[YEA]  04/18/2009: Peggy from Rutledge, TN: "I looked at the options available from this site and thought I would try the yogurt versus the acv. Mainly I couldn't understand burning your face as a natural treatment. I have dealt with this off and on for three years, usually in the winter months. However, this year I could not get rid of it. I have perioral dermatitis and the lesions just kept reappearing even though I had followed my previous solutions, such as removing SLS products from usage, washing with only dove soap, not using makeup on my face. I refuse to take tetracycline and a natural product was my only option. I tried the yogurt and acidopholis and within 2 days there had been an amazing transformation. You can hardly see the lesions, the redness is totally gone, the dry flakiness is non existent and you really have to look to see any remnants of the dermatitis. I highly recommend this and would recommend it to anyone. Why burn your face (which by the way is causing further damage to your skin) when you can get a nice cool mask, is fairly cheap, and you can pick the product up at your local grocery store. Just be sure you choose the organic plain yogurt."

08/14/2009: Deanna from Calgary, Alberta Canada replies: "Hi All, I too suffered from perioral dermatitis for about 6 years. After several rounds of tetracycline, I began to research possible causes. The main culprit appeared to be fluoridated toothpaste. About 2 weeks after switching to natural, fluoride-free toothpaste, the dermatitis went away. It was amazing. I started to suffer from it again after moving to another city only to realize the water was fluoridated. Switching to a fluoride-free water source ie)drinking bottled water, the dermatitis disappeared again. Be advised however that many foods contain high levels of fluoride such as grapes, raisins, tomatoes, beer and many many more. These should also be avoided if the condition persists after eliminating fluoridated toothpaste and water."

10/25/2009: Sally from Portland, Oregon replies: "i also suffer from this condition and i agree that using yogurt both topically and eating it works well, but i also think acv works amazingly well! if you dilute it with water it doesn't burn"

12/28/2010: Herbalshakti from Oakland, Ca replies: ""ACV" = Apple Cider Vinegar. Raw unflitered and that has not been pausteurized is best."

12/28/2010: Eve from Portland, Or replies: "I keep reading, and have a question, what is acv? my daughter has keritosis polaris, anyone with any suggestions would appreciate it."

[YEA]  06/20/2011: Lisa from Miami, Fl replies: "Try taking an acidophilus pill along with a biotin pill. It has worked wonders for me. I dont even need makeup anymore! I have suffered from PD for over 10 years! I have finally found something that works without giving up flouride, sls products and all the other crazy things that dematologists claim to cause it. Really simple - 2 OTC vitamins Biotin and Acidophillus! See what it says on webmd for biotin deficiency.....

"There isn't a good laboratory test for detecting biotin deficiency, so this condition is usually identified by its symptoms, which include thinning of the hair (frequently with loss of hair color) and red scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth. " (webmd.com)

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I suffer from occasional alopecia but somehow none of the three - yes 3 - dermatologists I have seen were able to figure this out. One dermatologist prescribed minocylline which I must admit completed cleared it but it is quite expensive and very difficult for insurance companies to approve. Also, it will return as it is not permanent. I have tried everything and this is the best my facial skin has looked in over 10 years! I am so happy that I had to share this with anyone who will read.... Good luck to you and I wish you the same success as me!!!"

09/05/2011: Alyson from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada replies: "I did a 7 day total body rapid cleanse bought from a natural foods store and during the 7days I noticed little bumps above the corner of my lip. The manager at the store told me this was normal as all the toxins in your body come out of your pores etc... This was 6 months ago, this condition continued to get worse and worse. I'm fed up and have been researching my condition. So like most of you, I believe I have Perioral Dermatitis. My whole life I had perfect skin, very rare did I get a blemish. It's amazing how this cleanse caused this awful face condition. I'm taking in all that you have suggested. I've been using the Apple Cider Vinegar and will buy the acidopholis capsules and perhaps biotin pills too. The greek yogurt sounds interesting so I'll buy that too (just seems a bit messy to sleep with).

My question is, can I still moisturize? The ACV is really drying out my skin and this is sooooo embarrassing considering I have to doll myself up at work every day so flaky nasty skin with makeup is a bad combination. I'm assuming I shouldn't be exfoliating either, because when I do, yes the flakes are gone- but then I'm breaking open the infection and that probably isn't helping. This condition sucks!!! I can't even imagine how some of you have lived years and years with this. I feel for you :("

09/05/2011: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Alyson , Aloe Vera gel is very good for moisturizing the skin and it's long term use can help to heal skin issuses. Our skin does help get rid of toxins but when it does it to excess it is usually because your liver is over loaded. Which could easily be the case when an intense liver cleanse is done. I think it would be worth while giving your liver some support, there are a few suggestions on EC that could help. A good startng point is lemon juice in warm water first thing in the morning. Supplementing with milk thistle and also taking turmeric. Plus if your system is acidic (just do urine ph test) do one of the alkalizing remedies. http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html

All the best."

09/05/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Alyson, any skin condition according to Ann Wigmore in her book Be Your Own Doctor is a Digestion issue.

Try probiotics and digestive enzymes. You may have a Leaky Gut so reasearch that. Read Natasha McBrides book.. Google "GAPS diet". There are some youtube videos on her.

As Maria suggested lemon water is good.

I would also buy liquid chlorophyl, spirulina and chlorella. Stay away from processed foods they all contain MSG). No "diet" anything as they contain Aspartame. Grow your own herbs. Add unrefined sea salt to your diet. No processed salt.

I would also buy a colloidal mineral solution and take that daily."

10/19/2011: Peggy from Rutledge, Tn replies: "This is an update on my original posting. I used the yogurt on my face if I get a bad break out, which began to happen more often lately. I also began using the ACV which worked for a little bit but then after about 6 months it was no longer helping. I returned to this website to see if anyone had any more answers. I don't use anything with SLS or flouride in it but still was having breakouts, mainly around the lower outer rim of my mouth. I tried Ted's remedy, slightly. In the USA borax is a laundry soap and I refuse to drink laundry soap. I did try mixing the borax and peroxide but that just dried out my skin.

So I tried just the peroxide. Within a week my face was totally clear. I use it at night and in the morning and have been doing so for a month now and still clear. I have had one small pimple similar to when I have a full fledge break out, put the peroxide on it and it is gone in a day or so. I also use a product from Mary Kay (I do not sell it, I just use it) that helps the skin stay nice and soft. I will keep everyone up to date as to if this continues to work. Unfortunately I think this is going to be an ongoing issue but if I can maintain it and keep it under control I am happy."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  11/23/2011: Cara from Marina, Ca, Usa replies: "My PD was really bad about three months ago even though I was doing everything my dermatologist told me to. I was on 150mg of doxycycline and clindamycin and I wasn't wearing makeup or using anything on my face. I even got rid of all personal products with fluoride, SLS and petroleum. I was really sick of taking antibiotics without any sign of them working so I decided to try a new approach, stopped the antibiotics and gel and bought Epicuren Acidophilus Probiotic Facial Cream at the spa where I work. My product trainer said that it limits bacterial growth that causes acne by depositing good bacterias that inhibit them. I thought maybe it would do something similar as the gel but in a healthier way, cause we do need bacteria on our skin and shouldn't killing all of it be bad for you? It actually started working in about a week and seriously improved my PD in like two more. I started taking Acidophilus supplements to help it. It got to the point where it was only one red bump and no rashiness for awhile, but I switched up the routine and now it's all angry again. But I honestly believe using this stuff twice a day was what tamed mine."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  01/09/2012: Tina from Canton, Ohio replies: "I have recently self diagnosed myself with POD, after reading all the comments here I decided to try the Acidophilus and Biotin. I noticed my face was very red after taking these probiotics, is this normal? Does it take several doses before the redness stops appearing? Being that I just got this 3 weeks ago, what do you suggest I do first?"

03/22/2012: Hina from Phoenix, Az replies: "Along with this treatment (which I believe is helping) try mixing Seasalt with a facial oil (I happened to have Aloette facial cleansing oil - I'm not promoting this product - I've had it for about 5 years and never used it until now - I think an organic olive oil would work as well). Rub it on the PD gently, leave on for a few minutes and wipe off. I did this 3 times a day, in the morning, after I got home from work & before I went to bed. During the evening treatments I wouldn't put anything on my face afterwards for about an hour - then I would put on an SLS free moisurizer. I started it on Sunday afternoon and its almost completely gone by Thursday. Hope this helps - I know how frustrating it is. It also makes your skin very smooth and soft."

[YEA]  05/23/2012: Nicola from Wexford, Ireland replies: "Thank You Sooooooooo Much. I was trying all sorts of creams and everything and nothing was working! I felt so disgusting and ugly that I didn't want to leave the house- it has lasted weeks and weeks!!

So I got natural goats yogurt, and opened an acidophilus tablet and mixed it in, and put a bit of it on my face as a face mask, and ate the rest. It dried in pretty well as I did a thin layer so I slept with it on- In the morning there was a notable difference!! I've done this for the last 3 days/ nights as often as I can- I'm still wearing make-up when I go out and in work etc. - but I wash my face as soon as I get home and put on my new face mask!
I'm also taking 3 x Acidophilus tablets (ie. swallowing) everyday and my digestion has massively improved, which is a big helper in getting rid/ detoxing this rash off my face.

I'm also taking the Biotin, which I read here.

I hadn't realised how bad my bowel movements had been (maybe every second day), but since I started the Acidophilus they are at least if not twice a day- sorry for TMI- but I think it's rather important for this rash- the digestive system seems to need to be in order from what I'm getting from the cures that are working.

When it's dry before I put on make-up I'm using raw coconut oil before my foundation (just in case theres any other women like me who can't leave house without make-up! )

The rash is almost gone completely! Thank You Earth Clinic & contributors!!! I LOVE you!"

06/30/2012: Alana_marie3 from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada replies: "I have been battling POD under my eyes since March 2012 (but was unaware it was POD)... And just this month (June 11), I was diagnosed by a Dermatologist with POD. Like everyone else, I had been using steroid creams prior (to treat eyelid exzema) as well as using it to treat what I now know is POD for the last 4 months, as per my GP's recommendations :(

It has been almost 3 weeks now since I discontinued the steroid cream. 2 weeks after discontinuation, I had a horrible breakout. I was dead set on taking the Minocycline prescibed to me, although I was soooo against it. I held off. I cut out coffee and alcohol as much as possible. Starting drinking green tea. Cut out the steroid cream. Starting taking strong probiotics. I have to make note that I do have IBS which has been really bad lately, and I noticed a HUGE difference in my stomach problems within ONE day of taking this probiotic. ITS AMAZING! I was recommended this probiotic by my cousin who cured his horrible acne with this, as well as a very strict diet. From his experience & determination, I have alot of faith in curing these things naturally.

I believe the cause of my POD is a combination of steroid cream, stress, and liquor intake. My horrible rebound breakout 2 weeks after the steroid cream discontinuation was last Monday. The week since, my POD has gone down DRAMATICALLY. I do have Minocycline antibiotic on hand if I become too distressed with another horrible breakout, but if I can keep the POD tame with a few lifestyle changes and supplement additions, I will be so greatful. I am terrified of antibiotics, and will do anything I can to avoid them.

These are the following things by list that I have done to help my POD:

1) Stopped coffee, I now drink green tea every morning (for the past 3 weeks)

2) Limiting alcohol intake & sugar.

3) Started a probiotic which has already fixed my stomach problems, which may be an additional cause to my POD.

4) Yogurt mask every night for 30 min, plain organic yogurt with live cultures.

5) Following the yogurt mask, I apply a mix of pure calendula oil and coconut oil to the rash. By morning, the inflammation is greatly reduced.

6) I am taking oil of oregano every day internally and sometimes applying it with the calendula and coconut oil topically. It does burn a bit, so I don't use it topically all the time as the eye area is so sensative. However it is antibacterial so it believe it may help.

7) I take Omega 3, 6, 9 supplements along with Primrose oil supplements.. all of which are supposed to improve skin health.

8) For my eyelid eczema, which I also needed to cure in order to cut out the steroid cream.. I have found a miracle lotion via my Dermatologist --> La roche pose toleriane intense smoothing lotion. It does not work instantly but I have been applying it numerous times a day along with pure calendula oil (to reduce itching) and it has been a miracle. I will continue to apply it through the days as long as I have to. It is also very gentle, and not loaded with nasty ingredients. NO MORE STEROID CREAMS FOR ME!

Those are my tips, and they have helped keep my rash calm. And I hope with my new routine and determination to fix up my internal health and digestion system, that my skin will heal itself. Antibiotics are my last resort and I pray that I don't have to use them, but I do feel lucky that they are at least an option."

01/06/2013: Gilbertmom from Gilbert, Az, Usa replies: "Peggy, did your perioral dermatitis ever return after getting rid of it with the yogurt masks and taking probiotics? I am trying what you recommended to clear up mine. Thanks!!"

03/07/2013: Beliner from St. Louis, Mo replies: "Does anyone know the dosage for acidophilus & biotin for perioral dermatitis?"

07/17/2008: Lenni from Juneau, Alaska replies: "What kind of yougurt did you put on your face? & Has it ever came back yet?"

09/25/2008: Holly from Boone, NC replies: "Lenni, It does come back if I do not stay on top of the use of probiotics which my main source os from fermented foods. I must say the yogurt, which I use plain goats milk but any plain should do, make my skin feel so good that I use it several times a week."

05/08/2010: Hope from Fresno, Ca replies: "hi! so im trying the yogurt mask and i was wondering if anyone can tell me how long do i leave the mask on? thanks soo much"

11/24/2011: Kelly from Washington, Dc replies: "Hello, I hope I can get some answers from this site. I use to suffer from cold sores as a teenager, but in my twenties they stopped. Then in the last 2 years I have been suffering from what I believe is perioral dermatatis. I keep getting breakouts every couple/few months in which start with a tingling feeling (thats how I know it is coming) right under my nose (mustache area) then the bumps come, and they last for about 1 week. They itch in the first 3-4 days and then I guess the healing time starts and within 10 days it has cleared up. The blisters are clearish in color and have clear pus in them. After they dry up the scar healing process usually leaves a pink scar which fades within months. I don't know what to try. I know they are not cold sores or herpes, they only come to 1 spot on my face, which is right under my nose, above my lip (mustache area). I don't get them anywhere else. I do drink alcohol pretty frequently, and I read that is one of the signs of biotin deficiency. I use Dove sensitive bar for washing my face and coco butter for moisturizer. Please advice on me what it can be and any remedies. Thanks."

11/28/2011: Andoy from Boise, Id replies: "Looks like you have acidic body. Suggest you go to www.sicknesshope.com and search the site. Then ask Moreless for suggestions."

11/29/2011: Sharon from Philadelphia, Pa replies: "This is to Kelly from Washington DC. DO NOT PANIC!! It sounds to me like you have a form of herpes (Cold sore type NOT STD). By the way, 80% of the human population has this virus. The best way to find out for sure is to have a Dr. culture a lesion when you begin to blister. If this is what you have it is best to know. The virus can travel to other parts of your face and possibly cause blindness if it gets in your eye. You must take precautions to keep it from spreading or transferring to someone else.

Here is a webpage with some more information:

http://healingdeva.com/natural-remedies-herpes.htm

I am in no way associated with the site, I just googled homeopathy & herpes."

[NAY]  02/01/2012: Dawn from Springfield, Ohio replies: "I don't think it's herpes. I have the EXACT same symptoms and I've tried typical herpes treatments (before I was diagnosed with POD. ) I will say my face itches more than most people report. And no, acidophilus and yogurt masks have not worked for me. I even bought Kefir which has 10 different types of live bacteria in it. I used it twice daily for a couple days and it's only getting worse. I've tried everything and I'm starting to lose hope :("

02/02/2012: Leslie from New Castle, Pa replies: "Try Nixoderm. I bought it online through ebay for a couple dollars. I put it on at night."

09/29/2008: Colleen from Virginia Beach, VA replies: "I was wondering what probiotics helped the skin rash."

09/04/2009: Violet from St. Pete, Fl replies: "I have perioral dermatitis also and have been unsuccessful with several topicals I've tried. (castor, VCO & neem). I am starting now with the probiotics so I hope I will see some results with this route."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  05/22/2011: Anne from Yakima, Wa, Usa replies: "I can't tell you how happy I am to have found this site! I have suffered from Perioral Dermitits for about 6 years and could not figure out what it was or how to get rid of it! My doctor told me what it was after the normal acne treatments didn't work. I have what start out as small bumps, and at times stay small bumps, or they become larger and larger each day and are almost like a blister. Itching, burning, the whole thing. I was using Physician's Formula makeup thinking it was good for me, and Oil of Olay Anti-wrinkle cream. To cleanse I used either Neutrogena Acne Wash or Dove soap. My dermatologist told me I had "ultra sensitive" skin and needed to change everything, my shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, all of it. I changed to a sulfate free shampoo and my head stopped itching, and I no longer get the bumps on the back of my neck at the hairline. And here all this time I thought they were ingrown hairs! I changed my makeup back to Cover Girl for sensitive skin and immediately noticed a difference. I still had issues but it was better. A friend of mine who had bad acne scarring and rosacea said she was using Murad and Aveeno Calming Cream moisturizer and her face looked amazing so I tried those. I immediately started seeing results, a few times my face was almost totally clear but it would always come back, but instead of lasting upwards of 6 weeks it would only last 2, so much better! This last month I had quite a breakout and here I am 6 weeks later and it's just now healing. However, a few days ago I found this site, and I read the posts about using ACV, yogurt masks, and the acidopholis. I also read somewhere about sunscreen and Aveeno having chemicals even though it's labeled "naturel. " That did it... No more Aveeno! I went to the health food store the next day and bought some natural skin cleanser, toner, moisturizer (Earth Science brand), acidopholis capsules, and organic greek yogurt. I have been using these produsts for only 4 days and my skin looks AMAZING! I felt and noticed a difference the very next day! I am hooked on the yogurt mask, and right now I'm using once a day for 20 minutes. I do still use the Murad system only in the morning, and may stop all together to see what happens. I am hoping this does the trick! I'm thinking the sunscreen in the moisturizer may have been what was causing me to still have breakouts. I was using a Neutrogena face powder with sunscreen in it when this all started.... The speed in which my face began to heal these last few days just amazes me! Keeping my fingers crossed, I like what I see so far!!!"

11/30/2011: Jackie from Syracuse, New York replies: "I have had PD for about 4 months now. It started with a small bump in the corner of my mouth that slowly spread. My mother told me to try to put a little bit of her topical steroid cream on it and it worked and cleared it up. When it started to come back again it would go away after I spent a few days out in the sun so I didn't use the cream again. Once the winter months started to hit and I wasn't spending time outside anymore the rash slowly got worse. I started putting the topical steriod onto it more frequently and it progressively got worse, and then came to find out about 5 weeks ago that PD is caused by topical steroids!

I immediately quit putting the steroids on my face and had an awful angry flare up that was hideous and so embarrassing. Then it got a little better but was still all red and crusty and embarrassing. So I looked and found this website about 2 weeks ago. I bought organic ACV with "the mother", plain organic yogurt for masks, and started eating probiotic yogurt daily. I saw a huge improvement with the masks, but just the past two days after upping my ACV treatments to 4-5xday undiluted my PD got super angry and irritated. It does get worse during my menstrual cycle but it has been bad this time.

For me, I'm thinking the ACV has actually made it worse. Starting today I'm stopping the ACV all together and doing 20min yogurt masks in the am and pm since that has seemed to work before. I went out and bought acidiophilus pills today and started taking them. I am also considering buying organic coconut oil to apply after my yogurt masks since some people have had success with that. I do want to try to avoid taking antibiotics if I don't have to. I will post later to give an update on if this new refined treatments have improved my condition or not. I feel for everyone who has this disease, I dread going to work at my hospital because everyone thinks I have some weird disease and the harsh flourescent lights make it look just awful :("

[YEA]  01/06/2012: Rachel from Kansas City, Missouri replies: "I have been struggling with PD off and on for years, not knowing the official name of the ailment until this year when it got so bad that I consulted a determatologist who prescribed doxicycline. After two months of antibiotics I saw little improvement and decided to conduct research on the internet.

The worst for me was feeling new bumps grow, the itching and burning, and not being able to stop it. Hydrogen Peroxide would stop the itch and allow the bumps to crust, but at the same time it would destroy good skin and make the condition worse in the long run.

This site recommended yogurt (plain, organic) and acidophilus, and the results were amazing! I have been using both for two weeks now, and as of today I only have two little bumps left. I know that my PD perhaps is not "cured" but I now know how to fight it.

Here is what I have learned during my fight:

1. White crust does not mean healing, somehow the bacteria seems to hide under the crust, and the best is to remove it and treat it with yogurt. Once the spots turn red and stay red (no crust) they are actually healing.

2. Anti-biotic creams only angered my PD, and steroid creams appeared to feed it.

3. I kept yogurt handy and applied a thin layer even at work if I felt an itching, new bump growing sensation.

4. My kids renamed me "yogurt face" so expect a certain amount of ridicule from the family - but totally worth it."

[YEA]  03/04/2013: Erica from Germantown, Md Maryland, United States: "I recently had an outbreak of perioral dermatitis for the first time in 10 years. I tried a few different suggestions from this site including ACV and clendula cream, but the inflammation continued to get worse and it continued gradually spreading from the right corner of my mouth up to my eye and to the left side of my mouth. I finally stumbled on an article online linking the condition to cinnamon/cinnamon flavored foods. I thought about it and realized I had started taking a cod liver oil/butter supplement that was cinnamon flavored right around the time the dermatitis re-emerged. I have been off the cod liver liver oil for one week now and had dramatic improvement in the rash! So this is something to consider for those of you dealing with this painful and unsightly condition. Good luck to you all!"

01/23/2013: Rose from Sydney, Australia: "Hi to all, I'm from Sydney Australia and I have had a horrific outbreak (my first) of perioral dermatitis around my nose and chin area. Obviously did the wrong thing with using cortorsone cream thinking it would work which it didn't, however I got onto this website and read all the different blogs regarding which creams and ideas worked the best. So in the end I purchased Apple Cider Vinegar, which I put on evey 2 hours, this really stung and made my face very red yet it did dry it out which is what I wanted. I then purchased an aloe vera plant, cut the leaf in half and applied the gel straight from the leaf every hour. OMG, this is the goods. This is the best remedy I could possibly recommend. It takes the red out, dries the area and soothes it completely. I must say that the affected area is nearly clear after 3 days of using the leaf. If I was to recommend one product use Aloe Vera. Be aware, get the plant not the gel from the chemist, the reason being you need to apply the gel from the middle of the plant as it is the best and strongest. The outside of the gel closest to the leaf has a protective toxin so you don't want to use this only the middle gel. Good luck to all."

08/24/2012: Whydoibother from Spruce Creek, Pa: "I have been reading everyone's posts for 8 months and I swear I have tried EVERYTHING listed here-ACV, yogurt, probiotics, manuka honey, aloe, alcohol & peroxide, cutting out all sls, flouride, cinammon, spicy foods, pristine oral health, oregano oil, coconut oil.... NOTHING worked. Some things soothed it, but nothing made it go away. My dermatologist told me I had PD and of course gave me steriods and antibiotics- I read not to use steriods because they ultimately make it worse and the antibiotic cream did nothing- oral antibiotics gave me a whole body rash. For 8 long frustrating months I battled this "dermatitis" around my mouth and nostrils. It even traveled to my eyelid at one point. It finally just dawned on me that maybe it wasn't dermatitis at all, and that's why none of the remedies were working. I swear I don't know why I even bother going to the doctor anymore. I realized he hadn't even tested the rash in the first place, just was sure it was PD. If he had simply done a test to find out what was present on the skin, I wouldn't have struggled through 8 months of my life!!! I was reading something about athletes foot and it sounded much like the scales on my face- so I thought perhaps it was fungal. I applied Lotrimin Ultra and a perscription anti-fungal-ketoconazole cream 2% - that I had leftover from something else. I applied both to the affected area before bed, and by morning there was a marked improvement!!! I was thrilled. I applied am and pm for a week and it is TOTALLY GONE!!!!! TOTALLY GONE. So if nothing is working for you, perhaps it's not dermatitis at all. It is a FUNGUS growing in your skin- just like athlete's foot."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  12/24/2012: Carmen from Chicago, Il replies: "Thank you for posting this! I thought I had correctly self-diagnosed myself with perioral dermatitis, as my story was very similar to everyone else on these boards (whole life of perfect skin, then recurring outbreaks around the mouth to create a 'muzzle' effect with increasing frequency) and it became so bad at one point that the moisturizer and makeup I put on top of the rash became a staph infection. So I had to take antibiotics for the infection, then I had a severe alllergic reaction which caused my face to swell up to alarming proportions. So then I was put on a 6 day steroid pack, which worked wonders for both the rash and the swelling, but a few days after I finished the pack, my face rash symptoms came back. On the verge of despair, I saw this post and decided to try some clotrimazole on the affected areas. While the effect wasn't amazingly immediate, the areas did feel less itchy and irritated than they had before, so I continued putting the cream on several times throughout the day. Now, 2 1/2 days later, the rash is about 85 percent better and I'm hoping that by tomorrow I will be fully (or almost) better again. So I encourage you to try the antifungal cream, especially if, like me, your symptoms were less papule-oriented and more dry/flaky/red.

Thanks again!"

01/06/2013: Gilbertmom from Gilbert, Az replies: "Did the rash ever come back again? I am wanting to try the antifungal cream also, but I just learned that Lotrimin has a steroroid (hydrocortisone) in it. So I am wondering if it ever came back worse? Thanks!!"

08/16/2011: Leslie from New Castle, Pa replies: "What is the name of the antifungal lotion you used to get rid of your perioral dermatitis? Please email me at lklinehamer(at)comcast.net.

Thank you!"

05/02/2012: Kyle from Scottsdale, Az, United States replies: "What was the antifungal you were using? I tried ketonazole 2% but it doesnt seem to be working... PLEASE HELP!"

05/31/2012: Maria from Rogers, Arkansas replies: "Glad to hear that the antifungus worked for you, could it be possible for you to pass on the name of the lotion. Much appreciatit... take care. Maria T."

06/19/2012: Kellie from Nanaimo, Bc, Canada replies: "Can you also send me the name of the lotion I am having a awful time with this and have been to 6 doctors and a naturopath I am about at my witts end and my daughters wedding is in a month. kellandrick(at)shaw.ca"

[YEA]  01/30/2013: Kb from Chicago, Il, USA: "I have struggled with perioral dermititis for years. I've been to several dermatologists and taken antibiotics, applied a million creams, including steroid creams and everything else they prescribed. I've changed my toothpaste to a version that didn't contain flouride. I've tried Calendula Cream on it's own - it helped the dryness a bit but I kept breaking out and my face was still red and swollen and sore.

Apple Cider Vinegar changed everything. I happened on to this website a few weeks ago when I was doing some research on alternative remedies and immediately tried a combination of Apple Cider Vinegar, Calendula Cream and Calendula Soap. Within DAYS the red, scaly, itchy, acne-prone mess around my mouth was drastically improved. I couldn't believe it. It's been a few weeks now and I could not be happier with the results. You may need to tweak the routine I describe below but I swear these remedies work and they work fast!

Apple Cider Vinegar: as mentioned in many other posts, make sure you get the unfiltered, "of the mother" apple cider vinegar.

First day: I made a mixture of 1 part ACV, 1 part water. I dabbed this on the affected area every few minutes for most of the first day over a weekend. It will burn. I was ok with that - felt like it was working. Every time it stopped burning I applied more.

Second day: I didn't apply anymore ACV, but the entire affected area peeled off. It was still red underneath but much smoother and less scaly/dry than previously.

Every day since: I made a toner of 1 part ACV, 2 parts water - a little more diluted than the original mixture I used on Day 1. I apply the toner to the affected area morning and night after washing my face with Calendula Soap - I found a bar of Weleda Calendula Soap at Whole Foods and gave it a shot - it is not specifically facial soap but it's working for me. After using the toner, I apply California Baby Calendula cream only to the affected area and then a light facial moisturizer to the rest of my face. I tried using the California Baby on my whole face but found that I was breaking out in other areas. Using it only on the affected area only seems to be working perfectly.

My face feels completely different - it's no longer tight and dry and swollen feeling in the affected area. I am so happy I found everyone's advice on EarthClinic and am happy to share mine. I don't understand why derms don't know about these simple remedies."

12/21/2012: Guinness from Bristol, Avon, Uk replies: "Update: On the fifth day, I felt that the remaining 20% of the POD wasn't shifting and I even had one or two rebellious papules return, (evil stuff). So, undeterred, I popped over to a well-known herbal remedy store here in the UK and got them to make me up a 150ml bottle of pure calendula and myrrh tinctures (100ml:50ml ratio respectively). Having approx 50% of my wonderful intensive dermaspray left, I simply filled the remainder of the bottle with the tincture mix and shook it all up together - I now had a non-greasy base for the tincture which meant the alcohol wouldn't be an issue - it was time to kick this stuff into touch!

The good news is that it's worked an absolute treat! On the same day I also took 5ml of the tincture internally with water 3 x day before meals (as instructed), mixing in 10 drops of bitter Berberis tincture for good measure (I didn't add this to the spray though). All the tinctures are highly antifungal and antinflammatory, and just 12 hours later the last of my POD has died down dramatically so now I have only dark pink-coloured patches and 2 small drying plaques left to heal. I now feel that I want to recommend trying the tinctures and dermaspray over and above any other treatment if your POD is stubborn or recurs - I have tried everything - trust me! Good luck everyone!"

07/17/2011: Sara from Charleston, Sc, Usa replies: "Help! I found this site a few days ago and immediately went to Whole Foods for ACV with the mother. I have been applying it with a cotton ball twice a day as well as using a yogurt mask. I am on day 4 of this and my face is still REALLY red. The PD seems to be drying out a little, but it's not going away. It still really hurts and I haven't left the house in 4 days because it is so embarrassing.

Can anyone tell me how long it may be before I see any kind of results? Is there anything that I can do to lessen the redness? I have to go back to the office tomorrow and I'm so mortified I just want to cry. *sigh*"

08/04/2011: Hakan from Arnasvall, Sweden replies: "don't use cotton when applying avc to the face. Use your fingers only."

01/30/2011: Serena from Tucson, Az replies: "I tried the treatment you suggested, but it was far from being real sticky. How much of each ingredient are you using when making this home remedy? Thanks."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  03/11/2011: Jamie from San Jose, California replies: "4 weeks in and so far ACV has been a major factor in helping my POD to get better; read my summary below. The information on this site has been very helpful in terms of various natural treatments for POD & medical treatment that has not been successfull for many people. Now I know going back to the dermatologist will most likely be futile.

I have been suffering from perioral dermatitis for 4 years now, with unsuccessfull topical cream treatment from the dermatologist. I basically gave up and have been "living" with POD and keeping the inflammation down with otc 1% hydrocortisone cream, which I now know is really bad to use. One day I just became so frustrated & depressed that I resolved to continue the quest to find a sucessfull treatment. I have extremely sensitive skin and over the past few years have switched to all organic, natural personal care products with much improvement to my overall skin condition which tends to be very dry.

In additon my 10 yr. Old black labrador developed a horrible dermatitis all over his body... Inflammed, itchy, dry and flaky skin. I tried every medical treatment the Vet recommened from strong steroids to medicated shampoos, but nothing worked. My poor dog was miserable! It wasn't until (through my own research) swiched him to a grain free, organic, raw based diet w/high doses of fish oil supplements that his skin dramatically improved within a matter of weeks. Sorry to digress, but my point is that we are to a huge degree what we eat. That made me think there must be a natural treatment, or multitude of treatments that will work for my POD.

Based on other comments here I started with the ACV (organic, w/"the mother") 2x per day, applied undiluted to a cotton ball then directly onto my face on the POD areas, leaving it on 3-5 min. Then rinsing off with luke warm water (no soap afterwards). I also stopped using oral care products containing flouride and completely stopped using the hydrocort. The first day I applied the ACV to only 1/2 my face to experiment the effectiveness compared to the untreated 1/2. I used a yoghurt mask (plain, organic) on the non ACV side. The ACV burned and made my eyes water, but within 1 hour after rinsing off my skin was smoother and I did use a very small amount of jojoba oil to help with the dryness. The yoghurt mask did not work, it made my skin itchy and break out. So the next day I did the ACV treatment to my entire face. The first few days I noticed a slight improvement to the texture of my skin, which I attributed to the exfoliating effect of the ACV, but I still had overall redness and bumps. I was also taking into acount my skin was in withdrawl from the hydrocortisone. The end of the 1st week was the worst, it seemed my skin became worse and I was so tempted to apply hydrocort. , but I was determined to stick with it at least another week. by the middle of the 2nd week I stopped using the jojoba oil after the ACV as a mosturizer and tried a small amount of my organic body lotion (Alba Botianica - original, uncented). It contains no synthetic humiticants. A few hours later my face felt smooth and the redness slowly disappeared. Now into my 3rd week with the ACV 2x per day, rinse with only water (I use a gentle cream cleanser to wash off my eye make up only) then the Alba Botanica lotion to keep my face moisturized, my skin is starting to look better and 90% better than the first week. I also eliminated flouride containing products, and any make up on face (only eye make up). No lipstik either, I have POD on my lips so I use the ACV on my lips as well then use jojoba oil to moisturize them. I have also been eating at least 18 oz per day which contain various probiotics. I have also been taking fish oil supplements for anti-inflammitory/anitoxidant properties.

Now into my 4th week and the POD is 90% better, but not completely gone. I plan to stick with the regime and add oral probiotic capsules to my diet. I have also tried to cut down on my intake of refined sugars. ACV has helped a lot, but I also think the key to sucessfull POD treatment is a holistic approach (diet & topical treatment), there is not 1 single factor that will cure it. There are just as many things that can make it better, than can make it worse. So far I hope I'm on the right track to keep it getting better.

I dread summer, because most sunscreens make my skin break out, but I will have no choice but to start using some to protect my skin. Right now I'm just trying to let it breath and heal. Hope this helps someone else."

04/13/2011: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe replies: "I've read that coconut oil is a mild and effective sunscreen. read up on it."

04/13/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Aloe vera is also a good sunscreen."

[YEA]  05/29/2011: Connie from Greensboro, Nc, Usa replies: "Hi All, I am so happy that I found this site, just as I was about to give up and resort to long-term antibiotic treatment. I'm into my second round of prednisone, prescribed by my dermatologist, who admitted he had no idea what the flame red, swollen, itchy rash encircling my mouth and creeping up into my eyebrows and on my eyelids could possibly be. This is even more frustrating since it's difficult to treat a condition that is so hard to identify. Thank goodness for the internet, and to all the brave souls suffering with this ailment that took the time to share their experiences.

My PD started after weeks and weeks of raging allergies, which caused me to blow my nose from morning till night. The skin directly under my nose was bright red and never would clear up. I thought I was doing myself a favor by using the tissues with aloe or the anti-viral ones. Boy was I wrong.

During this time I also developed cellulitis and was prescribed strong antibiotics to treat the infection. I take probiotics regularly, but I must not have been taking enough to counteract the strong antibiotic therapy. My first visit to the dermatologist I was prescribed a mild corticosteroid and told to apply it 3x a day. I smeared it all over the affected area, and it seemed to work for a few days. About a week into the treatment, after applying to the area under my nose, everywhere I put the ointment starting to burn, swell, turn red, and itch like crazy. I never thought for a minute it could be the steroid ointment causing all this mischief.

Back to the Drs. office to find out what was wrong. They didn't have a clue; gave me more samples, and a round of prednisone to calm things down. Of course, the prednisone cleared up everything, and I kept applying the new steroid samples to that area. Then just like before, it all came back with a vengeance. Back to Drs. Office for 3rd time. They are more puzzled than ever; prescribe another round of prednisone, and still more samples to try! I was also instructed to stop using the treated tissues, stop all makeup, moisturizers, etc. This was becoming a nightmare of endless agony to the point where I was too embarrassed to leave the house---except to go to the doctor.

I knew there had to be an answer out there somewhere, it just takes persistence and people willing to share. Like the suggestions from others I went to the health food store and got the avc "with the mother", organic greek plain yogurt, a bottle of high count probiotics. Started the treatment last night and can't get over the remarkable difference already. I am taking the Apple Cider Vinegar by mouth and applying a 50/50 dilution with water to a cotton wipe and applying it over the affected areas on my mouth, chin, and eyebrows. I also did the yogurt mask and it really was so calming. The visible peeling flakes of skin have almost completely disappeared, the redness is almost not visible.

The Keflex for the cellulitis really threw everything into turmoil and the topical steroids, along with the prednisone just added to the mess. I feel certain it's a yeast overgrowth underlying these skin issues. Unfortunately, the treatment that the dermatologist recommends makes matters worse with no end in sight. Thank you, thank you, thank you all. I hope everyone has the quick response I've had. It's truly a miracle."

09/10/2010: Nissa from Corvallis, Or replies: "OK I said I would post back so I am. It has been 2 weeks since I quit Coritsone and other Dr. Creams. I was using the ACV a few times a day, diltued by 1/2, applied topically. It didn't seem to be doing much, and honestly I couldn't stand the smell anymore on my face, and it didn't seem to be doing anything. My sister in law who is a pediatric nurse suggested I try Cetaphil soap and lotion, said it is amazing on the kids "dermatitis". About a week ago I bought a bar of "anti-bacterial" Cetaphil soap. I started using it 2X a day. My rash seemed to dry up quite a bit, and if I put lotion on, it seemed to want to break out again. I let it get totally dry and flaky. Now 1 week later, I seem to have made a breakthrough! I don't know if it just took this long for my skin to break its addiction to hydrocotisone, but this soap sure seemed to help. Patience, I guess, for your skin to calm down. My face is now soft and 98% cleared up."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  09/10/2010: Zsaqwe from Brownsville, Texas replies: "I was cripple with dermatitis for 20 years. I was desperate. And had to quit gymnasiums because when I sweat the make up was gone and I felt people staring at me, I hate it! One very concern lady told me to look for help if I was being hit by my husband. After many doctors and creams, I found a yahoo group that was using ethyl alcohol, ACV, and aloe vera. I was so bless that I have aloe vera in my backyard, ethyl alcohol is easy to get in the drugstore and ACV was in my kitchen (without the mother). I started the treatment washing my face then clean it again with ethyl alcohol and then the ACV without the mother, the one for salads, the brown one. It was painnnnnnnnnfullll!!!!! But I was desperate. I finish covering my face with the natural aloe vera gel from my backyard. In one week I saw the results, impressive, Finally my face can be free of the sones, cortisones addiction. I have find something that worked! I did stop when I got cured for the same reason that you: The smell. Dermatitis come back and the treatment again. Now I decided not to stop because is working wonderful in my face, I guess the aloe vera gel locks the moisture in. I wake up with a beautiful complexion. I do not wash it in the morning I make up over it. Maybe I should to prevent other from smelling my face. I have suffer so much of this dermatitis that I don't care about the ACV smelling face.

Recently I found this site and people where using ACV for weight loss, I immediately went on my quest to find the "mother". I am having three tablespoons a day mix with orange juice and V8, before eating. I will post results when I am sure it worked for me. I don't dare to doubt ACV it has been a lifesaver for me."

09/18/2010: Nissa from Corvalis, Or replies: "Hello there, I'm back! I just had to come back and say I was wrong about that soap (although I do still like it for my body). In the middle of the week, I had applied cortisone to an itchy bug bite on my leg and my daughters from camping, and I had touched my face. Once the cortisone effect wore off, oh my I had a massive breakout. I went back to ACV, but it still wasn't helping that much. I decided to try Ted's suggestion. I bought a jar of boric acid and had peroxide on hand. I mixed maybe 1 TSP, with 1TBSP peroxide with 8 oz of water. I apply this twice a day. If it is feeling too dry I also apply Aloe Vera straight from the plant, this feels lovely. I started this last Monday and it was absolutely amazing. The best part was the itch going away. I still have a few bumps, but overall this was the most effective thing thus far. It is still returning my skin looks like 90% better. Thanks Ted! I will continue to try the other things to see if I can get rid of it all together."

EC: Warning! Borax is the remedy used in Ted's formulas, not Boric Acid!

05/31/2011: Firecracker from Longview, Wa replies: "omg, I totally want to know just what those docs are thinking when they tell you that you have this or that, or worse.. When they tell you that they don't have a clue as to what it can be but here, take all these meds and creams and good luck with all that! I'm 26 years old and just discovered that I have PD or eczema. It started around my mouth about a year ago and I just thought that I had chapped skin or something. After a week it got worse and even though I was applying every type of chapped skin cream, lotion, and stick, nothing would work. I spend at least 3 months straight looking like a clown because right around my mouth I would break out in this big red ring. It was only and always on the sides of my mouth, never above or below which I always thought was odd. It looked decent in the mornings but would always break out quite soon after waking up. I finally made an appointment with a Derm and he told me that he thought it was PD but wasn't sure because it also looked like 5 other things... I decided to google them all as well as signs and symptoms. I finally settled on PD because it was an undeniable match. The creams would work temporarily but about a week after stopping (because the redness would go away) it would come back with a vengence.

I've given up hope with the creams so back to google I went and found myself on this forum. I was sooo happy to read about Candida being a huge problem and stress causer for this type of skin issue because when I called down to my local vitamin shoppe I was told that they sell products that attack the candida and it clears your skin and also lessens fatigue (something also caused by an abundance of candida). I also read that other things that bring on a flair are alcohol, bread, sugar, processed foods, grapes, tomatoes, etc.. Basically anything spicy, acidy, or anything else above that feeds candida. I'm also going to look into this ACV (apple cider vinegar). I rarely ever ate yogurts before but I've been eating them for the last 4 days, maybe twice a day, and I've noticed a dramatic difference in the redness and swelling/irritation/itching. Its not completely clear yet but it is a far cry from inflamed and spreading out of control! I already eat very healthy and am in the best shape of my life but that isn't good enough to fight this PD badass... Time to get inventive because I refuse to hide in my own house due to something I could be preventing by just taking on an even more natural and healthy lifestyle via switching up my diet. It sucks that I have to give up everything I love to eat and drink but it sucks even more looking like I have some kind of contagious disease (yeah, most people see just that)."

02/22/2011: Jackson from Newcastle, New South Wales replies: "ACV is amazing, one use topicallly and I can already notice the difference, I've been the doctors 3 times for it and I was not responding to the minocyclin and being told the same thing again and again. Thank god for this site. Definately use acv! Definately"

[YEA]  07/18/2011: Marie from Coorparoo, Qld, Australia replies: "I just wanted to say thank you to the posters on this site.
Like most of the people on here my doctor put me on steroid tablets and told me to apply steroid creams to my PD (around the eyes, mouth, and nose). I'd had for approx. 3 months. The creams and tablets did nothing. Literally zero improvement.

After reading the comments here, I started using ACV (organic, unfiltered) and noticed an immediate change. I could not believe that I was on actual prescribed tablets and it did nothing but two days of ACV and I could see it working!

For those who want to speed up the process, adding manuka honey helped in a BIG way.

I began flaking while using the ACV so I decided to make a gentle cleanser with manuka honey and olive oil. The manuka honey I had was the New Zealand blend (not graded like most manuka honey, although I'm sure those would work even better).

I made the mixture and then applied it gently to my face at night. The next morning I woke up and nearly fainted. I would say that there was a good 60-70% improvement in how I looked the night before. I am not exaggerating one bit.

That was a week ago and since then I do the honey wash in the morning and night and follow it with ACV each time.

I think in the next couple of days it will be completely gone - you can't really see it now.... well, I can cos I'm looking it for it : P

Not sure if this will help everyone but I felt compelled to put my two cents in cos I was floored by how much adding the manuka honey helped my PD."

09/25/2012: Dawn from Albuquerque, Nm replies: "I had a horrible POD that I had made really bad with all the different remedies I tried. I started getting flare ups July of 2011. These flare ups never healed completely. I finally tried sugar and olive oil paste and within 3 days... the pictures are at this link, http://dawnmarie4.wordpress.com/2012/09/07/a-little-bit-of-sugar/ the difference is really incredible. Somewhere around 9 days, it was gone. Totally. My skin was smooth. I have a picture of it with no makeup. It took away the pain and itch immediately, and then started healing. One of the things I was so afraid of was scarring and that didn't happen.

I'm still getting baby flareups... A few bumps at a time which go away pretty easily if I put sugar on over night and use as needed during the day when I can. I did spend alot of time in the sun this weekend, not like I used to, but more than I think my skin can tolerate right now. That resulted in a little flare up this afternoon so I'm sitting here with sugar paste on my chin.

Apple cider vinager did not work for me. But I think sugar would be similar to using honey which is why I'm putting the link under ACV because someone else mentioned honey with ACV and I'm a nay for ACV and unfortunately, I did not tolerate honey very well. It made me itch."