Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy for Perioral Dermatitis

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 :)