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.
Sally (Portland, Oregon) on 04/20/2009:
ACV is liquid gold! POD came on unexpectedly a few weeks ago and i began taking ACV internally, 1tbsp/3x/day and wetting a cotton ball with water first then dipping it in ACV and applying it to the affected areas-around my mouth on both sides. At first i didn't think it was working, it burned like HELL! and made the area very red, but also relieved the itching. at night i would apply the diluted ACV topically and also rub a salve made of organic olive oil, calendula and tea tree on the area. i would alter the olive oil salve with coconut oil. I also ate 1-3 tbsp of coconut oil as well for several days. doing all of these steps the affected area has greatly improved in less than 7 days! i was considering making an apt w/a dermatologist, but thought to try natural remedies instead. Earth Clinic is THE BEST! i have used so many remedies on this site and they have ALL worked incredibly! my advice is to try the recommended treatments for 3-7 days diligently and be optimistic! thank you everyone for posting your experiences! thank you EC for putting up this amazing site! it's so great and encouraging to see people helping people! best wishes to all!
AMAZING CURE! This is a followup to my email on Feb. 22nd, saying I found this site and would try the cider for two weeks for oral dermatitus. The cider actually worked! Here are my recommendations. Dilute the cider and try it twice a day, then cut down to once a day due to the itching and dryness. I used chapstick or a serum every third day for the dry itching under the nose, as well. I am especially careful to keep my hands off my face due to germs. My rash is almost clear and I appreciate knowing that if it comes back, I can get my cider out! Thanks to who ever set up this site. Ger
I have been dealing with an outbreak of PD for about 3 months now. I was prescribed metro gel for what my Dr. originally thought was rosacea. All it did was make my rash worse and cause many red bumps. I now have some red bumps on my upper lip, and in a ring around my mouth with my entire chin is covered in it. :( It is not super red, but still noticable and flaky at times. Not itchy or painful though. I stopped using the metro gel and went back to my Dr. She then prescribed clyndamicin. I used it for awhile and didn't really see any results. If anything it was getting worse. Now, after reading this website, I am trying apple cider vinegar. I started using it 2 days ago and so far don't feel like it's helping. I have new red bumps and overall the whole area is just redder than before. I am hoping this means it will just be worse and then get better. Has anyone else experienced a worsening of symptoms and how long did it take in general for you to see positive results. I have not taken it orally yet, but I am considering it. I am not using the organic kind, although I can see from the site it is recommended. I will likely buy some in hopes that it will help more than the regular stuff. The amount of time I spend looking at my face and feeling horrible about it is just getting to be too much. Ugh!! I hope to hear back from you and also really hope these remedies are working for you. Hang in there!
Perioral Dermatitis and Apple Cider Vinegar: About a year ago I went to the dermatologist with a bumpy, itchy rash on my chin and mouth. The Derm determined that I had Perioral Dermititis and prescribed an oral anti-biotic and 2 different high-dose steroid creams to be used for 2 weeks. I spent $500 on the visit and the treatments and the POD disappeared. BUT, I was told at the time that if I ever got pregnant the POD would come back, likely worse than before and that I couldn't take anything to treat it then due to possible side effects to the growing baby. Well, here I am, 4 months pregnant and the POD flared up big time. Itchy, red, bumpy, flakey, cracked skin and spreading. So, I found the suggestion of Apple Cider Vinegar and for $2.00 I bought a bottle of organic, raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. I put in on a cotton ball, twice a day and dabbed it on the area. The first 2-3 days it stung really bad (nevermind the terrible smell) and the rash seemed to get a bit worse, with extra drying and flaking and more pain...but then day 4 the bumps went away, as did the flaking skin and the bright red color is fading. Now, when I put the vinegar on it barely stings at all. I promised myself I would do this treatment for at least a week and it's been 4 days and I already see a huge improvement and I will continue using this. Because I am pregnant and I have organic, unpasturized Apple Cider Vinegar I am not ingesting it, I am simply dabbing it on the affected area twice a day, morning and night. Also, since it is currently winter I need to protect the rash and my skin from the cold so after the vinegar dries I put Aquaphor ointment over it (I've used this before with no change in the condition of the rash). Lastly, I am not using my old face wash/SPF face lotion on the affected area-- though I do still use that on the rest of my face, as I have for the past 10 years...so the rash is not a result of change of product or use of too much product as I don't put make-up on this area either. The only thing I use to wash the POD is an organic baby-body wash, with no chemicals or perfumes. Thus far, I am thrilled with the result-- thanks to everyone who recommended it. This is one happy pregnant-mommma-to-be!
I came across this site one day searching for cures for perioral dermatitis. I saw how many good results people were having with apple cider vinegar so I figured I would give it a shot. My grocery store didn't carry the organic so I just bought the regular kind. I also purchased some balmex after reading some good comments about that as well. After 3 days of cleansing the face with ACV and sleeping with balmex on at night my face is almost completely cleared up. Thanks so much to everyone who posted you definitely helped me.
Meadow (Port Mcneill, British Columbia, Canada) on 01/23/2009:
I have had a very red, blotchy rash on my face for weeks, mainly in the cheek area. I recently found out that I have Perioral Dermatitis, and when I researched more, I found out that everything I could have been doing to create this skin condition, I was doing. Firstly, I worked at Lush Cosmetics- so I was always using creams, face masks, and face wash... Mind you, most of it is organic, but it was overkill. I am also on birth control, which has been known to create imbalance. I ate many sugary, starchy, and wheat-filled foods. I was on antibiotics for a UTI before my chin broke out. When I self-diagnosed my self three days ago, I was red, embarrased because I didn't want my boyfriend to see my face looking a mess, and nothing I put on it seemed to help. I found this site, and was overjoyed by the good reviews ACV had gotten. I had some in my cupboard, and have been using 2 Tablespoons in a little bit of water twice daily. So far, it has really dried out my chin, but the bumps are fading and the dryness tells me that it is beginning to heal. In combination with topical ACV, I have been taking 2 tbsp's in tea or water 2x daily. My rash is slowly healing, and the quality of my skin is improving. I have faith that this will cure my Perioral Dermatitis, but I think my body needs more time and change to heal completely. Wonderful site!!!
Erin (Washington, District of Colombia) on 12/16/2008:
I unknowingly had perioral dermatitis in sporadic bouts for the last 5 years. The first time it was just a dry red patch on my chin in the winter during college - it went away on its own. The second time was 4 years later and it was awful, a full red 'goatee' of peeling redness that coincided with pneumonia and my doctor gave me topical ketaconazole 2% to treat it but never told me what it was. It went away within a week, I was so pleased!
It came back this year, (3 years later) and I recognized the redness before it got really bad. The ACV remedy I found was a spray mixed with a few drops of lavendar essential oil for additional calming. the vinegar burned my face a lot and even after 10 days of using it the redness hadn't gone away, or changed at all. A pharmacist told me that if prescription ketaconazole worked once, I could try OTC miconazole 2%. You will recognize the brand name Monistat. It didn't have the same effect as the Keta, but it kept the skin moist and not icthy or peeling.
Finally I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed the PD and said to throw out every cosmetic product I had, including my toothpaste, and to wash only with Dove Sensitive Skin (no fragrance or dyes), and find a toothpaste that does not have Tartar Control additives. I am on 3 months of Doxycycline which I am not thrilled about but he basically told me that if I don't get rid of the bacteria that is causing this, for good, the PD will come back again and again in closer and closer cycles until it is permanent.
I'm also moisturizing with Neutrogena Sensitive Skin because besides having no fragrances and dyes, it's the only moisturizer i've found that doesn't have SPF which causes really bad breakouts on my face. I recently tried Dermalogica thinking it would be better but i got a dry patch on my chin almost the next day!
I am so happy I found this site! Like many of the other people who have left notes here, I am cured! I starting noticing a rash on my face the first week I moved to Sweden (no idea why, but I do fit the: 20's female, chances). After a few weeks, I starting researching what it could be and came to the conclusion that it was perioral dermatitis. I continued researching and realized that if I went to the doctors, they would likely give me antibiotics which I refuse to use unless there is no other option. So I continued on with this ugly rash on my rash on my face for a few more weeks, until I found this site!
I bought organic apple cider vinegar the same day, and starting using it immediately. I applied it with a cotton ball to the rash twice a day (morning and before bed). I saw results immediately but it took until now, about 1 month later, for it to be about 95% gone (I think only I notice it now). For a few days in the middle I starting putting it on 4 times a day, but that was too much and irritated my skin. twice a day is good. Be aware that sometimes it does sting (and it does kind of stink), but not so much.
I think the acv is working! I have been using it for 3 days and it is clearing up! The bumps are gone, and the redness area is getting smaller. I also used a yougurt mask last night, it felt so good! I am also on Doxycycline, but I truly believe it is the acv. I am drinking it also 2 tbs in 8 oz of water 2 x's a day. Good idea about the straw and the teeth. My husband bought me the regular acv, not the organic. I am going to the store today to buy the organic. Now I have to battle the dryness. I am afraid to put a moisturizer on it, in case it gets bad again. They say to aviod the moisturizers. I might try the candula cream. Anyone have a treatment I can buy at a big box store? I don't want it to clog my pores. Has anyone heard anything about olive oil and perioral derm? I am so glad I found this site!
ACV cured my dermatitis and is also healing my rosacea!
I'm amazed at how amazing this $6 bottle of organic acv is. I would have never believed it if I hadn't experienced it for myself. I've had rosacea now since May which was a result of a major stress factor in my life. I've been to the dermatalogist and have spent over a hundred dollars in topical creams and pills that just did not work. I then learned that the creams I was given for the rosacea was causing dermatitis so I was again given another cream to try and combat the dermatitis to no avail.
When the dermatologist failed to help me, I went to an esthetician. She put me on supplements stating that it was more likely an internal digestive problem. This actually made it worse. Whereas before the supplements I had the rosacea & dermatitis only on my cheeks, after taking the supplements it immediately spread to my whole face which freaked me out.
I then did a google and somehow found th Earth Clinic website with remedies and saw a few testimonials concerning dermatitis. I thought to myself, I'm desperate and what harm can it do in trying (as I've done about everything else short of doing laser treatments) to try and take care of this. I was even going out without makeup as the dermatitis caused my make up to look cakey and blothcy. On my way home from work on October 17th I stopped at a nutrition store and bought my $6 bottle of ACV. I washed my face and applied the ACV directly to my face with a cotton ball. Saturday it started looking better. I've applied it in the morning and at night after washing my face and follow with my moisturizer and a week later the dermatitis is completely gone and so is most of the rosacea. I also put 2 TBS in a 16 oz bottle of water each day.
I am so grateful for this site. I was experiencing perioral dermatitis after taking antibiotics for a UTI two months ago. I tried what feels like everything to get rid of it-reducing sugars and alcohol, washing linens in hot water, sunlight, etc.
For the past five days I have been taking ACV, coconut oil and balmex topically and internally (ACV and Coconut 1 TBSP daily). I was ready to give up on ACV as my dermatitis got WORSE before it got better (Herx reaction?), but after 3-4 days of taking ACV my face looked much better. My theory is that the antibiotics created an acidic environment thus causing dermatitis/yeast to grow on my face. (Plus, I'm a sugar addict.) Other ailments have cleared up already too, such as a sinus infection and bladder irregularities.
I am so relieved and grateful...thank you to all who have written as your advice and testimonials have ultimately brought my smile back :)
Apple Cider Vinegar cured my Perioral Dermatitis. I had just developed the dermititis randomly, (no steriods or creams taken previously) and my Dr gave me a cream prescription. Before trying that I found this site and gave the ACV a try. I few days later it was gone. I now apply it topically daily with a cotton ball to my entire face. I am noticing a difference in my face all over! I think I am now going to start taking it internally as well.
I tried the apple cider vinegar for my Peri-oral dermatitis and I was shocked that it actually worked. I have had this on and off for the last ten years and have done the high potent antibiotics only to have it come back. Usually it would wipe out the good bacteria too and I would end up sicker than with just facial blemishes. I cautiously used the glass bottle of apple cider vinegar at the grocery store (we dont have a organic co-op really close) and just thought I would give it a try. The key was to BE PERSISTANT and STEADY with treating it. I was a litle discouraged after not seeing immediate results like some others did, but kept with it and now 6 days later my face is clearing up and my husband can barely tell I have ever had dermatitis. I am sooo pleased and am wondering if the organic version is probably what cured it faster for others. I also was beside myself with looking for a homeopathic cure because of being 8 months pregnant I could not go on my normal "regime" of antibiotics. I will never try those antibiotics again!! I am so thankful for this website of GOOD information and pleased to share it with my family and friends. All I did was use it twice a day with dipping a q-tip in the ACV and dabbing it on my face. It BURNED like crazy but I knew that something had to be working then. I did that twice a day (a few times i did it more) and the flakes I could peel off. I peeled a little too much and have a litle scab but I have found using a little lotion about 5 or ten minutes after applying it have helped with the dryness of the skin around the dermatitis. I am so happy I could not express it enough, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS POSTED THIS!
Hooray for ACV! After suffering with perioral dermatitis for months without relief, I am finally cured. I had planned to see the dermatologist but the wait was two months, so in the meantime I did some research and stumbled across this website. After reading all the comments posted here, I decided to give ACV a try. I took 2T. daily with grapefruit juice (couldn't stand it with water) and also swabbed it on my face with a cotton ball twice daily. It burned at first but after several days that subsided. I went through several more flare ups over the next six weeks, but each subsequent flare up was smaller until finally it just seemed to cycle out of my system. I have now been free of the dermatitis for a week and couldn't be happier. THANK YOU so much for the awesome, cheap and easy cure! Now I can avoid a $45 copay at the doctor's office and months of antibiotics! Awesome!!!
I have had Perioral Dermatitis for 5-6 years. I have tried all modern drugs and creams.Nothing worked. I became very sad and unhappy because I had to give up make up because of this condition.6 days ago I started using ACV (raw organic), on my face evry night. After it dries I am using an organic face cream that has tea tree oil 5% and vitamin e in it's content. It heals perfectly. I can not believe it. It is truly a miracle. I am also using regular whole milk yogurt on my face, as a mask. I think in one more week I wll be CURED. I also discovered how important it is to use natural tooth paste (no flouride), organic face soap, natural shampoos, natural/organic face products. I have learned a loot in this 6 years about my condition.
Read everything you can about it this way you guys will be able to be be educated in what is it that you have, and how to cure it. I will write back soon with feedback.
I, too, was diagnosed with perioral dermatitis. Mine was induced by topical steroids that I was using to clear it up, but in turn made it worse. Doctors 1st perscribed a topical anitbiotic "klaron", but it did not work by itself. Then they put me on a 30 day dose of Minocycline. After 10 days I was achy and had swollen glands, all the symptoms stopped after I quit taking the Minocycline. I went to my doctor who verified that this was a reaction to the minocycline, not a virus. I also tried taking it again after I felt better / symptons came back. After reading the information on this site, I decided to NOT take any more antibiotics and I tried the ACV. You wouldn't believe how well it is working! I take it internally 2 TBS w/ 8oz of water twice a day and I apply topically w/ a cotton ball twice a day. The dermitits hasn't looked better in months! It is drying up right before my eyes, no side effects. I swear it is because of the ACV, both inside and out. If you have the topical antibiotic cream, you could use that, too,along w/ the ACV I don't think it would hurt- but I would not go on oral anitbiotics. Give the ACV a good try - worked for me.
I have been dealing with perioral dermatitis for the past 6 months. About 4 years ago I started to get patches of eczema on my face and the doctor prescribed me with a lotion which is a steroid. As a result of using this lotion frequently for 4 years my face got addicted. Once I stopped using the lotion my face resulted with perioral dermatitis. I have been to the doctor and they have prescribed me with bacterial lotions, non-steriod creams and a face wash. The products seem to calm my face down but the perioral dermatitis still remains. After months of walking around with pealing, red, embarrassing bumpy skin around my mouth and chin area I finally decided to do my own research and I came across this sight. I have tried the Apple Cider Vinegar and must say I am extremely happy! After one night of using ACV I saw a difference. One week later my face is practically free of perioral dermatitis. ACV definitely worked for me. Thank you all so much for your advice!
At age 52, I had my first "run-in" with perioral dermatitis on 1/1/08. At first I didn't know what it was, but within 3 weeks and some internet searching, I figured it out. I then came across this WONDERFUL website! I found that diluting Apple Cider Vinegar with water (1/2 & 1/2) made it sting less and worked the best. I also bought "Psoriaflora Cream" --a homeopathic cream from your local health store. I put this cream on after the ACV dried. It literally CURED the dermatitis within 2 weeks. I used the ACV morning and night and put the cream on several more times per day. I tapered off using ACV after a week and just used the cream. This is a horrible affliction and I really feel for all of you that have been battling this for years
A few months back I was having a problem with perioral dermatitis. It had been affecting the area around my mouth and chin for several months. I had spent alot of money on anything I thought might help. While doing a search for something else to try, I found this site. I read what it had to say about using Apple Cider Vinegar for this outbreak. I half-heartedly tryed it. The first night I applied some ACV with a cotton ball. The next morning I was shocked to find it was already fading. In 4 days it was gone. I applied it 2 times a day for 4 days and WOW what results. For the next week I applied it once a day. After that I have been appling it 1 or 2 times a week just to make sure it does not come back. I have been completely free of the perioral dermatitis ever since. Thank you all for sharing the ACV cure with me.
Apple Cider Vinegar I have Perioral Dermatitus around my mouth and chin. I have had it now for a few weeks and am on a prescription topical cream called Protopic that doesn't seem to be working at all. I found this site several days ago and was excited to read how many people ACV worked for. Much to my dismay, it isn't working for me at all and I am seeing my doctor tomorrow who will likely prescribe me an oral antibiotic. At this point I will use whatever works, but would prefer not to be on an oral antibiotic. I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions as to other remedies to try or maybe I was not using the ACV correctly. I was taking it orally twice a day as well as topically twice a day.
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