PD, one tabl. with apple juice and honey. Don’t chug it, drink slowly, and use a straw to keep it off the teeth. Never sacrifice your overall health for your skin, be smart and don’t let PD run your life!
If you have any questions let me know I will try and come back here regularly. In regards to yogurt and the other things you mentioned I have never used them so I can’t give you an opinion. I can say that I know some people who use grapefruit seed extract (5-drops in water as well as on the face morning and night) and it has worked for them.
I just moved from NY if I was still there we could talk about this over tea 🙂 Anyways Best of luck!
While reading comments, I came across a potential irritant. A few people have written that they can’t use SLS, and I’m wondering what they are referring to.
To Susan from NY- I suffer from POD and from sinus problems so I was very interested to hear that their may be a link between the two problems. I am going to try the ACV on my face first and then see if I can bear to drink it and see if it helps with the sinus problems too.
My first post here – hope this goes ok. It would seem that I’ve had PD for quite some time, like years and no doctor was able to tell me what it was! I’ve had several severe breakouts of it and went to my doctor each time but he wasn’t able to help. I’ve seen dermatologists and skin specialists too – and finally I started researching and realised it was dermatitis! And yes I’ve had sinus problems all along too! I even once asked my doctor if I needed to have surgery on my sinuses! I take Iodine but if I run out or forget to take it I seem to get bad flare-ups of dermatitis and my sinuses get worse.
I’ve used ACV in the past internally and externally and I will just remind people that find that it burns or gives them a rash or the like that you do need to dilute it!
One of the biggest problems I’ve had for years is washing my face! It would leave my face a red, painful, irritated, peeling and burning mess! The water here in Melbourne is heavily chlorinated and fluoridated (thank-you water company that must be in cahoots with the dermatologists! ) and it drives my skin insane! I’ve had some success putting a water filter on my bathroom basin and only washing my face with that. But my body is driven crazy with itching from showering in the stuff!
I’ve had dermatitis for about 15 years now pretty much all over my body. I would have a bout – then remission – a worse bout – then remission again. This pattern kept happening – each time the remission would not last quite as long. It then spread to my hands and did not go away. Very painful – to the point I could not dress myself – everything became a chore. Basically couldn’t use my hands. I tried apple cider vinegar – tea tree oil – any home remedy (nothing worked) Went back to the dermatologist – creams and steroids were prescribed again!!! This always helps – however as soon as I stop taking the meds everything would come right back – pretty much the same as before.
Did some research online and spoke with a friend that was a nutritionist. Well what I found was that vitamins are the cure. I started taking vitamin C – Zinc – a super B complex – E – fish oil – evening primrose oil – flax seed oil. In about 3 days what was all over my body was much better. One week and its just about gone!! Now Ill have a very small break out here and there that tends to go away very quickly.
Anyway – thought id share my experience. Good luck to everyone.
I am so grateful for this site. I was experiencing perioral dermatitis after taking antibiotics for a UTI two months ago. I tried what feels like everything to get rid of it-reducing sugars and alcohol, washing linens in hot water, sunlight, etc.
For the past five days I have been taking ACV, coconut oil and balmex topically and internally (ACV and Coconut 1 TBSP daily). I was ready to give up on ACV as my dermatitis got WORSE before it got better (Herx reaction?), but after 3-4 days of taking ACV my face looked much better. My theory is that the antibiotics created an acidic environment thus causing dermatitis/yeast to grow on my face. (Plus, I’m a sugar addict.) Other ailments have cleared up already too, such as a sinus infection and bladder irregularities.
I am so relieved and grateful…thank you to all who have written as your advice and testimonials have ultimately brought my smile back 🙂
Thank you so much for your post! I am experiencing the same thing – I am on my second day of taking ACV and wasn’t sure if I was getting worse or not (my face is kind of red, but at least it’s scabbing and not oozing – so I figured that this was an “improvement”).
This is reassuring and I’ll keep on it! I found that the coconut oil made the symptoms a bit worse (more red and irritated), but I never thought about ingesting it. I can give that a shot too 🙂
Thanks again!
I tried everything, from coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, antibiotics to candex to try and get rid of my perioral dermatitis. I spent hundreds of dollars trying to figure out a natural way to get rid of this awful stuff! I rarely tried one thing at a time because you start getting desperate and begin using several different treatments at once, thereby not really knowing what is working and what isn’t. So I stopped doing anything. I bought Nutragena T-Gel with zinc, California Baby calendula body wash/cream and washed my hair with the Nutragena, and used the california baby products on my face. Within two days my perioral dermatitis was lightening and going away. I thought it was crazy that I had spent all this money on stuff only to find out that it’s a kind of dandruff on your face. I don’t have dandruff in my hair so I never used dandruff shampoo. I did use a little shampoo on my face the first couple days to really wash it good with zinc.
Get some head and shoulders or Nutragena t-gel and use it, I have never had it disappear so quickly! I’m sure it will reappear if I stop using it!! Simple relief!!
I have dealt with PD since I was in the 6th grade. I am now 33 years old. It has come and gone numerous times over these years. I can go years without it breaking out eventhough my skin around my nose is always a slight pinky color. In 2011, I had it 2x and I finally had enough. I refused to take the steriods, antibiotics and topicals this time. It got worse than ever. I tried a natural doctor who did a Natural Reflex Test on me which is basically a muscle reflex test. He said I was allergic to soy and oats. Cutting out soy from my diet was nearly impossible but I did see a vast improvement. But I came to a stand still where it wasnt cleared completely, just managable and not as embarrassing.
Finally, I went to an allergist and had a blood test. The natural doctor was right, I was allergic to soy but also many many other foods. The test says I am allergic to 28 of the 96 foods that I was tested for. It makes me wonder how many other things not listed that I am allergic to. I am mostly allergic to dairy, gluten, eggs, safflower and brewers/bakers yeast. Oats came back as negative as an allergin. The allergist said he is 100% sure the food allergy is causing the outbreak of PD. He also said different allergies cause different people to have PD. So each of us probably have PD for different reasons. I researched foods that promote liver function because I would think that my liver needs to be cleaned out after having a backup of these allergins. I have a juicer and I make beet juice mixed with oranges and other fruit. I notice a big difference when I drink it daily and when I slack off. The bright red and flakes disappear within a few days. I havent gotten rid of it completely but I feel like I finally found the root of the problem which is hopefully the end to this battle!
Apple Cider Vinegar cured my Perioral Dermatitis. I had just developed the dermititis randomly, (no steriods or creams taken previously) and my Dr gave me a cream prescription. Before trying that I found this site and gave the ACV a try. I few days later it was gone. I now apply it topically daily with a cotton ball to my entire face. I am noticing a difference in my face all over! I think I am now going to start taking it internally as well.
My mom had those little red mini blisters in between her fingers. Which now I am wondering if it is related to my POD and we have a genetic predisposition?? Anyway, for her the way it always cleared was putting fresh lemon juice, she would just rub the lemon on it for a few minutes, and in a few days it would disappear. For her the cause it was clearly the contact with water, too much moisture. So try to stay dry, as much as possible, of course you still need to wash hands 😉 and squeeze the lemon on it. Which has me thinking maybe the lemon would work for the face too…. Thank you, by trying to answer your question I might have found a milder solution as the Vinegar irritates my skin too much 🙂
Thank you so much for the combined wisdom in all your messages re this nasty and persistant condition.
It's been with me for over a year and I cannot wait to try the ACV today – as soon as my little homeopathic shop in the high street opens this morning.
The rash started appearing over a year ago at a time I was under a lot of stress (and still am) and has not cleared after regular use of prescription cream.
Worringly, also a few month after the rash appeared I developed some pain (discomfort) in my lymph nodes (no swelling)which may not be connected with the skin condition but seems to be more prominent when the area around my mouth is particularly itchy (rash rather than blisters)
I had lots of tests re. Lymph nodes and nothing has been detected and the GP said not to worry about it but of course I do. Thankfully there are lots of people who have the same lymph node condition – and many of them had it linked to food alergies.
A bout of shingles at a point of acute stress (berievement) this summer seems to have helped with the lymph nodes to some extent but it hasn't cleared it. I hoped that the cause of the rash had something to do with the underlying immunity issues to do with the shingles but when the shingles cleared up (with help of antibiotics) the twinges of pain in the lymph nodes returned – thought not in the same intensity – but always manifest themselves when the rash is worse. Is it possible that my body is trying to fight the dermatitis?
As someone who always enjoyed a really clear and blemish free skin (but v. Dry) – I am in my late 50s – I am just so frustrated and do feel for all you ladies who'd been struggling with this condition for years. I've always used face creams for dry skin – was never loyal to a particular brand and never paid more than ?10 – as long as the cream contained sufficient combination of moisture and…. Well grease. Last year when the symptoms started, in desperation I returned to the cream of my Mum's era the good old Nivea which I used as a child – as it's quite mild. With a layer of vaseline around the affected area it seems to soothe the skin for a while but the itchy, red rash always returns after a few days.
Hope the Apple Cider Vinegar does the trick and I also intend to search for an organic cream for dry skin! I will let you know how I get on.