Earth Clinic Mobile: Home Remedies for People and Pets

Home > Ailments > Perioral Dermatitis > Perioral Dermatitis Q&A > Treating POD in Children

Treating POD in Children

Posted By Gsmom (Ny, Ny, Usa) on 10/26/2010

I came across this thread in a desperate search for help treating POD in a toddler. My son is 18 months old. He has always had sensitive skin. (As an aside, I read recos from people on others sites for California Babies (CB) products to treat POD. His skin cannot tolerate any of their products - I've never used anything but water alone on his face, but we did use the CB body wash/shampoo and it made his skin extremely dry and bumpy. )

Anyway, in August of this year (he was 15/16 months) he developed a red, bumpy rash on the lower part of his left cheek and all around the left side of his mouth. It kept getting worse and worse. I finally took him to a pedi derm two weeks ago and she immediately diagnosed POD. She prescribed topical clindamycin twice a day. I had been using that for about a week and a half. But it seemed to be making things worse! The bumps did seem to flatten out/disappear, but his face was red, raw and angry looking. Also, I am convinced there was/is a connection to a sudden onset in severe constipation -- this kid did not have constipation issues. Now he has major problems. We have a follow-up with the derm in a day or two, but I really don't want to put him on an oral antibiotic.

As background: we have only ever used water on his face, we do brush his teeth, but we use Weleda children's toothpaste, which is fluoride-free and SLS free. He's never been on oral antibiotics for anything. And we've never used a steroid cream for any reason. Also, I already give him probiotics in his water every morning. And he eats plain, organic greek yogurt every single day. I'm at a loss. My poor baby. His verbal skills are not strong enough to tell me if he's in pain. But there are times when he cries when I wash his face after a meal. I desperate want to try and cure this naturally, but I'm unsure of what products to try in such a young child. I, myself, had clear skin all my life until a sudden outbreak of rosacea-acne in my late 20s. After a derm told me I would be on prescription antibiotics indefinitely, I managed to "cure" myself by developing a regimen of washing my face with oils (oil cleansing method), and using benzoyl peroxide in the morning, and a combo of mandelic acid and salicylic acid at night. So I have these products in our home. But I'm scared to try them on my son. I know I will not get encouragement from the derm -- in my experience, they do not encourage anything except scripted meds. Does anyone have experience or advice in treatment for such a little one? I don't know what to try next... Thanks in advance.

Replied by Saoirse (Nyny, Usa) on 10/28/2010

I had to google this perioral disorder , but what I was thinking was do YOU, (as mother), --think there's possibility of allergies ? I know you are doing everything right and correctly for your baby-- is "something" telling you anything here as the mom ? could you try to eliminate maybe orange juice ? certain grains... 1 at a time ??--and see what happens--believe me, I know you feel your child's discomfort but try not to be apprehensive--your child IS healthy and strong.... And has this temporarily. Might be something as simple as one dietary item which he can't handle at this time.

Replied by Gsmom (Ny, Ny, Usa) on 10/28/2010

Thanks, Saoirse. I did/have considered food allergies or sensitivity. What makes me think that is not the issue is that his diet has been pretty consistent. No new foods. Yet all spring & summer (up until Aug), his skin was clear and fine. Also, back in late winter/early spring, when he was first having these flare-ups on his face, we took him to a pedi allergist to skin test for food allergies. It all came back negative. Now, I know being non-allergenic DOES NOT mean he might not have sensitivities. But honestly, I've racked my brain to think of what foods might be bothering him. I just don't see a link.

As an aside, I've started swabbing him with ACV twice a day. It obviously stings b/c he screams his head off and scratches at his face. I might try diluting it tonight, I just don't want to minimize the efficacy. After the ACV dries, I rub a little unrefined coconut oil on there... That is what I have always used as his body moisturizer... But I never used it on his face before now. I've also been giving him and oral dosage of 1/4 tsp diluted ACV in 3/4 tsp water in a medicine syringe twice a day. He doesn't NOT really like that either. But he is a trooper and takes it. Perhaps I'm crazy and desperate, but I started with the ACV tues night and I swear his face looks a little better. Not much. But some. In fact, even the nanny mentioned today that it looks better. And she doesn't even know that I'm trying something new.

Back to Perioral Dermatitis Q&A