The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Erin (Washington, District of Colombia) on 12/16/2008
★☆☆☆☆
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...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Princess78 (Crystal River, Florida) on 10/30/2008
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
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Duluth, MN) on 11/02/2008
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jenna (Philadelphia, PA) on 11/21/2008
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jen (San Diego, Ca/USA) on 09/04/2012
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nan (Atlanta, GA) on 10/24/2008
★★★★★
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!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (NY) on 10/29/2008
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marian (New York, NY) on 11/03/2008
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nan (Atlanta, GA) on 11/17/2008
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (From New York, to Virginia) on 11/26/2008
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jonna (Stuart, FL) on 07/29/2009
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.
EC: SLS = Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (an ingredient found in most shampoos, soaps, and toothpastes).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shaz (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) on 09/14/2009
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kitty (Melbourne, Australia) on 11/02/2011
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christine (Clearwater, Florida) on 10/14/2008
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Missmer (Bloomington, Indiana, Usa) on 05/11/2012
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!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cali (Sioux Falls, SD) on 10/07/2008
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sienna (San Diego, Ca) on 09/07/2011
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 :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Whitecat (Near Nottingham, Uk) on 09/13/2013
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Megan (Northern, MN) on 09/10/2008
★★★★★
I tried the apple cider vinegar for my Peri-oral dermatitis and I was shocked that it actually worked. I have had this on and off for the last ten years and have done the high potent antibiotics only to have it come back. Usually it would wipe out the good bacteria too and I would end up sicker than with just facial blemishes. I cautiously used the glass bottle of apple cider vinegar at the grocery store (we dont have a organic co-op really close) and just thought I would give it a try. The key was to BE PERSISTANT and STEADY with treating it. I was a litle discouraged after not seeing immediate results like some others did, but kept with it and now 6 days later my face is clearing up and my husband can barely tell I have ever had dermatitis. I am sooo pleased and am wondering if the organic version is probably what cured it faster for others. I also was beside myself with looking for a homeopathic cure because of being 8 months pregnant I could not go on my normal "regime" of antibiotics. I will never try those antibiotics again!! I am so thankful for this website of GOOD information and pleased to share it with my family and friends. All I did was use it twice a day with dipping a q-tip in the ACV and dabbing it on my face. It BURNED like crazy but I knew that something had to be working then. I did that twice a day (a few times i did it more) and the flakes I could peel off. I peeled a little too much and have a litle scab but I have found using a little lotion about 5 or ten minutes after applying it have helped with the dryness of the skin around the dermatitis. I am so happy I could not express it enough, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS POSTED THIS!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maria (San Francisco, California) on 08/08/2008
★★★★★
I have had Perioral Dermatitis for 5-6 years. I have tried all modern drugs and creams.Nothing worked. I became very sad and unhappy because I had to give up make up because of this condition.6 days ago I started using ACV (raw organic), on my face evry night. After it dries I am using an organic face cream that has tea tree oil 5% and vitamin e in it's content. It heals perfectly. I can not believe it. It is truly a miracle. I am also using regular whole milk yogurt on my face, as a mask. I think in one more week I wll be CURED. I also discovered how important it is to use natural tooth paste (no flouride), organic face soap, natural shampoos, natural/organic face products. I have learned a loot in this 6 years about my condition.
Read everything you can about it this way you guys will be able to be be educated in what is it that you have, and how to cure it. I will write back soon with feedback.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elan (Canada) on 03/28/2015
★☆☆☆☆
ACV vinegar made my perioral dermatitis extremely worse. The acid irritates the skin which makes the problem worse. I used cerave cream cleanser and it soothed it, then switched to the foaming cleanser and it triggered another breakout. Stay away from foaming cleansers...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Randi (USA) on 03/03/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Apple Cider Vinegar I have Perioral Dermatitus around my mouth and chin. I have had it now for a few weeks and am on a prescription topical cream called Protopic that doesn't seem to be working at all. I found this site several days ago and was excited to read how many people ACV worked for. Much to my dismay, it isn't working for me at all and I am seeing my doctor tomorrow who will likely prescribe me an oral antibiotic. At this point I will use whatever works, but would prefer not to be on an oral antibiotic. I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions as to other remedies to try or maybe I was not using the ACV correctly. I was taking it orally twice a day as well as topically twice a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Regina (Boulder, Colorado) on 05/14/2008
★★★★★
I, too, was diagnosed with perioral dermatitis. Mine was induced by topical steroids that I was using to clear it up, but in turn made it worse. Doctors 1st perscribed a topical anitbiotic "klaron", but it did not work by itself. Then they put me on a 30 day dose of Minocycline. After 10 days I was achy and had swollen glands, all the symptoms stopped after I quit taking the Minocycline. I went to my doctor who verified that this was a reaction to the minocycline, not a virus. I also tried taking it again after I felt better / symptons came back. After reading the information on this site, I decided to NOT take any more antibiotics and I tried the ACV. You wouldn't believe how well it is working! I take it internally 2 TBS w/ 8oz of water twice a day and I apply topically w/ a cotton ball twice a day. The dermitits hasn't looked better in months! It is drying up right before my eyes, no side effects. I swear it is because of the ACV, both inside and out. If you have the topical antibiotic cream, you could use that, too,along w/ the ACV I don't think it would hurt- but I would not go on oral anitbiotics. Give the ACV a good try - worked for me.
