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.
Oatmeal Paste Topically
Posted by Lori (Newport, Ri) on 09/29/2011
★★★★★
This has always been my standby for quick relief of contact dermatitis, especially those lttle bumps on the face: Using a mortar and pestle, grind plain old fashioned oats to a fine powder; Mix with enough very warm filterd water to form a paste and apply gently to damp skin that has been washed in a mild fragrance -free cleanser. (Apply after rinsing). Let dry for about a half an hour. Rinse with tepid then cool water and pat dry. Use a mild moisturizer only around eyes and lip balm. At bedtime, rinse with warm then cool water and apply light, fragrance-free moisturizer. Never use a facecloth and soap on face or dry with a towel that has had fabric softener added. Good luck.
Acidophilus, Biotin
Posted by Diane (Ottumwa, Ia) on 08/12/2011
Re: Biotin. Thank you Lisa from Miami. Nutritional deficiencies are one of the causes to suspect in any kind of rash. Biotin deficiencies develop easily and the symptoms will look exactly like PD. If your rash is non-itchy, try Biotin. I realized that I had been really good about taking my B-complex for the past couple of months, and when the rash first started, I doubled up on my B-complex, of of course made the Biotin deficiency worse and escalated the rash. Even my very good B-complex doesn't have proportionately enough biotin in it, and since the B vitamins are used in specific proportions, I was actually draining myself of biotin every time I took my B-complex.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jerry (Cleveland, Ohio) on 06/16/2011
★★★★★
First I would like to thank everyone for sharing what has worked for them. This has been a nightmare! But I think I have found a routine that works for me and hopefully will work for you. Every morning I take probiotics and ACV capsules. (I tried drinking it but couldn't do it again) At night I take more of the same as well as green tea vitamins. I changed my shampoo to non sulfate. I also changed my toothpaste to non flouride and only drink bottled water. Before I go to bed I put organic plain yogurt on, and keep it on all night. This combinbation has worked well for me and I hope it works for you.
Flaxseed
Posted by Ruthie (Madison, Wisconsin) on 05/25/2011
★★★★★
Flaxseed ground, seems to be an effective treatment to help with the PO dermititis symptoms. I use 1Tbps in a cup of plain yogurt (no added sugar) each morning and evening. High fiber, so drink plenty of water! The oil is an "inner" moisturizer, so I don't put other lotions or aloe on. I also take 1 floragen (acidophilus) in Am and Pm.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Bunnylebowski (Seward, Ne) on 11/12/2011
It's me again... 7 or so months later and still no PD! Try the prosacea stuff! The active ingredient is sulfur.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin E
Posted by Michelle (Frisco, Tx) on 02/21/2011
★★★★☆
Dear Earth Clinic & Contributors - I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to have found the info on this site. I have had perfect skin my whole life and am 37 years old. Last fall, I tried a "biological peel" that I purchased at a high end store for a large price. Within two days of use, my skin started breaking out. I thought, "oh maybe my skin is 'purging' itself of impurities" so I kept using it a couple times a week. That was a huge mistake. By a month I had broken out very badly. I stopped using the product, but my face did not stop breaking out. I tried a few OTC products including the cardinal sin of cortisone cream (DON'T EVER DO THIS) and finally ended up in the dermatologist's office with a diagnosis of POD. He gave me a topical product…Protopic - that didn't seem to help and had scary side effects/warnings. I stopped using it because I had to take an antibiotic for a sinus infection - the meds seemed to start an even worse flare up.
That same week (about 3 months into POD), I started following the instructions on this site. I washed my face with warm water and no soap. I used a washcloth to apply the apple cider vinegar undiluted (Heinz) and then rubbed in vitamin E oil from Golden Way (d-alpha tocopherol acetate - the real, not synthetic E). I also took Nature's Way Primadophilus culture caplets one or two a day and mid way into the two weeks since I started, I added TriMedica Facial Redness Cleanser. My POD is about 90% cleared up. I'm going to continue doing this and hope for a full recovery in another week or so. It took a full week or more before I saw significant improvement, so keep the faith, people. Also, use a nubby towel to gently rub in the vinegar - not to the point of exfoliation, but get it in there working. Thank you Earth Clinic readers for your wonderful tips. I am so happy that my skin is almost back!
Diaper Rash Ointment
Posted by Sasha (Seattle, Wa) on 05/04/2012
★★★★★
I had small bumps on my face and I'm not sure what caused it. Anyhow I was going to go to the store to buy the diaper rash oinment, I looked up the active ingredient in the diaper rash ointment which is no other than Zinc oxide, which I always have on had for summer sun put some on my face and it works!
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.
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Brook (Atlanta, Ga) on 01/26/2011
I disagree with removing silver/mercury containing fillings, and it is irresponsible To Tell people To do that. I have been a dental hygienist for 25 years. Silver fillings have been declared to be safe by the American Dental Assoc. Many dentists refuse to do silver in favor of white composite types because they can charge the patient alot more for White composite fillings, and because the life span of one is 2-5 years vs. 30-40 for a silver filling. The Risk from mercury toxicity from removing the silver filling are much greater that leaving it in there. Not to mention that every time a filling is removed it must be replaced by a bigger one that removes even more tooth structure and weakens the tooth more. And dentists know this!
White fillings are a big increase in a dentist's production. Dentists who refuse to do silver fillings are very close to being considered unethical in my opinion, and I wouln't trust them.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by D (Lisbon, Iowa, USA) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★
If you have a diagnosis of SD you will know that there are many sites that say it is caused by Pitisporum Ovale, they are incorrect. SD is caused by Malassezia Globosa. My eight year old had it all over his face and it was spreading rapidly, the doctor gave us a prescription for Eldel, which has a black box warning and was $40+ even with insurance. It surpresses the immune system and I would not use it on my child who is a cancer survivor. My poor son could not tolerate any of the antifungals I put on his face, his skin was extremely sensitive and everything was painful. I finally hit upon non-pasturized honey, it works. Cleanse the area with hydrogen peroxide, put honey on all the areas. I put it on him right after school and then re-applied at bedtime. I also read a study that zinc pyrithione kills Malassezia Globosa, so I also purchased a 1% zinc pyrithione spray called "Z Care" by supplement spot.com on the net. It took forever for them to ship it, but it works. Once you know the exact cause, you have a better chance of fighting what ever it it is. My son could not tolerate head and shoulders on his face whatsover, but the "Z care" spray doesn't burn as long as you wait 10 min after you wash your face. Results with the honey alone were visibile in a day or two, but it is slow going until every little flaky area is gone. It took about 2 months to completely heal him. A note of caution, if the SD is all around the nose area, consider applying the honey and the zinc pyrithione carefully to the inner rims of of the nostrils. I just use a q-tip to appply anything to his face anyway. Don't spray the spray near your face, spray the Q-tip first. The SD was so bad that he also developed a secondary staph infection on the side of his mouth. The honey healed it, and knocked the infection right out. He has a small pink area of scar tissue, where the staph infection was, but I am hopeful this will fade with time.
Read the study: http://www.pgbeautyscience.com/defining-issues.html
Good Luck!
Borage Oil
Posted by Sandy (Tampa, FL) on 02/10/2009
★★★★★
Borage/flaxseed oil for Contact Dermatitis: I started taking flaxseed oil and in time realized that my dermatitis started to get better. At the time I also had bought a lotion with borage oil that said it was good for skin conditions. I looked up borage oil and found out that it has GLA and omegas which are good for inflammation and works against dermatitis, eczema etc. I realized that taking borage oil internally and putting on the lotion would probably be even better. I started doing this about a month and a half ago and my hands haven't looked this good in years. I think I've finally found a cure that works for me and I hope it works for you. I just take the pill once a day and put on the lotion as needed throughout the day. On the side--I realized that the reason for my dermatitis was harsh soaps so I have also started using Castille soap to wash my hands. It doesn't dry them out like other soaps do. I hope this helps someone out there. I had tried ACV/coconut oil and such before but while it did provide some relief it did not completely heal me as borage oil has.
Honey
Posted by Julia (Edmonton, AB) on 02/02/2009
★★★★★
Manuka Honey for POD: I tried three different antibiotics as well as apple cider vinegar separately over the course of Five months and none seemed to work. Most just caused further irritation (including the ACV). My mother had just discovered this well-reputed medicinal Manuka Honey (UMF 20+ was what she had), and said it has healing properties and I should try it.
I applied a thick layer over the entire area every night and sometimes in the day if I wasn't going out. I started only a week ago and already you can hardly see my POD and it's no longer itchy. The honey is a bit messy on the bedclothes, but is obviously working and was soothing right from the get-go. Just trying to get the message out there!
EC: POD = Perioral Dermatitis
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:)
Coal Tar
Posted by Julie (Bendigo, Victoria Australia) on 11/27/2008
★★★★★
When I was in my teens I suffered terribly from dermatitis on my hands, mainly my palms, nothing would cure it, my life was disrupted by my problem. I went to many GPs with no results. Then a pharmacist gave me a mixture of coal tar ointment, told me to apply it at night and wrap my hands in clear platic wrap every night, for, I cant remember how long, a week maybe, it smells very strong, but I perservered. After applying this treatment, I have never suffered from dermatitis on my hands again, I am now in my fifties. Hope this may help someone.
Antiseptic Handwash
Posted by Violet (St. Pete, Fl) on 09/21/2009
Hi Robert Henry, I got that info from my vet. I sleep with my dogs all the time and after reading M's post I called my vet to inquire about the mites. That is what she told me.
I was not aware that demodex gets into human hair roots but I am well aware of all your other comments (worms, e-coli, where dogs lick).
I am on this site all the time but I have just recently started posting, in fact that was only the 2nd time I have posted here and from the tone of your reply obviously I have upset you. Sorry :-(
As for reading more, I am a very prolific reader but I have by no means read everything on this site yet... I'm working on it ;-)
I am always interested in hearing what others have to say, and I am more than interested in learning as much as I can about natural cures. Now I'm off to read the demodex posts.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Adria (Kennesaw, GA) on 05/30/2008
★★★★★
I have been taking coconut oil capsules (2000 mg twice daily) for 3 weeks today. It has completely cured the psoriasis I have had on my elbows for over 25 years now. I'll have to get back with you to let you know what else it has helped me with. But, so far, I LOVE IT!
Diaper Rash Ointment
Posted by Laura (Chicago, IL) on 05/30/2008
★★★★★
Hello everybody, I had a dermatitis on my neck and one thing that really helped was A + D ointment, the kind you use for diaper rush. I remember it was the best remedy for my kids when they were babies, so I tried it , and I felt the irritation, burning and swelling going down right away. You can buy it anywhere the diaper rash stuff is sold.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by JEROLYN (Lebanon, TN) on 12/05/2007
★★★★★
I am 43yo and have suffered for 20 YEARS with this dermatitis curse! Like all the others, the prescription meds were but a band-aid to a much larger problem. I was elated to find this page. In the past the only treatment the doctors and I could manage was phototherapy, but just another band-aid. I have tried the ACV which initially worked then, to no avail. Probiotics produced no change. My sort is very stubborn! SO... I tried peroxide alone b/c that was all I had here at the house. It works very well for me but I am going to add Borax to the mix as I still get some minor flair ups. THANKS to you all! At least I have some hope of help other than producing further wrinkling to my already aging skin!
Vinegar and Olive Oil
Posted by Tom (Sunnyvale, CA) on 05/09/2007
★★★★★
vinegar and olive oil Ailment: psoriasis
When I was in elementary school, I had psoriasis on my elbows and knees, and all over the side of my face! It got behind my ears so bad I used to dream that my ears were falling off.
None of the doctor's remedies helped. Then my parents found this old home-remedy book from around the 1700s. It had what I call the salad dressing cure.
You soak the affected skin with vinegar for a few minutes, then you cover it with warmed olive oil (make sure it isn't too hot).
It got so I hated vinegar for years because of the smell (I think Apple Cider Vinegar would have been much more bearable), but it worked! The psoriasis went completely away, and I no longer felt like a freak at school.
Every few years I'll get a tiny patch on my knee or elbow. If it bothers me I'll use the treatment and it will go away.
Decolorized Iodine
Posted by Sharon (Boston) on 09/29/2006
★★★★★
Please delete my previous email from January and put this one in its place. This is the most successful remedy combination I have experimented with for dermatitis!
I have had an itchy dermatitis on and off around my nose for about 10 years. It was triggered after working in an office in Los Angeles for a man who smoked all day long (illegally of course, but he was a top entertainment executive so no one complained at that point in time). After years of smoking, the cigarette smoke was embedded in his furniture-- that's a horrendous smell to someone whose never smoked. Plus, think of all those microbes! At any rate, it took about 3 years to clear and then came back every time I would get around old, furniture embedded cigarette smoke. Psychological response? Maybe! At any rate, it came back again this summer after a few month respite.
But this time, I am happy to report that after years of playing around with every prescription and supplement under the sun, I think I have finally hit upon a dermatitis cure! It will only cost about $5... $.79 for the decolorized iodine, and $4 for a bottle of vitamin E oil. Here is my cure:
Using decolorized iodine for the face, take a q-tip and dab the dermatitis with iodine. If this is not on your face, you can use regular iodine. But it will stain you orange for a few hours.
If your dermatitis is on sensitive skin around your nose, like me, it will burn like crazy when you apply the iodine. Don't inhale the fumes while it is drying (takes about 10 seconds to dry). After it dries, apply some natural vitamin e oil. I open a large capsule and use that for several days before it runs out. Your skin will redden from the iodine and dry out, but the vitamin e will heal it and keep it from flaking. Keep this area moist with vitamin e oil all day and night if possible.
Do the topical iodine for 2 days, 3x a day. After the 2nd day, cut the iodine back to 1x a day. However, you will still want to keep the vitamin e oil on all day. After 3 days of 1x daily application of iodine, cut the iodine back to every other day. Continue every other day for 10 days (or less). Keep up the vitamin e oil every day until the dermatitis has disappear completely.
Let me tell you, the iodine and vitamin 3 oil starts to work on clearing up the dermatitis in about 24 hours! Initially the skin will look red and inflamed, but don't worry... the vitamin e speeds up the healing process.
I hope everyone with dermatitis (even perioral dermatitis) will try this cure. My particular form of dermatitis is one of the trickiest to heal so I am thrilled to maybe have a cure! I will let you know in the future how long this holds before I have to do the iodine again. Hopefully, never! Thanks,
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Lisa (Austin, TX) on 07/31/2006
★★★★★
I had a bad case around my nose but did not want antibiotics again. I switched to a SLS-free toothpaste. I also did an internal cleanse (Cleansesmart)and added a probiotic (Jarro-Dophilus). Within 4 days it is gone!
Honey
Posted by Connie (HoHoKus, NJ) on 03/16/2006
★★★★★
I had a kind of eczema in the corner upper eye lid which refused to go away for months. After trying many different remedies, I decided to try honey after reading about its healing properties. One application did it, it was amazing!!!!
