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.
N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine
Posted by Alegrias (Corvallis, Oregon) on 06/28/2023
★★★★★
Around 20 years ago, there was a dime sized callus on my left knee, and being that I was working in construction, I just assume it came from just doing day to day work, however, years later, about 3 months ago this sudden became enflamed and then went to my right knew with similar red spots here and there around both knees and then it showed up around my collar bone and then it showed up just up and around my ankles; fortunately I had become aware of earthclinic.com and begin reading many many posts from others regarding their approach; so I first began various topical uses such as seasalt spray, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, urine, lemon juice, however these attempt only seemed to infame it worse, so I began focusing on treating internal gut instead and changed my diet to more of a carnivore diet, beef, organ meets, eggs, butter, along with fruits, and very little dairy, no yogurt, (gives me too much mucus), and adding Barberry Bark Extract to cleanse and detox, liquid chlorophyll (cleanse & detox), Biotin, D3, liquid Calcium w/ Magnesium, Vitamin B, Moringa powder, Vitamin C, Cod LIver Oil, Garlic, Sesame seed oil, Raw Honey, Chia seeds, Hemp seedsj, psyllium husk; raw honey w/ acv; all of this pretty much to feed my gut so my immune system would become stronger, but did not notice a real change after 4-5 weeks of changing my diet, until I begin taking N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine (recommended by Dr Berg) tabs around 2.5 weeks ago, now the red spots and inflammation is hardly noticeable, but I am not going to assume that this is over because from reading many posts this can and usually does return soon after or down the road, so I bought some additional N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine tabs and another very strong if not the strongest herb, Grape seed extract, which is on the way to me now; this has been very stressful time for me and I am nearly 70 years, but I know enough that we must be our own doctors, because the majority of doctors, do nothing more then issue a prescription which, may offer some benefit to a small degree initially, but for the long duration they do not stop the inflammation so the only common sense remedy is treat it internally to attack the source of the problem. I hope I have mentioned something here that may give someone total healing; I am very pleased that I found this website, I have learned so much regarding this issue and what others have been through in dealing with this on their own! Jeff
Pink Himalayan Salt
Posted by Maverick (Washington, USA) on 04/28/2023
★★★★★
Unreal... I had ezcema, dermatitis and/or psoriasis under both eyes after I got cross-contaminated with gluten (being glutened sucks A**). BTW, similar can happen if you're lactose intolerant. The protein in dairy (casein) mimicks the protein in wheat (gluten).
I had it for many weeks and I tried everything such as aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, castor oil, etc.. Then I read some comments here that swimming in the ocean and sea salt or dead sea salt got rid of their eczema. So I decided to try it with salt in water.
The last 3 days, I've put Pink Himalayan Salt mixed in filtered water, into a cup. I swished it around with my fingers so it would dissolve in the water and then I splashed it on both eyes (I did NOT dry at all). I think it's KEY to understand not to dry it off!
I woke up just now, everything flaked off and the red dime sized circles are GONE. I'm in shock. I also read that Chlorine Swimming Pools can do similar, but that's not even necessary. Just fill a cup with water and salt (I presume any salt will work, even table salt), splash it on the area where you have the red rash or eczema/dermatitis/psoriasis and just like it dry. Don't wash it off.
I also remember yesterday I noticed that the reddish areas under my eyes had turned yellowish, which I had not seen before when I used the other treatments (ACV, Castor Oil, Aloe Vera, etc..). So I kind of figured it was dead skin drying out and ready to come off. I'm still in shock at how quickly it happened. This is the cure for your rashes due to Eczema / Psoriasis / Dermatitis.
Avoid Toothpaste With Fluoride
Posted by Whitney (Denver, CO) on 12/09/2021
★★★★★
For months I've had a circular rash on my face. At one point it resembled ringworm so I used an anti fungal cream and nothing changed. Then I went to urgent care and got a steroid cream and the diagnosis for contact dermatitis. The rash somewhat went away when I first started using the cream but came back bigger than ever shortly thereafter. I told a friend about it and she told me the same thing happened to her because she is allergic to the fluoride in her toothpaste. I switched to fluoride free toothpaste and my rash was gone within 24 hours. I realized when I first started using the cream I was staying at a friend's house, using her toothpaste which could be why the steroid cream seemed to work at first. Just throwing this out there if anyone else is dealing with a rash on their face and treatments aren't really working.
Other symptoms I didn't correlate until now include: swollen eyes in the morning (I thought I might be allergic to my mascara) and sneezing (which isn't that unusual for me).
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Cherry (Mission Viejo) on 11/15/2021
★★★★★
My son has a chronic runny nose as well, however if he avoids dairy it clears up. He cuts back on processed carbs as well and it helps. He was cutting weight for wrestling when we noticed the improvement:)
Olive Leaf Extract
Posted by Allison Simon (Miami) on 05/04/2021
★★★★★
Dermatitis:
Taking 2 olive leaf capsules helps stop the itching within 30 mins - 1 hr. Incorporate olive leaf supplements into your daily regimen. Will be a big help. It somehow helps with inflammation and inflamed skin.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Valliegirl (United States) on 06/20/2019
★★★★★
My sister had perioral dermatitis for at least 20 years. She went to a dermo and was told it was an allergy to avocado. She gave them up and still had problems. A while later an acquaintance told her if you are allergic to avocados, you are also allergic to bananas. She then gave those up and her skin has been clear since. Hope this helps!
Calendula and Witch Hazel Spray
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 09/25/2017
★★★★★
My daughter had a rash on her cheeks. The bumps were not noticeable, as in, raised but not red; she suspected poison ivy, but she has sensitive skin. It could have been just dermatitis.
I had recently made a calendula tincture with witch hazel and suggested she try it.
Hours later she realized that the rash was pretty much gone.
Here is how to make Calendula Tincture:
- Fill small jar with dried calendula flowers.
- Cover with witch hazel.
- Let sit for 2 weeks.
- Strain out flowers.
- Put witch hazel tincture in spray bottle or use a cotton ball to apply.
Witch hazel tinctures do not last as long as alcohol based tinctures but they are worth making for the astringent benefit of witch hazel.
I think this is good for 3 - 6 months or so. Longer if kept in the refrigerator.
Calendula witch hazel spray would also be great for a face toner, poison ivy, hemorrhoids, bug and bug bites. I will let you know what else it ends up helping.
~Mama to Many~
Acidophilus, Biotin
Posted by Kathy (Idaho ) on 08/30/2017
Hi Liz, I know that this is long after you posted asking about coconut oil, biotin and your prescription meds. My daughter was diagnosed with eczema several years ago. We found through trial and error that using coconut oil right after a bath or shower helps tremendously. Towel off gently and when your skin is still damp apply the oil and let your skin absorb it. This oil can also be taken internally and helps immensely by moisturizing from the inside out, even helps with the creaks and dry skin that comes with getting older. I hope that by this time you have found help for the dermatitis. My son is currently dealing with a pretty severe case of that and I am trying to find answers for him. Wish me luck..
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 05/31/2017
Dear Jenstacks,
I am not Ted but thought I would suggest some things you could try since Ted is not able to reply right now.
If this were me, I would focus on remedies that reduce inflammation, alkalize the body, and support healthy skin.
Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and we have used it to heal a variety of dermatitis issues. 1/2 teaspoon in some milk a couple of times a day.
Epsom salt baths to supply the body with magnesium and heal skin. 1 cup in a warm bath several times a week.
Apple cider vinegar to alkalize the body and promote healing. 2 teaspoons in a glass of water a couple of times a day, during or between meals.
Borage Oil supplement to reduce inflammation. I have taken up to 3 large gelcaps of this daily for a chronic inflammation and it worked when nothing else did.
Gelatin added to smoothies, oatmeal, soups, etc. to promote healthy skin.
Vitamin C is needed for healthy skin and immune function. 1,000 grams 1-3 times a day in the sodium ascorbate form.
You could look in to Lugols or Iodoral as an Iodine supplement or take a kelp supplement. A selenium supplement helps the body to use the iodine better.
I would not add all of the remedies at once but try one every few days to make sure it suits. If you try too many at once you won't know which is causing issue.
Personally I would start with turmeric. It is my very favorite anti-inflammatory and we use it all the time for all kinds of stuff. I buy it by the pound from Mountain Rose Herbs. An Indian market would be a good source of bulk turmeric as well.
I hope you sister is able to find some remedies to bring relief. Please keep us posted.
~Mama to Many~
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Jenstacks (Ca) on 05/30/2017
Hi Ted, I wanted to get your thoughts on Perivascular dermatitis, inflammation of the blood vessels. My sister is 57, never has had any rashes during her life and a couple months ago she developed a small rash under her bra strap. It soon covered her entire back. Very blistered, bumps, itchy. She lives on Oahu, has been there for 12 years. In reading many of the postings, I'm wondering if it's caused by yeast. She does not add salt to her healthy diet, she may also be deficient in iodine which could be feeding the yeast. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions to help her rid this type of dermatitis? Thank you so much!
Avoid Fluoride
Posted by Af (Texas) on 11/09/2016
So happy to have found this website. You truly have to be your own doctor if you have any type of chronic skin ailment. Derms simply send you home with useless topical drugs or worse, more harmful treatments like steroids. What exactly are they studying? Do any of them bother to log onto a site like this so they can actually give patients useful advice and remedies? Infuriating. Okay... I've had hypersensitive skin and atopic dermatitis for decades, I will post solutions I've found on more specific links on this site - this is specifically about water and topical skin reactions because I never hear anyone mention it. I travel constantly and have noticed for years that my skin "burns" at worst or gets very red/blotchy at the very least *AFTER* showering in certain cities... and "clears up" (looks white, calm and no make up needed) again only *AFTER* showering in other certain cities. As far as taking a scientific approach, I can definitely eliminate coincidence, because these reactions (skin flaring up or calming down) occurs reliably the same way in the same cities. I told my derm about this but despite being trained in both internal medicine and dermatology, he simply said "I've never heard that before". It's been obvious to me for years that something in the water is irritating my dermatitis. It's probably fluoride. I'm going to look into it further (check each cities' water content info) and find out if this holds up. If it's not fluoride, it's probably chlorine (my initial suspicion). People think water is water and air is air - only those with allergic skin or respiratory conditions unfortunately know differently. I did find out the city I live in, where the water doesn't bother my skin at all, does NOT add fluoride to their water... Does anyone else have this experience? You would have to travel around a bit to pick up on it but still... even one vacation might have revealed a change in your skin condition.
Natural Makeup
Posted by Jo Ann (Usa) on 10/16/2016
I have contact dermatitis, I'm allergic to fragrance and fragrance mix.. cinnamon, citrus vanilla, cloves..propolis and tea tree oil.latex..
Diaper Rash Ointment
Posted by Jrheats (Nebraska) on 03/17/2016
How is your dermatitis now?
Dandruff Shampoo
Posted by Jrheats (Nebraska) on 03/17/2016
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I have tried dandruff shampoo and apple cider vinegar. After using each a couple times, the dermatitis would flake and seem to clear up with no more bumps present; however, it has returned both times after it had appeared to be gone.
Lily, how did it turn out for you?
Hydrogen Peroxide and Moisturizer
Posted by Michael (California) on 02/02/2016
★★★★★
Tried everything to get rid of the t-zone redness and dryness, but nothing helped until I found something that worked for me.
Wipe the affected area with plain 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Let dry for a few seconds, then apply moisturizing lotion with aloe once day. Took only a few days to clear up.
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Kayla (Ny) on 12/18/2015
First off, metal fillings give off an electrical charge that affects your brain, and your body, simple physics. The story of the famous actor basically every time he tried to sleep he would instantly get a migraine, and doctor did not know why. He finally asked his fans and one suggested metal filling. His biological dentist said, that when he laid down to sleep it was like a "lightening bolt going through his head, " All the metal was removed and the migraines stopped.
Metals are reactive and porcelain is not, I consider the hygienist opinion invalid.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Yogurt
Posted by Joann (New York) on 12/10/2015
Extra Virgin coconut oil
Diaper Rash Ointment
Posted by Linda (Fl) on 10/29/2015
★★★★★
I was prescribed Mometasone Furoate Cream .1% for a mild case of perioral dermatitus which came and went for 2 months before I went to dermatologist. Used the cream for 4 weeks as directed but the red bumps returned with 2 days. Continued use of cream once a day for another couple of weeks but upon slowing application rash always returned. Stopped cold turkey after I found this site and a closed Facebook group and decided on using non-rx products. My face broke out horribly from stopping steroid cream. Red blisters on sides of chin. Found relief using Butt paste 40% zinc oxide by night and California baby calendula cream by day. No makeup! It's been 3 weeks post steroid and I still have red and flaking spots but the blisters are gone. Please don't use steroid cream. PD can be managed naturally, I am confident of that now.
Swimming in the Ocean
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 10/14/2015 2048 posts
If one is not-so-lucky to live near the ocean, then a bath with added minerals like Borax & Epsom Salts or simply otc Sea Salt will suffice. To be completely safe & healthy, one would need to either have a whole-house in-line filter for removing fluoride and other contaminates or add a pinch of sodium thiosulfate crystals to the bath prior to the beneficial minerals.
Swimming in the Ocean
Posted by Eion (Los Angeles, California) on 10/13/2015
★★★★☆
First I want to thank all people who post on this site. A community of people sharing remedies for healing outside of the Big Pharma profit paradigm is a beautiful thing.
I read so many interesting regimens for curing dermatitis but I was wondering why mine had come back in the first place. I have not had it at all for 9 months and all of a sudden it's back on my face.
After doing my detective work I have realized there is one factor which makes all the difference for me. 9 months ago I moved close to the ocean. The only time I have left my home area in those 9 months was to work in Puerto Rico for the summer (and I was in the ocean all the time there). Only now that am I away from the ocean (Toronto) has my dermatitis returned. I am a regular ocean man. I am in it every other day now that I live close by and now that I look back on it, since my reconnection to the sea water, I have not had ANY dandruff of facial Dermatitis. Until Now, having been away from the ocean the last 2.5 weeks I have a flare up again.
So, for anyone suffering from Dtitis who lives near the ocean, now's a good time to take up surfing.
All my best, Eion
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jason (Seattle, Wa) on 09/17/2015
I just wanted to note that anyone looking for a cleanser for dermatitis should pick up some dead sea salts (make sure it is the real thing). I use a mortar and pestal to grind it into a flour-fine texture and then lightly massage it into my face (focusing, but gently on the derm spots) for about a minute or two. I follow this up with moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal (which is specifically designed and used for eczema, derm, etc.) as a moisturizer. This has helped tremendously, though I must say that I also maintain a plant-based, whole food diet as well and I take vitamin supplements, propolis, manuka honey, acidophilus, and some others.
For scalp, I wash my hair with a baking soda/ water mixture (at a 1:4 parts ratio) and then rinse and follow with a ACV vinegar/ water mixture (same ratio). This hair regimen has removed all scalp dermatitis (I have to keep doing it or it WILL come back) and I would like to add that my hair had begun to thin due to the derm but now my hair is very full and baby hairs at the hairline have returned. I even get compliments on my skin and hair and the look of surprise when I tell people about the cheap and simple products I use. I really hope that this helps someone, I know this thread is old but I also know the struggle of dealing with the embarassment of derm. Regardless of whether or not you get the eczema, derm, acne, whatever, under control, you should know that you should live your life and those that matter won't mind and those that mind shouldn't matter to you.
Much love, peace, and wishes for the skin you dream of :)
Lemon
Posted by Rob (Cape Hatteras, Nc) on 06/27/2015
★★★★★
Lemon Oil for Dermatitis:
I first started having red spots on my face. I noticed they would flare up after eating certain foods. I decided to have allergy and food testing done to see if I could find the culprit that was making these red spots on my face. My allergy testing revealed I am sensitive to corn, soy and yeast. I changed my diet to try and avoid these foods. I also saw a dermatologists during this time. He got me out of my severe redness stage with a shampoo and steroid but did not solve the problem. My wife decided she wanted an oil diffuser. This puts different types oil into the air. She read that lemon oil behind the ears helps complexions. I tried it and started seeing good results. I have been putting several drops of Lemon oil behind my ears twice a day. I have had a few occasional mild flare up but I have seen a drastic improvement. I am not sure if lemon juice works or not. I would at least suggest diluting the lemon juice if you try this with water. But my best results have been with lemon oil. Good Luck
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dustin (Riverside, Ca) on 04/02/2015
Where can I get the soft gels
EC: Hi, if you do an internet search for 'Coconut Oil Softgels' you will find a number of brands for sale.
Peppermint and Argan Oils
Posted by Julie M (Jupiter, Fl) on 03/19/2015
★★★★★
Hi all. Long time lurker, first time posting. I've had dermatitis around my eyes for over 6 months now. Tried everything that's been suggested on EC. In going over my oils and their properties, I thought I'd try Peppermint oil mixed with Argan oil. Just a drop of Peppermint to a couple drops of Argan. It burns but that goes away quickly. Do NOT get it in your eyes! 2 days and gone. Very happy. Love EC and the posters are all so helpful. Peace!
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Jumpin J (Wisconsin, US) on 11/11/2014
Your opinion is not researched. Yes, white composite does not last as long ...although my 8 white fillings that replaced silver mercury are doing fine after 10 years. Dentists have finally come out, admitting that there is substantial and dangerous amounts of mercury in those silver fillings. One part per billion of mercury is significant to decrease health. Do more research. My complete health profile got better without the silver amalgam....sinuses to eyesight to immune system...all better....even strength and energy. I am an Occupational Therapist ...always interested in higher functioning...I've seen people come out of symptoms like Parkinson's just by getting those fillings out. Use a dam to stop drilled fillings from going down the throat...Dentists like silver because it is easier to mold and work with.
Aloe and Ice Packs
Posted by Juliebeth (Littleton, Colorado) on 10/22/2014
★★★★★
Started experiencing dermatitis (and maybe it's also heat rash) about 6 weeks ago. Just discovered this website and have started following some of the advice (ACV, Biotin). At night when the itching gets bad I discovered two things that help. 1) Sensitive Skin Aloe Vera, and 2) Ice Packs. Just wrapped them in a towel and laid them on the itching area. This gives great relief.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Melissa (Texas, US) on 10/17/2014
★★★★☆
I've been battling Perioral Dermatitis for years=( It comes/goes but never completely gone; doesn't really itch (occasional but specific spots) area around my mouth, nose, eyebrows/between eyes is affected by redness w/bunches of tiny bumps, 1-2 will be raised & contain a clear liquid. I use a makeup remover wipe prior to washing, then I use Dr.Woods "Black Soap" am/pm it's a castile type liquid from health food store (NO sls) it helps a lot, NEED moisturizer after.
I use honey ALL over my face every morning (& night if it's really bad) after I wash; pat dry gently, smear honey all over & leave it anywhere from 5 min to an hour. It's so soothing & deeply moisturizing; rinses clean w/luke warm water- CAN'T LIVE W/OUT IT. I just use raw unfiltered local honey, one day will try Manuka but regular stuff works great. May sound crazy that I wear make up but my skin feels calmer w/it on & my Derm Dr. says it protects my skin. I use Tarte Amazon Clay BB cream (for normal/oily) the clay makes it somewhat water/sweat proof (need make up remover wipes to get it off) this stuff is great for my sensitive skin (NO Parabens, dyes, fragrance etc.. & SPF 20 is mineral based) & Neutrogena Longwear foundation (I NEED coverage) I'm very sensitive & this doesn't bother my skin.I take Biotin (very low levels). I was taking Max. dosage Biotin years ago & it was giving me HUGE CYSTS on my chin (never had that prob before) & I read that could happen in sensitive skin types, quit taking it & stopped having that problem. Maybe I have deficiency now?? Thanks for tips everyone, hope my info helps=)
Berloque Dermatitis
Posted by Elaine (Thailand) on 09/18/2014
Dear Mama to Many:
Thank you, I will try with your recommendations today and let you know our results, I would never have thought of using the Coconut Oil, but that must be better than a steroid cream. Thanks.
Berloque Dermatitis
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 09/16/2014
Dear Elaine,
If I were dealing with this with one of my children, I would try extra virgin coconut oil topically a couple of times a day.
I would also try turmeric, internally as it is so helpful for skin problems. For an 11 year old I would try 1/2 teaspoon twice a day. It can be taken in capsules (2 would be about 1/2 teaspoon) or mixed in some yogurt, milk or applesauce. A bit of black pepper with it will help it to work even better.
Please let us know how it goes!
~Mama to Many~
Berloque Dermatitis
Posted by Elaine (Thailand) on 09/16/2014
A couple of weeks ago my 11 year old daughter showed me a red patch on her thigh just above the knee. It was about 1.5 inches big and a very pale red color. I didn't think anything of it as it was not sore and the skin had not been grazed or broken, because we live in a tropical climate with lots of biting insects I wondered if she had been bitten, then 4 days ago we noticed that it had changed in color to a dark red/ brown color, we also saw small spot like patches on her lower arm and 2 fingers. I took her to our local hospital and the doctor immediately said it was Berloque Dermatitis and has prescribed Elomet cream which contains a steroid. He asked if she'd used bergamot oil or anything containing it, I've looked at the products in her bathroom and can't see anything that would contain it, except she has a facial wash made from natural products from a local supplier here which I suppose could contain bergamot, but she has only used it on her face, not her leg where the largest ""bruise"" is.
I wondered if anyone has experience of berloque and what causes it and help me treat it and speed up the healing time.
Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar, Yogurt
Posted by Deborah (Cork, Ireland) on 07/11/2014
★★★★★
Hi there, I suffered from very mild dermatitis a couple of years ago, but then it got worse until I had a terrible outbreak, did the usual thing and visited the dermatologist , did the antibiotics and steroid cream for about 2 months. all was well until finished the cream , a week later I got out of bed looked in the mirror and was horrified, my skin on my face was swollen , itchy , the corners of my mouth and eyes cracked, I was in a terrible condition. So I found this site, yahoo!!, tried the suggestions of firstly making a face mask of natural organic yougurt mixed with organic honey, oh the relief!! Then I dabbed my face with diluted apple cider vinegar with the Mother, it stung but I was desperate. I started to drink the ACV daily and continued to use the face mask twice daily, by the following week my face was completely clear, it was amazing.I've never had an outbreak since thanks to drinking the ACV daily, I've not looked back since.
Burdock Root, Milk Thistle, Yellow Dock
Posted by Mary (Georgia) on 06/07/2014
Do you still have clear skin. Can you tell me what herb product you purchased to rid your PD for blood cleansing.
Thanks a bunch! Mary
