Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy for Perioral Dermatitis

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 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 :)

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.

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 -

• When you get up in the morning, and before you brush your teeth, eat or drink anything, fill a glass with bottled water at room temperature.
• Spit some saliva gently into the glass.
• Come back every 20 minutes for the next hour and check for some of these tell-tale signs of Candida: - ?Strings' coming down through the water from the saliva at the top ? Cloudy saliva sitting at the bottom of the glass ? or Opaque specks of saliva suspended in the water are all signs that you have it.

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

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.

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..

This is it. This has worked for me the last 10 years, whenever I feel a breakout is coming.

1. Buy Apple Cider Vinegar (Always buy with "mother" in it - very important).

2. Dilute 1 part ACV 2 parts water (If your skin can handle it, move on to half/half). Mix in a in a small dispenser with a spray nozzle. Put it in the fridge, so it is cool when you use it. Not necessary, but it feels better and is way easier to use:)

3. Use minimum 2 times a day, morning and night after. I use it 4-6 time a day because my skin can handle it. I just keep the little dispenser with me and spray throughout the day.

4. STICK to it! This won't work in a day or 2. Mine takes about a week to 10 days. But slowly it goes away and begins to dry up.

5. Do not touch or use any other products to aggravate the rash. None.

6. Moisturizing is optional - u have to figure out what works for you. I personally do not moisturize at night, because the PD dries up faster for me this way. If you must moisturize, only use natural remedies like coconut oil.

Thats it.

Give it a try - it has saved my life completely!

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.

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.

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 was reading your post and suspected Heavy metals, particularly Mercury, for your problem. Sure enough, I googled, and found this

https://naturalvibrancelife.co.za/perioral-dermatitis-treatment/

My suspicion came from a nasty skin condition, Grover's Disease, being helped by consumption of cilantro, or capsules, and cilantro is touted by Ted as a (easily accessible) heavy metal chelator.

I would start by adding half a bunch, organic if possible, otherwise wash in baking soda and water, in a daily fruit and veg juice, and drinking lots of water, graduating to full bunch when you feel ready.

Best to you.

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

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!