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.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Bunnylebowski (Seward, Ne) on 03/12/2011
★★★★☆
First off, let me say that what I suffer from does not really appear as the bumpy, acne-like rash around but not directly touching the mouth like classic PD. Mine is just inflamed, red patches that border and even sometimes involve the lips. At one point a doctor diagnosed me with PD, but I am not sure if this is what I actually have.
The first time this flared up, over 5 years ago, I got rid of it with vaseline, as it was just above my top lip. The second time, I let it get way out of hand by hiding it with makeup and putting on perfume-y lotions and even using exfoliating facial scrubs. Yikes. I looked like a leper! It spread to under one eye and a patch on my forehead. The doctor didn't diagnose it but prescribed me a strong topical steroid. Of course, it went away but soon I noticed I needed to keep using it to keep the rash at bay. I went on using it for about 8 months. Then the rash flared up again. I finally broke down and put hydrocortisone on it, as I had done some reasearch by that point and knew steroid creams were just a vicious cycle. Well, I started that around October. A doctor gave me some Tetracycline, but it didn't really help at all. In May, I moved into a new apartment (not sure if there was a correlation, or maybe the weather?) and the patches gradually became smaller. By July I had actually managed to wean myself off the cream.
Fast forward a year and a half, and all of a sudden I woke up one morning with my top lip inflamed and the area above it as well. I thought I was done with pd, so I was pissed! This actually happened after I had been drinking ACV for a month or so for other reasons, (which seems opposite what many people on here are saying) but I'm not sure if it's related. I had also been brushing my teeth with baking soda which leads me to believe I may be allergic to it. Regardless, I wanted it gone and did not want to go the hydrocortisone route again just because I happened to get lucky last time.
Topical ACV and Grapefruit seed extract just made it much redder and worse. I bought some cardiospermum cream from a health food store because it said it was an alternative to hydrocortisone. It seemed to sooth the redness, but didn't diminish it. I started using Peelu toothpaste (no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Fluoride) also. I then bought some zinc diaper rash cream. It definitely hid the redness, but didn't really take it away. I also got some calendula cream which helped the redness and chapping directly on my lip, and was very soothing.
Finally, I bought some rosacea gel called Prosacea from Walgreens. I put in on clean skin before bed, topped it off with some Calendula cream, and a little of the diaper rash cream. I woke up and it was much less red! I am hoping this continues. I have gone awhile with no hydrocortisone and it seems the worst is over. It is barely noticeable today. I will update if anything changes.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Mass.) on 03/13/2011
Sometimes illnesses and diseases including pimples etc. do not always come from the outside, it too needs healing from the inside out, it also could have some thing to do with your diet. We are what we eat...... We become what we think.
good luck
Diaper Rash Ointment
Posted by Jrheats (Nebraska) on 03/17/2016
How is your dermatitis now?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Sulphur Clay Mask
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 01/17/2011
★★★★★
I've had an outbreak of dermatits on my face, on either side of my nose and underneath my nose. I remembered I used ACV and bentonite clay for a rash I got from a swimming pool and it cleared it up in a matter of days, so I thought I would apply the same principles to my face. This is what I did:
Wash face every AM and PM with gentle soap. Used cottonball to apply H2O all over face and let sit for about a minute. Then applied ACV, full strength, with cottonball over the H2O. Let air dry and put on lotion and mineral makeup For the day ( I have a customer service job). At night I would apply the H20 and ACV, Let it dry and apply a sulfur/bentonite clay mask to only the affected areas and leave on while I slept.
I started this 5 days ago and I'm about 85% clear. Not to mention the ACV/H2O has exfoliated really well so I have smooth skin.
Hope this helps someone!
Things to Avoid
Posted by Tracy (Fort Worth, Texas) on 12/19/2010
I have found that the beeswax is a problem for my perioral dermatitis. My lips would swell and become even more dry and sore after using it.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Shary (Centennial, Co) on 11/20/2010
After struggling with itchy, occasionally rashy skin on my torso for several years, and after much trial and error and being unable to find the cause, I recently realized that the itchiness is usually near the seams of my clothing. I had been taking krill oil, which helped some but not enough and is expensive. I have since discovered that wearing as many garments inside-out as I can, so the seams aren't next to my skin, has really helped. I may be allergic to the thread, which is probably made in Asia these days and treated with God knows what.
The other thing is probiotics. I have begun to take it daily. A lack of beneficial bacteria in the gut can cause a variety of problems, including allergies, bleeding gums, GI tract problems, etc. (Check online for more info on probiotics. ) Ask your pharmacist to recommend a good one. It is available without a prescription. Take it as directed for 4 to 6 months to see if it helps.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Damian (Kampala, Uganda) on 05/19/2014
I have eczema and it develops from my buttocks downwards to my legs. It usually comes and goes but this time it won't go, can some one please help me what remedy or medicine I can use to stop this? I'm having sleepless nights. Thank you.
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Cindy (New York, Ny) on 11/08/2010
I stopped washing my face with tap water and my dermatitis and acne have disappeared. I have been using vitamin E face wipes and burt's bees toner to clean my face. Then I applied balmex to my dermatitis now it is gone. I am pretty sure it is the chlorine and fluoride in the tap water that aggravated my condition. I just purchased a shower filter too, hopefully it will help as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Yogurt
Posted by Heather (Sarasota, Fl) on 06/15/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been using Apple Cider Vinegar for my PD for about four days now. The PD was bad because I had been using a steroid cream to treat it as I thought it was just a rash problem and not PD.
I have been using an organic, raw ACV twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. I have also used a plain, organic yogurt mask twice in the past four days. I have switched to a fluoride-free toothpaste and only use a gentle face cleanser. I have continued to use mineral makeup. I live in Florida so avoiding the humidity and sunshine isn't really an option for me.
Although it seems to be getting better (the pimple-looking spots have slightly diminished and the rash is not so red) one patch on my chin is severely scaley and dry.
How do I treat the dry, flaky part of my PD without bringing on the yucky whitehead looking parts? It seems to be needing a moisturizer, but what should I use?!
Please help! This is incredibly embarrassing and being a bartender with a rash on my face makes me so self-conscious. I wish I could just hide until this gets better. Thank you!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Yogurt
Posted by Heather (Naples, Fl) on 10/04/2010
Have you tried Calendula cream? It did wonders for my PD. I use an organic brand.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Yogurt
Posted by Joann (New York) on 12/10/2015
Extra Virgin coconut oil
Magnesium Chloride
Posted by Katrina (Newcastle Upon Tyne, Uk) on 08/14/2012
I am very grateful to everyone who has previously posted on this website. I have been suffering from mild perioral dermatitis intermittently for the past year and have blamed many things from antibiotics to having my top lip waxed.
As a kinesiologist who couldn't cure herself I was getting very frustrated having tried many remedies. As I already had magnesium chloride oil in the house so decided to give it a try, that was on Sunday, I have wiped it over my top lip night and morning since then (it is Tuesday morning now) and it has made a dramatic difference.
It stings like mad at first then calms down which is when I apply my moisturiser. Concealer works very well I have found.
Thank you for all of the helpful information! :-)
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Mary Smith (University Place, WA) on 05/09/2009
After receiving two fillings from my dentist in January, I had an immediate response with my very first case of dermatitis above my lip, at the age of 52. I have tried a number of things, using baby shampoo to wash my face, applying Vaseline, and ingesting various teas and vitamins. I am now using ACV and so far it has given me a break but I am not sure what the next week will bring. I had a temporary implant done about two months ago and that further exacerbated the problem, creating a pink severely itchy patch directly above the implant that comes and goes, creating scaling and pealing into my lip that never scabs. We will see if the ACV continues to keep the symptoms at bay or if this is just the break I experience in between. It has become almost weekly at this point.
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Andrewdreiling (Overland Park, Ks) on 09/27/2010
Check out the books "whole body dentistry", "uninformed consent", & "root canal cover up"... If u have amalgams/silver fillings, they must come out & be replaced with a safer material (non-bpa composite, porcelain, gold, etc) asap... Mercury poisoning is a BIG problem... Hope this helps!
Vitamin E
Posted by BPhilips (Mcminnville, OR) on 05/02/2009
★★★★★
HI I have suffered from pd for like a year. I have tried so many things. what I have found that works the best is regular vitamin E geltabs. I squeeze the contents out and massage into my freshly washed skin every night. Every day I see amazing results. This is day 5 and my pd inlamation has gone down by 90%
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
Honey
Posted by Kare (Edmonton, AB) on 06/16/2009
I have a horrible outbreak of POD right now. Worst one ever. I just started applying Apple Cider Vinegar and Manuka Honey to it as of last night. I am also in Tetracycline now too. I will keep everyone posted as to how this is working.
So far the honey is soothing and takes the dryness issue away. The medication has lots of restrictions and did make me feel a little upset in the stomach after i took it.
K
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Johnna (Stratford, CT) on 12/09/2008
Wow! There is so much information on this site. This is my situation: My daughter is 7 years old and has PD. She has had a stuffy nose for weeks but doesn't have a "cold". Her nose itches and runs throughout the day. Her rash worsens when it is dry/cold outside or after she takes a shower. I think this condition is definitely chemical related. My daughter was exposed to formaldehyde which is a chemical that is many products. Long story short, her bedroom furniture contained formaldehyde which was causing her to have a reaction, coughing, running nose, etc ...I later found out that she was sensitive to the formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is found in EVERYTHING, (rugs, counter tops, cosmetics) and can be dangerous at high levels. , etc Anyway, my daugher is now ultra sensitive and has a constant runny nose, especially when the heat is on b/c more formaldehyde gas is released in to the air when the temp goes up...and she has PD, which I believe is directly related! I have not tried the ACV yet, but i was wondering if it's safe for a 7 year old? Also, has anyone ever heard of formaldehyde causing this condition? I also changed all of my soaps, shampoos and laundry detergent to exclude SLS...but the rash didn't go away. Does it usually worsen in the winter and clear up when the spring comes....please give me your advice. I am a little worried that she will be sensitive forever now. Thank you.
EC: PD = perioral dermatitis
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by John (Cambridge, Maryland) on 11/26/2008
skin dermatitis: I'm looking for a remedy other than what the doctors general give -- which have not worked over the years. Since I moved to Maryland's eastern shore where there is a lot of salt in the air from the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean, it has worsened. I'm sure there has got to be a remedy out there, if I can only find it!
By the way, great site! I've got to get a lot of stuff for my dog here! Thanks!
Cocoa Butter
Posted by Roger (Bristol, IN, USA) on 11/17/2008
★★★★★
I have had contact dermitittis for about 3 years now. My doctor prescribed antihistimines and Aveeno lotion. When it got worse I went to a Dermatologist and he gave me cortizone creams. I found the cortizone effective, but the rash spread and got worse. I tried ACV and it seemed to help but I eventually had the rash over most of my body.
Then I started using Palmers Cocoa Butter lotion. It is very inexpensive and works much better than any other lotion. My condition seems to be related to temperature so all summer I was dermittitis free by using the cocoa butter. Now that winter is coming I have slight breakouts, but I am sure that the cocoa butter will keep my skin from developing a severe condtion again.
I took ACV & coconut oil orally all last winter with little effect until I started using Palmers.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Theresa (Montgomery, Alabama/United States ) on 11/10/2008
★★★★★
I discontinued using Fluoride tooth paste. This has had a positive effect on my dermatitis. when the doctor told me to discontinue the use, it was in a general list of what to do and what not to do. There was no specific information. No reasoning other than, I thought that my face would be irritated by the toothpaste getting on my skin when I brushed my teeth. This was not the reason. After having had this for a year, I decided to stop using fluoride. I went with one that did not contain it Within a week, the rash and broken skin was starting to heal.
Then I also read where you need to use a moisture cleanser to wash with. I had tried all the "non allergic" ones given on the list. Nothing worked. The water based cleansers only made it more dry. I found that with my face being so dry, I needed oil. If you have this you know anything and everything burns and stings. I remembered the old home remedy that my grandparents passed down to my dad about coal tar. I started using
"Rainbath" on my face. I remembered it contains coal tar that does not burn the skin. The coal tar was used way back in the day to relieve athletes foot and also mange on dogs. Then I went and purchased a bottle of "Sweet Oil" at the pharmacy, and put this on after I wash my face. I follow it with a lotion from the list the Dr provided me with Within 3 weeks, this has almost disappeared.
Antiseptic Handwash
Posted by Violet (St. Pete, Fl) on 09/15/2009
Dog mites don't affect people. If your dog has mites you'll know it because he will be itchy and miserable, thus the dog should be treated. But, like I said, dog mites affect dogs and human mites affect humans - they are two different things. So for those of you who enjoy sleeping with your pooch it is ok to keep doing so. If you notice a problem after being licked then you are probably allergic to the dog's saliva.
Ingredients to Avoid
Posted by Laurie (North Royalton, Ohio) on 08/29/2008
★★★★☆
Hello, I just wante to let you know that I recently discovered this sight after having ANOTHER bout of dermatitis. I am trying ACV, VCO, and probiotics but I'm not sure if the are working because I am on prednisoe until tomorrow. Last year, I had a very bad reaction to getting my hair highlighted, and since than I have dermatitis flare-ups. After much research, I finally figured out that phenoxyethonal is in many beauty products and I believe this is the source of my allergies. I have an appointment with an allergist mid-Sept so I will let you know my findings.
Arnica Salve
Posted by Lily (San Antonio, USA) on 08/18/2008
★★★★☆
I have rosacea and was trying remedies on this website. The Borax soution mixed with peroxide and water applied to the face is working well so far. I also had dermatitus. I had dry skin around my nose and on my chin. It burned and left my skin very flaky. I didn't even know what it was until I saw others on this website who had the exact same symptoms I had. I had seen many others who had dermatitis try ACV. I tried it and it worked okay, it just stung so bad. What has really helped me is a facial cream called Pomada De ARNICA. I bought it at HEB> it is only 2.99, so i tried it and it soothed my skin. It is in the same aisle as all the spanish herbal creams, just further down from the more popular brands. it is a mixture of petrolueum jelly, eucalyptus oil, and other oils and minerals. It is like a balm, but the point is in two days the redness went down alot, and the flakiness is gone. I was so excited!!!!
