| 5 star (34) | 69% | |
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| 3 star (2) | 4% | |
| 1 star (1) | 2% |
Bo' (Portland, Or ) on 11/28/2011: 
I've likewise made the connection between the Fluoride in the tea and my new skin condition, which has proven much harder to get rid of than to come by... I've learned also to beware of sky high fluoride levels in all conventionally grown grape products and rooibos/redbush teas, as well as most conventionally produced poultry products including broths (its in the chicken feed) and off gassing from teflon cookware, especially if it is scratched. And of course toothpastes, and fluoride is added to tapwater in most parts of the country (tho thankfully not here in Portland)
My bones are feeling much better since getting rid of all my known fluoride sources including changing out all my cookware. And my mouth & tongue have stopped breaking out in painful canker sores since switching to baking soda for a dentrifice. I've been using Ted's borax protocol, alternating with an iodine protocol I learned about on curezone, all this past year and am certain that has made a big difference in my energy levels... not so horribly fatigued & dark circles less evident most of the time
But the PD is certainly proving to be much tougher to get rid of! Hoping to learn some more new strategies here :)
Sophie's Mom (Brighton, Michigan, Usa) on 07/09/2011: 
So here's what I did. I switched toothpastes to a non-fluoridated one. I bought the organic Apple Cider vinegar (my local grocery chain had it - Meijer - for like $4). I tried drinking 1 oz (shot glass) straight but it was so acidic it hurt my teeth (I have severe tooth sensitivity). Even watered down I couldn't take it. So then I put it directly on the affected skin and all around my mouth. It burned like crazy but did seem to take away the bumps, however I still had very noticeable redness and dry flakiness. I put yogurt on the skin after the acv. I started taking acidophilus supplements as well. After a week of doing this, I stopped the yogurt. I then started putting a diaper rash cream on the area (MotherLove diaper rash and nipple cream - $9.00 online but costs $9. 00 for shipping. I got it for $12.00 from my local lactation consultant). It started to get significantly better, almost looking normal. However, after a few weeks it was still red and my lips started to become very flaky. I almost resorted to giving up breastfeeding to take the recommended medications because I have to work and it was so embarassing. Then I started putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face again but this time also dabbing it on my lips and the mucosa just inside my lips (pull the bottom lip down to expose the inside and swab Apple Cider Vinegar there and on the inside of the top lip). I use Vannicream moisturizer on my skin and vaseline (dermatologist said not to use aquaphor because it has lanolin and it can be irritating) on my lips and MY SYMPTOMS ARE COMPLETELY RESOLVED. No bumps, no redness, no dry flakiness.
My heart goes out to you, this is an extremely irritating and embarassing condition. Hope this helps.
Taylorkay25 (Lincoln, Ne) on 02/03/2011:
After a couple days of letting it really dry out with the TTO I started applying Shea Butter. I got the Badger and Nutmeg Shea Butter from my local health store. I would still apply the TTO, but I would let it dry a few minutes then put on the Shea Butter. Again, do this when you don't need to go anywhere because the Shea Butter doesn't absorb into the skin completely and its VERY moisturizing so it gives a greasy look to the areas you apply it to. I started off just applying it before bed. Then if I had time and didn't need to be anywhere I applied the TTO then Shea Butter and just let it set.
Now this is where the Grapefruit Seed Extract comes in... You need to take it orally. I had read that you should try applying the GSE right on the skin, but it wasn't really helping me. I think it just irritated it. I had read somewhere that GSE is a natural antibiotic, and that sometimes perioral dermatitis is caused by yeast on the skin and other possible bacterias. So since it wasn't working topically, I just started taking it orally. I would put about 15 drops into a glass of grapefruit juice and stir it and drink. The GSE is really bitter, so the grapefruit juice blends it well so you don't notice it. I drank it twice a day. Within a few days of doing this, it is almost gone.
Also try not to put make up on it. Just keep it moisturized with a light moisturizer if you need to go anywhere. Now please know, I don't think my case was severe, but it was pretty moderate and if I left it alone it would have gotten a lot worse. It would not go away when I tried anything else. I also tried yogurt on the skin, and it helped a little bit, but not really.
Another VERY IMPORTANT thing is DO NOT GO TANNING. I think that canceling my tanning membership also helped a LOT. I read somewhere that UV light actually makes dermatitis flare up, and I would rather be pale with nice skin than tan with dermatitis on my face. So anyway, don't wear make up, don't tan, and do the routine at night if you work during the day. You should see results within a couple of days. The Grapefruit Seed Extract, Tea Tree Oil, and Shea Butter aren't very expensive, and sure beat going to the doctor! So I hope this helps some people! Good luck with it!
Brook (Heidelberg, Bw, Germany) on 02/01/2011:
I committed the ultimate skin sin, and applied a prescription strength corticosteroid to the rash, and was very impressed when it was completely cleared the next morning. It reappeared a week later, and I applied the same fix. This went on for about 6 weeks when I realized that something was wrong. I did research and determined that I had perioral dermatitis and the cause was unclear. My skincare routine consisted of medical grade skincare products, but my diet for the past 6 months was embarrassingly poor, and I was eating huge amounts of refined sugar.
Realizing my mistake with the topical steroid cream, I went to my primary physician (military healthcare, can't see a dermatologist at this point), and left with an Rx for oral Erythromycin and Metrogel. Three days after starting the prescription meds, my face was worse and the rash had spread up and across one cheek.
I was discouraged by what I had read about the duration of treatment for the Rx meds and the results most people had, so I decided to take things into my own hands and look for alternatives. From this website, and based on user feedback I decided to try Apple Cider Vinegar and yogurt masks, vitamins, and probiotics, and better nutrition generally. I'm still using the Rx too.
I started applying ACV (straight from the bottle) to the rash 3 times a day, Yogurt masks 2x/day, and I sip green tea mixed with a teaspoon of ACV about 4 times a day. In a week the perioral dermatitis was completely gone. Each day I saw improvement, and I give credit to the ACV and Yogurt masks. I had one stubborn papule that I put some Tea Tree Oil on a few times, and that took care of it.
I have a few scars that are visible only to me and a little redness on my chin, but no raised papules or pustules. I also have tiny cracks on the corners of my lips that came with the dermatitis, but aren't improving.
I plan to continue with this regimen for a while and then maybe wean down to just a few times a week, but if I need to use the ACV daily to keep the rash gone, I'll gladly do it.
Amy (Augusta, Ga) on 01/27/2011:
Upon researching the meds he prescribed me I stumbled upon this website and read about how apple cider vinegar was a miracle drug. I decided that I would try it. It worked!!!!!!!! Here was my regimen for about 2-3 weeks (I was faithful and never missed a day because I was determined to give it a fair try and I wanted the mouth rash gone! ) 2-3 times daily I would put ORGANIC BR*GGS apple cider vinegar on my face (undiluted) on a cotton ball only on the rash. It burns like crazy at first, but stick with it.
2-3 Times daily I would drink 2Tbsp of the same stuff in a juice/water mixture.
I was amazed! But I stopped getting bumps and the redness was starting to fade. Now I had an issue with clearing up the redness that persisted. I again researched and came across calendula cream. It even says on the website that it helps with mystery rashes like perioral dermatitis. I ordered calendula cream. My regimen was for this started 2 weeks into using the Apple Cider Vinegar so the time overlaps with the above.
In addition to putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face and drinking it, I started putting calendula cream liberally on my whole face morning and evening. After there were no new bumps consistently for 1 week, I cut out putting it on my face as the Apple Cider Vinegar had done its job, I. E. Drying out the rash. I did and still drink it 1-2 times daily as well as still use the cream. Officially, it took me 5 weeks from when I began but my husband and I can barely and I mean barely see scars from it. If I wear makeup (which I can now!!!!! ) you can't see it at all. I am so pleased that it worked for me and I pray it does for others too.
If you have this you know what a blow to the ego it is. You don't want to leave the house ever because you feel ugly but it is impossible to continue living. I found myself explaining my appearance to friends, family, and complete strangers because I was so self conscious of the way I looked. I ordered everything from AMOZON. I hope this can help even one person! Please post comments if you also have good/bad results.
On a side note, I have also switched to products that contain no SLS and are paraben free (i. E. More natural and organic). In addition to this, I do not eat any sweets anymore and upped eating fresh veggies and fruit. I still obviously ingest sugar from fruit, juice, bread, etc. But no cakes, cookies, snack stuff anymore. It has made me feel great from the inside out!
Anna (Arlington, Tx) on 01/14/2011:
It's been about a month since I started the ACV and continued use of the shea butter as a moisterizer and the results are astounding! My skin is less inflamed , there's no more dryness, In fact my PD is 95% gone. So now everyday I wash my face with a cleanser from a website called (100percentpure.com) That doesn't have SLS in it. Then after cleansing I use ACV as a toner diluted to 25 ¬V to 75% water in a small plastic bottle which I then Squirt on a cotton round , Apply it to my face And let it dry, DON'T RINSE OFF, Then apply Raw coconut oil (for added antibacterial/antifungal effects) then a small amount of shea butter. (a little bit of shea butter goes a long way) I don't take ACV internally although I plan to do so now, the results would probably be even better! So if you have PD this might work for you like it worked for me. Don't give up hope , it will get better, I know how frustrating this rash can be. Whatever you do though DON'T put hydrocortisone on it, I never did but I've read it makes absolutley WORSE! Good luck to everyone.
Jax (Minneapolis, Mn) on 12/11/2010:
I've been doing this general routine everyday for the last 3 days. I also used green tea bags pressed against the affected area a couple times. I have seen a 50% improvement in my skin in the last couple days, and I'm assuming it will just continue to heal more and more... The bumps and blisters have diminished and the redness and flakiness is improving. THANK GOD. It is so embarrassing and makes me so self conscious since the rest of my skin is clear and soft.... Considering taking aloe juice internally.... I have not really changed my diet and I still put on makeup for work (bare minerals powder) I really think the toothpaste was a major issue. Hopefully this helps someone else... This site helped me find my own remedy and I just pray this continues to work and becomes manageable and my skin looks normal again! Good luck!!!
Doodle (Narragansett, Ri, Usa) on 10/11/2010:
-organic plain yogurt (washing with and masks)
-grapefruit seed extract (washing with and taking internally)
-violet extract (topical)
-organic apple cider vinegar
-non toxic diaper rash cream with calendula
-calendula cream
-internal probiotics (which I take every day anyway)
I did all of these things at different times, sometimes one at a time, sometimes some of them together, sometimes while going back to the antibiotic gel. No matter what, nothing was working, I was getting more and more impatient, and concerned. I am a bit ocd when it comes to things looking out of place on me, and thinking that I might have to contend with this rash till I was able to take oral antibiotics (roughly 2 years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding) was becoming unbearable. I was definitely getting depressed and not wanting to go out and do things. Then I got a lovely yeast infection (woohoo). I told my doctor I was afraid I might have an overgrowth of yeast in my body, considering some people believe the rash can be due to yeast. She said I should get some antifungal cream (one that you would use for a yeast infection) and apply to rash to see if it works. Also, for this yeast infection my acupuncturist gave me a product called 'yin care herbal wash'. After looking online I read it's good for all sorts of things (yeast, bacteria, fungus, dermatitis, etc). For the past few days I have incorporated both these things into a new routine, and one that is actually working!! NEW ROUTINE THAT IS FINALLY WORKING! :
-wash with warm water or with grapefruit seed extract (if I need to wash off makeup)
-apply the e-mycin antibiotic gel (at night only) and let it sit for 1/2-1 hour
-rinse off e-mycin with warm water and rub on some hydrogen peroxide with cotton ball
-after a couple minutes rub on some yin care herbal wash (50/50 dilution product and water) with cotton ball
-after sometime (not a science here) I apply some terconazole 0. 4% cream (a prescription yeast infection 7 day suppository cream). I would think any type of antifungal cream made for that purpose would work, over the counter included. -last step in the mornings I actually put on some mineral makeup (not the mass marketed ones), some really nice organic makeup that doesn't include the harsh ingredients. I just make sure to wash it off when I get home. I've been following this routine since friday night, and it's now monday night. I cannot cannot cannot believe it but I am watching this beast disappear every time I look in the mirror! Every time I would read on this site about someone finding the thing that would actually cure their dermatitis, rather than feeling hope I would feel more and more like I must be the exception and that nothing would ever work for me.. But trust me, there IS hope! You just need to keep an open mind and continue to try different things, no matter how weird these things might seem. For me, I think it's either the yin care herbal wash, or the terconazole prescription cream (or both). But I'm not gonna stop my trusty routine just in case there's some magic in it. The rash on the right side is almost totally gone, just a couple bumps left but pretty much all smooth skin! It's still quite pink, I guess a bit scarred. The left side is the worse side, it's healing but not nearly to the extent as the right side. I think once it is all completely gone I will dab on some vitamin e oil to heal the pink scarring. I will update once this monster is totally gone! Good luck everyone, and hang in there..
Deb-aura (Boston, Ma) on 04/27/2010:
Stopped using oral/body/hair products with fluoride or SLS (and asking my BF to do the same for now, what a great guy!).
Stopped coffee, soda, bread, dairy, sugar (not perfect on this, have always kept these to a minimum anyway but significantly less!)
Skin care: Washing with a very mild cleanser from whl-fds (at the sink, not in the shower, too hot!), applying ACV with a wet cotton ball. Using an extremly light/mild moisturizer, also from whl-fds.
Doing yogurt mask twice a day (organic plain).
Added supplements: probiotics, zinc, garlic, oregano oil, green tea extract.
Drinking 1-2 teasp ACV diluted in water (cutting back on this as it is giving me heartburn).
Now drinking juice of 1/2 lemon in water first thing in the morning before anything else.
I got one acupuncture treatment and am going back for more.
I have a sense that the acupuncture and yogurt mask have been the most helpful, but the other actions are laying the groundwork for healing. Note that I tried the diaper cream approach for a few days but did not notice much improvement. Good luck to everyone!
Naomi (Bath, Uk) on 04/10/2010:
Hi everyone. PD has been frustrating me for over a year but I think I've finally cracked it. It started as a dry red patch on one cheek but spread to my chin and other cheek after a while. Now it's pretty much all gone. Here are my do's and don'ts
Do:
Use antibacterial glycerin based handwash morning and evening on the affected area.
Apply zinc and castor oil (nappy rash cream) cream to the area at night.
Get fresh air and exercise.
Use cotton wool to apply handwash.
Do use a fine plain facial scrub once every four days or so to get rid of flakey skin
Don't:
Wear make up if you can help it. If you feel you have to remove it at the earliest opportunity using the handwash and cotton wool.
Use soap or moisturiser.
Constantly put your hands to your face.
Use a facecloth or make up sponges
Things I have tried that didn't work: ACV, natural yoghurt, E45 anti eczema cream, anti-bacterial soap.
Good luck everyone.
Nycole (Wichita, Ks, Usa) on 02/15/2010:
I read about people using calendula cream for eczema, so I gave it a shot. It is sooo soothing. I use it several times a day. It helped immediately.
I also decided to use Ted's topical remedy. The rash is now almost completely gone. I am still using both the borax/water/peroxide topically and the calendula cream, afterward. Almost totally gone! Yay!!!
Colleen (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 11/15/2009:
I'm 35 and live in Calgary, where the water is fluorinated (BOO!).
I suddenly became afflicted with perioral dermatitis in June of this year, a couple of days after receiving a tetanus shot.
Yes, I believe that is the cause; no, I can't prove it and have found no corroboration online. Anyone else get an immunization or vaccine just prior to this?
I had a very sore stomach for a couple of days after the shot, and then started getting an "acne-like" rash around the sides of my mouth and chin. I didn't think too much of it - I get the odd pimple in that area once in awhile.
I didn't notice any particular food related ebb and flow of symptoms, aside from some alcohols. No problem with spicy food or exercise either.
But this didn't go away, and it got worse and spread. These were blisters, not pimples (filled with clear fluid). I tried all my usual skin "cures" - primarily coconut oil, which is generally what I use on my skin and it's *usually* brilliant. But that only seemed to make the bumps worse! And a bit tender.
I tried castor oil - same thing. Bio-Oil - same.
I finally tried some of the cortisone cream my doc had prescribed for a different rash (on my shoulder - TOTALLY different beast), and that worked great... for a while. Then, like everyone else, I had the rebound, and the decreasing efficacy, and the spreading. Finally, I read that the cortisone can make it much worse (if I'd only known!).
I searched the 'Net, and self-diagnosed based on several write-ups of POD - I was not willing to go to the doc and end up on several months of antibiotics! There had to be something natural... And then I found Earth Clinic!
Now, the POD was on my eyelids, under my eyes, forehead, sides of the nose and around my mouth. When I stopped the cortisone, it was raw and painful and really unsightly and I was completely beside myself.
I tried whatever I could get my hands on that people were recommending here, with varying levels of success. My bathroom counter is covered with the many items I've bought trying to solve this!
My findings for the things I tried here:
Zinc Oxide cream - found that it relieved the rawness a bit, but the blisters proliferated and the redness did not subside. Might be partially due to other ingredients. I could not find one that didn't have either castor oil, petrolatum or other oils. ANY oil (except Tea Tree Oil) = FAIL. At least for me.
Vitamin E Oil - this was nice and soothing after using Tea Tree Oil or Apple Cider Vinegar, but - ANY OIL (except Tea Tree Oil)= FAIL. It would soothe the redness and rawness, but then I'd start over again with more blisters. Overall, I gave up on it for this condition.
Aloe vera gel (topical) - also stings. Helps the spots to feel better once the burning stops, but makes everything feel very tight and dry - need an emollient afterward, but at the time couldn't find anything. Helpful, but didn't cure anything.
Acidophillus - I've been taking acidophillus on a regular basis for years. I upped the dosage, but I didn't feel that this had any effect on my face.
Tea Tree Oil (TTO) - stings like crazy, but I could cope with that. It really helped by drying out the blisters. Definitely helped, but still never made it go away. Overall drying effect, so it didn't seem to contribute to new blisters, but it may since I couldn't seem to stop the blisters/dry & flaky cycle.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) -helped the most - stings, and very drying, but reduced the redness down to small spots.
I found TTO and ACV in tandem to be the most helpful in toning down the overall redness (after the initial burn, that is). I would alternate days using ACV and TTO as a "toner", using a small amount of a 20% Urea cream afterward (to combat the flaking and tightness - this was the ONLY thing that helped in that area without creating more blisters).
That got me into a more manageable cycle, BUT still the redness and flaking skin persisted. If I knocked off the ACV & TTO, the blisters would come back.
I decided to revisit some earlier advice from my acupuncturist. He said (back when this all started) that the area around the mouth (where it first showed up) is related to the intestines in Chinese Medicine. I'd tried elimination diets (dairy, meat, grains) throughout the summer and fall to no avail, and no appreciable effect.
So - my new strategy. I did 3 things simultaneously:
2 days ago:
I bought a huge jug of organic Aloe Vera juice (for drinking).
I took 4-5 oz twice a day (mixed with orange juice because it tastes better) to start with, along with some acidophillus (at the same time - the aloe helps with absorption as well as healing intestinal troubles).
I stopped the topical treatments of ACV and TTO, and now I just use a tiny amount of straight calendula cream (from a tube; not mixed in a lotion, but be careful - it's a bit oily!) mixed with 20% Urea cream to help with the dry/tight feeling.
I also finally found a really good, natural and fluoride and SLS free toothpaste at my health food store with Neem, TTO, activated oxygen and other good stuff.
It has been 2 days, and I've had the most dramatic change in the POD!
Literally, the redness is about 95% gone (in 2 days!), and the blisters are flaking off with clear, new skin underneath. A couple of the more severe areas are still a bit tender, but less red, and they're very like healing blemishes now. I can't even see it around my eyes anymore!
So - after all that, I'm recommending that all of you treat your tummy! Even if you don't think you have a problem, Aloe Vera Juice certainly can't hurt!
The acidophillus alone didn't do anything for me, which really isn't all that surprising if (as I surmise) I have a malabsorption problem (do you?), which prevents many things taken internally from working; prevents nutrient absorption, etc.
I'm not certain if it is one part of this latest regimen, or the whole thing together, but FINALLY I am getting some "love", and finally seeing some very promising results.
I'm going to keep going with 4-5 oz x 2/day of aloe juice (I bought a gallon of it for about $30; in Canada, that is), and I'll let you know how things go!
As an aside, I'm starting to think now that there are maybe 2 (or more) different kinds of POD - seems one can be "mite"/ topical parasite/ bacteria related, and one seems to be more connected with the stomach and intestines, based on the fact that there seem to be such wide ranging results for different people.
Any other thoughts or hypotheses on this?
Best of luck to everyone!
Namaste!
Colleen
Erica (Ncentral, Ma) on 09/15/2009:
Sally (Portland, Oregon) on 05/03/2009:
HannaQueen (Portland, OR) on 04/20/2009:
We did this for 2 years and it kept the excema at bay. My 4 yr old started getting red spots under her arms, legs, and hair line. That was it, we had it. We moved into a larger ciy and the water was a lot softer. All red spots and itchy patches were gone within 1 week. If you have hard water, look into getting a filter on your faucets.
We believe in using all natural products instead of using steroid creams or harsh ointments. It really is a life style change but its better for you and your skin. So eat healthy, and use healthy items. Good luck.
Christine (Lynd, MN) on 04/19/2009:
EXTERNAL TREATMENT
- Roll of soft paper towels so that I wouldn't have to risk infection from washcloths/towels---I dab my face dry wit the paper towels, while avoiding scratching, rubbing,scrubbing, etc.
- Three times/day I go through the following steps:
1) Rinse my face with cool water and dab dry with paper towel.
2) Use cotton ball to dab face with Apple Cider Viniger (ACV) (stings, turn red for about 10-15 minutes)
3) Combine organic yogurt (2 TBLS) with three opened Grape Seed Extract capsules. Spread over face and neck. Feels cool, refreshing, soothing skin after ACV use. I wear face mask until it dries completely. Rinse luke warm, then cool water. Dab dry with paper towel.
4) Smooth expellor pressed Organic Coconut Oil over face. (I continue to use the coconut oil periodically throughout the day.)
INTERNAL TREATMENT
1) Drink plenty of water.
2) Drink 5 glasses of combination of vegetable/fruit juices (without sugar added).
3) Take two capsules of Grape Seed Extract.
4) Other supplements: B-vitamin complex; vitamin D; Lysine.
5) Cut way back on refined sugar.
6) Limit coffee to 1 cup/day.
7) Drink tea ---green tea and Yerba Matte---throughout day.
8) Cut out nuts--almonds, peanuts, etc.-- till face clears up.
9) Eat LOTS of organic yogurt (without sugar added).
10) Get plenty of sleep.
*I also make sure to keep my hands off of my face and wash my hands very often!
Hope this helps!
Christine
Bee (Portland, OR) on 03/30/2009:
It began around my 29th year. My sister thought she was being helpful when she gave be a steroid that cleared up her PD. It worked! But... it also made the PD worse. My PD was clear if I used the steroid every day and when I stopped, the PD expanded. She told me to stop as soon as she learned that these steroids make things worse.
I tried the ACV and didn't have much luck. Although I didn't probably give it enough time. drinking the stuff was impossible and during outbreaks, it stings.
Months ago my school doctor prescribed a topical antibiotic called Ethromycen, which worked, but left my hands with an orange tint and an odor. After stopping use, the PD came back.
I am now learning about Witch Hazel, Emu Oil and Neem Oil and leaves. It seems to be working a bit, but I think I will add the daily probiotics and reintroduce the ACV.
I have a feeling the PD is related to inflammation. Neem is an anti-flammatory. Emu Oil is transdermal, which means it can pass through the layers of skin, offering more healing. And Witch Hazel is a gentle, natural toner.
I hope my experience offers some help to the conversation.
Rashy (Wayzata, MN) on 02/01/2009: 
Worked Temporarily
The perioral dermatitis reappeared three months ago (could have been a variety of triggers--dietary changes, season, cosmetics, hormonal) and I've been using natural methods to treat it--and nothing has worked. I stopped eating dairy, eggs, soy and wheat. I switched back to a natural toothpaste, and I switched to a dermatologist-recommended mineral makeup (and only use it to cover the rash on occasion!). I took ACV and applied it topically. I used tea tree oil, too. Nothing worked and the rash has gotten much worse.
I finally gave up and went back to the derm for topical and oral antibiotics--that was four days ago and I'm hoping it will clear up!
Andrea (Westminster, CO) on 03/18/2008:
| 5 star (34) | 69% | |
| 4 star (12) | 24% | |
| 3 star (2) | 4% | |
| 1 star (1) | 2% |
Bo' (Portland, Or ) on 11/28/2011:
I've likewise made the connection between the Fluoride in the tea and my new skin condition, which has proven much harder to get rid of than to come by... I've learned also to beware of sky high fluoride levels in all conventionally grown grape products and rooibos/redbush teas, as well as most conventionally produced poultry products including broths (its in the chicken feed) and off gassing from teflon cookware, especially if it is scratched. And of course toothpastes, and fluoride is added to tapwater in most parts of the country (tho thankfully not here in Portland)
My bones are feeling much better since getting rid of all my known fluoride sources including changing out all my cookware. And my mouth & tongue have stopped breaking out in painful canker sores since switching to baking soda for a dentrifice. I've been using Ted's borax protocol, alternating with an iodine protocol I learned about on curezone, all this past year and am certain that has made a big difference in my energy levels... not so horribly fatigued & dark circles less evident most of the time
But the PD is certainly proving to be much tougher to get rid of! Hoping to learn some more new strategies here :)
Sophie's Mom (Brighton, Michigan, Usa) on 07/09/2011:
So here's what I did. I switched toothpastes to a non-fluoridated one. I bought the organic Apple Cider vinegar (my local grocery chain had it - Meijer - for like $4). I tried drinking 1 oz (shot glass) straight but it was so acidic it hurt my teeth (I have severe tooth sensitivity). Even watered down I couldn't take it. So then I put it directly on the affected skin and all around my mouth. It burned like crazy but did seem to take away the bumps, however I still had very noticeable redness and dry flakiness. I put yogurt on the skin after the acv. I started taking acidophilus supplements as well. After a week of doing this, I stopped the yogurt. I then started putting a diaper rash cream on the area (MotherLove diaper rash and nipple cream - $9.00 online but costs $9. 00 for shipping. I got it for $12.00 from my local lactation consultant). It started to get significantly better, almost looking normal. However, after a few weeks it was still red and my lips started to become very flaky. I almost resorted to giving up breastfeeding to take the recommended medications because I have to work and it was so embarassing. Then I started putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face again but this time also dabbing it on my lips and the mucosa just inside my lips (pull the bottom lip down to expose the inside and swab Apple Cider Vinegar there and on the inside of the top lip). I use Vannicream moisturizer on my skin and vaseline (dermatologist said not to use aquaphor because it has lanolin and it can be irritating) on my lips and MY SYMPTOMS ARE COMPLETELY RESOLVED. No bumps, no redness, no dry flakiness.
My heart goes out to you, this is an extremely irritating and embarassing condition. Hope this helps.
Taylorkay25 (Lincoln, Ne) on 02/03/2011:
After a couple days of letting it really dry out with the TTO I started applying Shea Butter. I got the Badger and Nutmeg Shea Butter from my local health store. I would still apply the TTO, but I would let it dry a few minutes then put on the Shea Butter. Again, do this when you don't need to go anywhere because the Shea Butter doesn't absorb into the skin completely and its VERY moisturizing so it gives a greasy look to the areas you apply it to. I started off just applying it before bed. Then if I had time and didn't need to be anywhere I applied the TTO then Shea Butter and just let it set.
Now this is where the Grapefruit Seed Extract comes in... You need to take it orally. I had read that you should try applying the GSE right on the skin, but it wasn't really helping me. I think it just irritated it. I had read somewhere that GSE is a natural antibiotic, and that sometimes perioral dermatitis is caused by yeast on the skin and other possible bacterias. So since it wasn't working topically, I just started taking it orally. I would put about 15 drops into a glass of grapefruit juice and stir it and drink. The GSE is really bitter, so the grapefruit juice blends it well so you don't notice it. I drank it twice a day. Within a few days of doing this, it is almost gone.
Also try not to put make up on it. Just keep it moisturized with a light moisturizer if you need to go anywhere. Now please know, I don't think my case was severe, but it was pretty moderate and if I left it alone it would have gotten a lot worse. It would not go away when I tried anything else. I also tried yogurt on the skin, and it helped a little bit, but not really.
Another VERY IMPORTANT thing is DO NOT GO TANNING. I think that canceling my tanning membership also helped a LOT. I read somewhere that UV light actually makes dermatitis flare up, and I would rather be pale with nice skin than tan with dermatitis on my face. So anyway, don't wear make up, don't tan, and do the routine at night if you work during the day. You should see results within a couple of days. The Grapefruit Seed Extract, Tea Tree Oil, and Shea Butter aren't very expensive, and sure beat going to the doctor! So I hope this helps some people! Good luck with it!
Brook (Heidelberg, Bw, Germany) on 02/01/2011:
I committed the ultimate skin sin, and applied a prescription strength corticosteroid to the rash, and was very impressed when it was completely cleared the next morning. It reappeared a week later, and I applied the same fix. This went on for about 6 weeks when I realized that something was wrong. I did research and determined that I had perioral dermatitis and the cause was unclear. My skincare routine consisted of medical grade skincare products, but my diet for the past 6 months was embarrassingly poor, and I was eating huge amounts of refined sugar.
Realizing my mistake with the topical steroid cream, I went to my primary physician (military healthcare, can't see a dermatologist at this point), and left with an Rx for oral Erythromycin and Metrogel. Three days after starting the prescription meds, my face was worse and the rash had spread up and across one cheek.
I was discouraged by what I had read about the duration of treatment for the Rx meds and the results most people had, so I decided to take things into my own hands and look for alternatives. From this website, and based on user feedback I decided to try Apple Cider Vinegar and yogurt masks, vitamins, and probiotics, and better nutrition generally. I'm still using the Rx too.
I started applying ACV (straight from the bottle) to the rash 3 times a day, Yogurt masks 2x/day, and I sip green tea mixed with a teaspoon of ACV about 4 times a day. In a week the perioral dermatitis was completely gone. Each day I saw improvement, and I give credit to the ACV and Yogurt masks. I had one stubborn papule that I put some Tea Tree Oil on a few times, and that took care of it.
I have a few scars that are visible only to me and a little redness on my chin, but no raised papules or pustules. I also have tiny cracks on the corners of my lips that came with the dermatitis, but aren't improving.
I plan to continue with this regimen for a while and then maybe wean down to just a few times a week, but if I need to use the ACV daily to keep the rash gone, I'll gladly do it.
Amy (Augusta, Ga) on 01/27/2011:
Upon researching the meds he prescribed me I stumbled upon this website and read about how apple cider vinegar was a miracle drug. I decided that I would try it. It worked!!!!!!!! Here was my regimen for about 2-3 weeks (I was faithful and never missed a day because I was determined to give it a fair try and I wanted the mouth rash gone! ) 2-3 times daily I would put ORGANIC BR*GGS apple cider vinegar on my face (undiluted) on a cotton ball only on the rash. It burns like crazy at first, but stick with it.
2-3 Times daily I would drink 2Tbsp of the same stuff in a juice/water mixture.
I was amazed! But I stopped getting bumps and the redness was starting to fade. Now I had an issue with clearing up the redness that persisted. I again researched and came across calendula cream. It even says on the website that it helps with mystery rashes like perioral dermatitis. I ordered calendula cream. My regimen was for this started 2 weeks into using the Apple Cider Vinegar so the time overlaps with the above.
In addition to putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face and drinking it, I started putting calendula cream liberally on my whole face morning and evening. After there were no new bumps consistently for 1 week, I cut out putting it on my face as the Apple Cider Vinegar had done its job, I. E. Drying out the rash. I did and still drink it 1-2 times daily as well as still use the cream. Officially, it took me 5 weeks from when I began but my husband and I can barely and I mean barely see scars from it. If I wear makeup (which I can now!!!!! ) you can't see it at all. I am so pleased that it worked for me and I pray it does for others too.
If you have this you know what a blow to the ego it is. You don't want to leave the house ever because you feel ugly but it is impossible to continue living. I found myself explaining my appearance to friends, family, and complete strangers because I was so self conscious of the way I looked. I ordered everything from AMOZON. I hope this can help even one person! Please post comments if you also have good/bad results.
On a side note, I have also switched to products that contain no SLS and are paraben free (i. E. More natural and organic). In addition to this, I do not eat any sweets anymore and upped eating fresh veggies and fruit. I still obviously ingest sugar from fruit, juice, bread, etc. But no cakes, cookies, snack stuff anymore. It has made me feel great from the inside out!
Anna (Arlington, Tx) on 01/14/2011:
It's been about a month since I started the ACV and continued use of the shea butter as a moisterizer and the results are astounding! My skin is less inflamed , there's no more dryness, In fact my PD is 95% gone. So now everyday I wash my face with a cleanser from a website called (100percentpure.com) That doesn't have SLS in it. Then after cleansing I use ACV as a toner diluted to 25 ¬V to 75% water in a small plastic bottle which I then Squirt on a cotton round , Apply it to my face And let it dry, DON'T RINSE OFF, Then apply Raw coconut oil (for added antibacterial/antifungal effects) then a small amount of shea butter. (a little bit of shea butter goes a long way) I don't take ACV internally although I plan to do so now, the results would probably be even better! So if you have PD this might work for you like it worked for me. Don't give up hope , it will get better, I know how frustrating this rash can be. Whatever you do though DON'T put hydrocortisone on it, I never did but I've read it makes absolutley WORSE! Good luck to everyone.
Jax (Minneapolis, Mn) on 12/11/2010:
I've been doing this general routine everyday for the last 3 days. I also used green tea bags pressed against the affected area a couple times. I have seen a 50% improvement in my skin in the last couple days, and I'm assuming it will just continue to heal more and more... The bumps and blisters have diminished and the redness and flakiness is improving. THANK GOD. It is so embarrassing and makes me so self conscious since the rest of my skin is clear and soft.... Considering taking aloe juice internally.... I have not really changed my diet and I still put on makeup for work (bare minerals powder) I really think the toothpaste was a major issue. Hopefully this helps someone else... This site helped me find my own remedy and I just pray this continues to work and becomes manageable and my skin looks normal again! Good luck!!!
Doodle (Narragansett, Ri, Usa) on 10/11/2010:
-organic plain yogurt (washing with and masks)
-grapefruit seed extract (washing with and taking internally)
-violet extract (topical)
-organic apple cider vinegar
-non toxic diaper rash cream with calendula
-calendula cream
-internal probiotics (which I take every day anyway)
I did all of these things at different times, sometimes one at a time, sometimes some of them together, sometimes while going back to the antibiotic gel. No matter what, nothing was working, I was getting more and more impatient, and concerned. I am a bit ocd when it comes to things looking out of place on me, and thinking that I might have to contend with this rash till I was able to take oral antibiotics (roughly 2 years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding) was becoming unbearable. I was definitely getting depressed and not wanting to go out and do things. Then I got a lovely yeast infection (woohoo). I told my doctor I was afraid I might have an overgrowth of yeast in my body, considering some people believe the rash can be due to yeast. She said I should get some antifungal cream (one that you would use for a yeast infection) and apply to rash to see if it works. Also, for this yeast infection my acupuncturist gave me a product called 'yin care herbal wash'. After looking online I read it's good for all sorts of things (yeast, bacteria, fungus, dermatitis, etc). For the past few days I have incorporated both these things into a new routine, and one that is actually working!! NEW ROUTINE THAT IS FINALLY WORKING! :
-wash with warm water or with grapefruit seed extract (if I need to wash off makeup)
-apply the e-mycin antibiotic gel (at night only) and let it sit for 1/2-1 hour
-rinse off e-mycin with warm water and rub on some hydrogen peroxide with cotton ball
-after a couple minutes rub on some yin care herbal wash (50/50 dilution product and water) with cotton ball
-after sometime (not a science here) I apply some terconazole 0. 4% cream (a prescription yeast infection 7 day suppository cream). I would think any type of antifungal cream made for that purpose would work, over the counter included. -last step in the mornings I actually put on some mineral makeup (not the mass marketed ones), some really nice organic makeup that doesn't include the harsh ingredients. I just make sure to wash it off when I get home. I've been following this routine since friday night, and it's now monday night. I cannot cannot cannot believe it but I am watching this beast disappear every time I look in the mirror! Every time I would read on this site about someone finding the thing that would actually cure their dermatitis, rather than feeling hope I would feel more and more like I must be the exception and that nothing would ever work for me.. But trust me, there IS hope! You just need to keep an open mind and continue to try different things, no matter how weird these things might seem. For me, I think it's either the yin care herbal wash, or the terconazole prescription cream (or both). But I'm not gonna stop my trusty routine just in case there's some magic in it. The rash on the right side is almost totally gone, just a couple bumps left but pretty much all smooth skin! It's still quite pink, I guess a bit scarred. The left side is the worse side, it's healing but not nearly to the extent as the right side. I think once it is all completely gone I will dab on some vitamin e oil to heal the pink scarring. I will update once this monster is totally gone! Good luck everyone, and hang in there..
Deb-aura (Boston, Ma) on 04/27/2010:
Stopped using oral/body/hair products with fluoride or SLS (and asking my BF to do the same for now, what a great guy!).
Stopped coffee, soda, bread, dairy, sugar (not perfect on this, have always kept these to a minimum anyway but significantly less!)
Skin care: Washing with a very mild cleanser from whl-fds (at the sink, not in the shower, too hot!), applying ACV with a wet cotton ball. Using an extremly light/mild moisturizer, also from whl-fds.
Doing yogurt mask twice a day (organic plain).
Added supplements: probiotics, zinc, garlic, oregano oil, green tea extract.
Drinking 1-2 teasp ACV diluted in water (cutting back on this as it is giving me heartburn).
Now drinking juice of 1/2 lemon in water first thing in the morning before anything else.
I got one acupuncture treatment and am going back for more.
I have a sense that the acupuncture and yogurt mask have been the most helpful, but the other actions are laying the groundwork for healing. Note that I tried the diaper cream approach for a few days but did not notice much improvement. Good luck to everyone!
Naomi (Bath, Uk) on 04/10/2010:
Hi everyone. PD has been frustrating me for over a year but I think I've finally cracked it. It started as a dry red patch on one cheek but spread to my chin and other cheek after a while. Now it's pretty much all gone. Here are my do's and don'ts
Do:
Use antibacterial glycerin based handwash morning and evening on the affected area.
Apply zinc and castor oil (nappy rash cream) cream to the area at night.
Get fresh air and exercise.
Use cotton wool to apply handwash.
Do use a fine plain facial scrub once every four days or so to get rid of flakey skin
Don't:
Wear make up if you can help it. If you feel you have to remove it at the earliest opportunity using the handwash and cotton wool.
Use soap or moisturiser.
Constantly put your hands to your face.
Use a facecloth or make up sponges
Things I have tried that didn't work: ACV, natural yoghurt, E45 anti eczema cream, anti-bacterial soap.
Good luck everyone.
Nycole (Wichita, Ks, Usa) on 02/15/2010:
I read about people using calendula cream for eczema, so I gave it a shot. It is sooo soothing. I use it several times a day. It helped immediately.
I also decided to use Ted's topical remedy. The rash is now almost completely gone. I am still using both the borax/water/peroxide topically and the calendula cream, afterward. Almost totally gone! Yay!!!
Colleen (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 11/15/2009:
I'm 35 and live in Calgary, where the water is fluorinated (BOO!).
I suddenly became afflicted with perioral dermatitis in June of this year, a couple of days after receiving a tetanus shot.
Yes, I believe that is the cause; no, I can't prove it and have found no corroboration online. Anyone else get an immunization or vaccine just prior to this?
I had a very sore stomach for a couple of days after the shot, and then started getting an "acne-like" rash around the sides of my mouth and chin. I didn't think too much of it - I get the odd pimple in that area once in awhile.
I didn't notice any particular food related ebb and flow of symptoms, aside from some alcohols. No problem with spicy food or exercise either.
But this didn't go away, and it got worse and spread. These were blisters, not pimples (filled with clear fluid). I tried all my usual skin "cures" - primarily coconut oil, which is generally what I use on my skin and it's *usually* brilliant. But that only seemed to make the bumps worse! And a bit tender.
I tried castor oil - same thing. Bio-Oil - same.
I finally tried some of the cortisone cream my doc had prescribed for a different rash (on my shoulder - TOTALLY different beast), and that worked great... for a while. Then, like everyone else, I had the rebound, and the decreasing efficacy, and the spreading. Finally, I read that the cortisone can make it much worse (if I'd only known!).
I searched the 'Net, and self-diagnosed based on several write-ups of POD - I was not willing to go to the doc and end up on several months of antibiotics! There had to be something natural... And then I found Earth Clinic!
Now, the POD was on my eyelids, under my eyes, forehead, sides of the nose and around my mouth. When I stopped the cortisone, it was raw and painful and really unsightly and I was completely beside myself.
I tried whatever I could get my hands on that people were recommending here, with varying levels of success. My bathroom counter is covered with the many items I've bought trying to solve this!
My findings for the things I tried here:
Zinc Oxide cream - found that it relieved the rawness a bit, but the blisters proliferated and the redness did not subside. Might be partially due to other ingredients. I could not find one that didn't have either castor oil, petrolatum or other oils. ANY oil (except Tea Tree Oil) = FAIL. At least for me.
Vitamin E Oil - this was nice and soothing after using Tea Tree Oil or Apple Cider Vinegar, but - ANY OIL (except Tea Tree Oil)= FAIL. It would soothe the redness and rawness, but then I'd start over again with more blisters. Overall, I gave up on it for this condition.
Aloe vera gel (topical) - also stings. Helps the spots to feel better once the burning stops, but makes everything feel very tight and dry - need an emollient afterward, but at the time couldn't find anything. Helpful, but didn't cure anything.
Acidophillus - I've been taking acidophillus on a regular basis for years. I upped the dosage, but I didn't feel that this had any effect on my face.
Tea Tree Oil (TTO) - stings like crazy, but I could cope with that. It really helped by drying out the blisters. Definitely helped, but still never made it go away. Overall drying effect, so it didn't seem to contribute to new blisters, but it may since I couldn't seem to stop the blisters/dry & flaky cycle.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) -helped the most - stings, and very drying, but reduced the redness down to small spots.
I found TTO and ACV in tandem to be the most helpful in toning down the overall redness (after the initial burn, that is). I would alternate days using ACV and TTO as a "toner", using a small amount of a 20% Urea cream afterward (to combat the flaking and tightness - this was the ONLY thing that helped in that area without creating more blisters).
That got me into a more manageable cycle, BUT still the redness and flaking skin persisted. If I knocked off the ACV & TTO, the blisters would come back.
I decided to revisit some earlier advice from my acupuncturist. He said (back when this all started) that the area around the mouth (where it first showed up) is related to the intestines in Chinese Medicine. I'd tried elimination diets (dairy, meat, grains) throughout the summer and fall to no avail, and no appreciable effect.
So - my new strategy. I did 3 things simultaneously:
2 days ago:
I bought a huge jug of organic Aloe Vera juice (for drinking).
I took 4-5 oz twice a day (mixed with orange juice because it tastes better) to start with, along with some acidophillus (at the same time - the aloe helps with absorption as well as healing intestinal troubles).
I stopped the topical treatments of ACV and TTO, and now I just use a tiny amount of straight calendula cream (from a tube; not mixed in a lotion, but be careful - it's a bit oily!) mixed with 20% Urea cream to help with the dry/tight feeling.
I also finally found a really good, natural and fluoride and SLS free toothpaste at my health food store with Neem, TTO, activated oxygen and other good stuff.
It has been 2 days, and I've had the most dramatic change in the POD!
Literally, the redness is about 95% gone (in 2 days!), and the blisters are flaking off with clear, new skin underneath. A couple of the more severe areas are still a bit tender, but less red, and they're very like healing blemishes now. I can't even see it around my eyes anymore!
So - after all that, I'm recommending that all of you treat your tummy! Even if you don't think you have a problem, Aloe Vera Juice certainly can't hurt!
The acidophillus alone didn't do anything for me, which really isn't all that surprising if (as I surmise) I have a malabsorption problem (do you?), which prevents many things taken internally from working; prevents nutrient absorption, etc.
I'm not certain if it is one part of this latest regimen, or the whole thing together, but FINALLY I am getting some "love", and finally seeing some very promising results.
I'm going to keep going with 4-5 oz x 2/day of aloe juice (I bought a gallon of it for about $30; in Canada, that is), and I'll let you know how things go!
As an aside, I'm starting to think now that there are maybe 2 (or more) different kinds of POD - seems one can be "mite"/ topical parasite/ bacteria related, and one seems to be more connected with the stomach and intestines, based on the fact that there seem to be such wide ranging results for different people.
Any other thoughts or hypotheses on this?
Best of luck to everyone!
Namaste!
Colleen
Erica (Ncentral, Ma) on 09/15/2009:
Sally (Portland, Oregon) on 05/03/2009:
HannaQueen (Portland, OR) on 04/20/2009:
We did this for 2 years and it kept the excema at bay. My 4 yr old started getting red spots under her arms, legs, and hair line. That was it, we had it. We moved into a larger ciy and the water was a lot softer. All red spots and itchy patches were gone within 1 week. If you have hard water, look into getting a filter on your faucets.
We believe in using all natural products instead of using steroid creams or harsh ointments. It really is a life style change but its better for you and your skin. So eat healthy, and use healthy items. Good luck.
Christine (Lynd, MN) on 04/19/2009:
EXTERNAL TREATMENT
- Roll of soft paper towels so that I wouldn't have to risk infection from washcloths/towels---I dab my face dry wit the paper towels, while avoiding scratching, rubbing,scrubbing, etc.
- Three times/day I go through the following steps:
1) Rinse my face with cool water and dab dry with paper towel.
2) Use cotton ball to dab face with Apple Cider Viniger (ACV) (stings, turn red for about 10-15 minutes)
3) Combine organic yogurt (2 TBLS) with three opened Grape Seed Extract capsules. Spread over face and neck. Feels cool, refreshing, soothing skin after ACV use. I wear face mask until it dries completely. Rinse luke warm, then cool water. Dab dry with paper towel.
4) Smooth expellor pressed Organic Coconut Oil over face. (I continue to use the coconut oil periodically throughout the day.)
INTERNAL TREATMENT
1) Drink plenty of water.
2) Drink 5 glasses of combination of vegetable/fruit juices (without sugar added).
3) Take two capsules of Grape Seed Extract.
4) Other supplements: B-vitamin complex; vitamin D; Lysine.
5) Cut way back on refined sugar.
6) Limit coffee to 1 cup/day.
7) Drink tea ---green tea and Yerba Matte---throughout day.
8) Cut out nuts--almonds, peanuts, etc.-- till face clears up.
9) Eat LOTS of organic yogurt (without sugar added).
10) Get plenty of sleep.
*I also make sure to keep my hands off of my face and wash my hands very often!
Hope this helps!
Christine
Bee (Portland, OR) on 03/30/2009:
It began around my 29th year. My sister thought she was being helpful when she gave be a steroid that cleared up her PD. It worked! But... it also made the PD worse. My PD was clear if I used the steroid every day and when I stopped, the PD expanded. She told me to stop as soon as she learned that these steroids make things worse.
I tried the ACV and didn't have much luck. Although I didn't probably give it enough time. drinking the stuff was impossible and during outbreaks, it stings.
Months ago my school doctor prescribed a topical antibiotic called Ethromycen, which worked, but left my hands with an orange tint and an odor. After stopping use, the PD came back.
I am now learning about Witch Hazel, Emu Oil and Neem Oil and leaves. It seems to be working a bit, but I think I will add the daily probiotics and reintroduce the ACV.
I have a feeling the PD is related to inflammation. Neem is an anti-flammatory. Emu Oil is transdermal, which means it can pass through the layers of skin, offering more healing. And Witch Hazel is a gentle, natural toner.
I hope my experience offers some help to the conversation.
Rashy (Wayzata, MN) on 02/01/2009:
Worked Temporarily
The perioral dermatitis reappeared three months ago (could have been a variety of triggers--dietary changes, season, cosmetics, hormonal) and I've been using natural methods to treat it--and nothing has worked. I stopped eating dairy, eggs, soy and wheat. I switched back to a natural toothpaste, and I switched to a dermatologist-recommended mineral makeup (and only use it to cover the rash on occasion!). I took ACV and applied it topically. I used tea tree oil, too. Nothing worked and the rash has gotten much worse.
I finally gave up and went back to the derm for topical and oral antibiotics--that was four days ago and I'm hoping it will clear up!
Andrea (Westminster, CO) on 03/18/2008:
Bo' (Portland, Or ) on 11/28/2011:
I've likewise made the connection between the Fluoride in the tea and my new skin condition, which has proven much harder to get rid of than to come by... I've learned also to beware of sky high fluoride levels in all conventionally grown grape products and rooibos/redbush teas, as well as most conventionally produced poultry products including broths (its in the chicken feed) and off gassing from teflon cookware, especially if it is scratched. And of course toothpastes, and fluoride is added to tapwater in most parts of the country (tho thankfully not here in Portland)
My bones are feeling much better since getting rid of all my known fluoride sources including changing out all my cookware. And my mouth & tongue have stopped breaking out in painful canker sores since switching to baking soda for a dentrifice. I've been using Ted's borax protocol, alternating with an iodine protocol I learned about on curezone, all this past year and am certain that has made a big difference in my energy levels... not so horribly fatigued & dark circles less evident most of the time
But the PD is certainly proving to be much tougher to get rid of! Hoping to learn some more new strategies here :)
Sophie's Mom (Brighton, Michigan, Usa) on 07/09/2011:
So here's what I did. I switched toothpastes to a non-fluoridated one. I bought the organic Apple Cider vinegar (my local grocery chain had it - Meijer - for like $4). I tried drinking 1 oz (shot glass) straight but it was so acidic it hurt my teeth (I have severe tooth sensitivity). Even watered down I couldn't take it. So then I put it directly on the affected skin and all around my mouth. It burned like crazy but did seem to take away the bumps, however I still had very noticeable redness and dry flakiness. I put yogurt on the skin after the acv. I started taking acidophilus supplements as well. After a week of doing this, I stopped the yogurt. I then started putting a diaper rash cream on the area (MotherLove diaper rash and nipple cream - $9.00 online but costs $9. 00 for shipping. I got it for $12.00 from my local lactation consultant). It started to get significantly better, almost looking normal. However, after a few weeks it was still red and my lips started to become very flaky. I almost resorted to giving up breastfeeding to take the recommended medications because I have to work and it was so embarassing. Then I started putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face again but this time also dabbing it on my lips and the mucosa just inside my lips (pull the bottom lip down to expose the inside and swab Apple Cider Vinegar there and on the inside of the top lip). I use Vannicream moisturizer on my skin and vaseline (dermatologist said not to use aquaphor because it has lanolin and it can be irritating) on my lips and MY SYMPTOMS ARE COMPLETELY RESOLVED. No bumps, no redness, no dry flakiness.
My heart goes out to you, this is an extremely irritating and embarassing condition. Hope this helps.
Taylorkay25 (Lincoln, Ne) on 02/03/2011:
After a couple days of letting it really dry out with the TTO I started applying Shea Butter. I got the Badger and Nutmeg Shea Butter from my local health store. I would still apply the TTO, but I would let it dry a few minutes then put on the Shea Butter. Again, do this when you don't need to go anywhere because the Shea Butter doesn't absorb into the skin completely and its VERY moisturizing so it gives a greasy look to the areas you apply it to. I started off just applying it before bed. Then if I had time and didn't need to be anywhere I applied the TTO then Shea Butter and just let it set.
Now this is where the Grapefruit Seed Extract comes in... You need to take it orally. I had read that you should try applying the GSE right on the skin, but it wasn't really helping me. I think it just irritated it. I had read somewhere that GSE is a natural antibiotic, and that sometimes perioral dermatitis is caused by yeast on the skin and other possible bacterias. So since it wasn't working topically, I just started taking it orally. I would put about 15 drops into a glass of grapefruit juice and stir it and drink. The GSE is really bitter, so the grapefruit juice blends it well so you don't notice it. I drank it twice a day. Within a few days of doing this, it is almost gone.
Also try not to put make up on it. Just keep it moisturized with a light moisturizer if you need to go anywhere. Now please know, I don't think my case was severe, but it was pretty moderate and if I left it alone it would have gotten a lot worse. It would not go away when I tried anything else. I also tried yogurt on the skin, and it helped a little bit, but not really.
Another VERY IMPORTANT thing is DO NOT GO TANNING. I think that canceling my tanning membership also helped a LOT. I read somewhere that UV light actually makes dermatitis flare up, and I would rather be pale with nice skin than tan with dermatitis on my face. So anyway, don't wear make up, don't tan, and do the routine at night if you work during the day. You should see results within a couple of days. The Grapefruit Seed Extract, Tea Tree Oil, and Shea Butter aren't very expensive, and sure beat going to the doctor! So I hope this helps some people! Good luck with it!
Brook (Heidelberg, Bw, Germany) on 02/01/2011:
I committed the ultimate skin sin, and applied a prescription strength corticosteroid to the rash, and was very impressed when it was completely cleared the next morning. It reappeared a week later, and I applied the same fix. This went on for about 6 weeks when I realized that something was wrong. I did research and determined that I had perioral dermatitis and the cause was unclear. My skincare routine consisted of medical grade skincare products, but my diet for the past 6 months was embarrassingly poor, and I was eating huge amounts of refined sugar.
Realizing my mistake with the topical steroid cream, I went to my primary physician (military healthcare, can't see a dermatologist at this point), and left with an Rx for oral Erythromycin and Metrogel. Three days after starting the prescription meds, my face was worse and the rash had spread up and across one cheek.
I was discouraged by what I had read about the duration of treatment for the Rx meds and the results most people had, so I decided to take things into my own hands and look for alternatives. From this website, and based on user feedback I decided to try Apple Cider Vinegar and yogurt masks, vitamins, and probiotics, and better nutrition generally. I'm still using the Rx too.
I started applying ACV (straight from the bottle) to the rash 3 times a day, Yogurt masks 2x/day, and I sip green tea mixed with a teaspoon of ACV about 4 times a day. In a week the perioral dermatitis was completely gone. Each day I saw improvement, and I give credit to the ACV and Yogurt masks. I had one stubborn papule that I put some Tea Tree Oil on a few times, and that took care of it.
I have a few scars that are visible only to me and a little redness on my chin, but no raised papules or pustules. I also have tiny cracks on the corners of my lips that came with the dermatitis, but aren't improving.
I plan to continue with this regimen for a while and then maybe wean down to just a few times a week, but if I need to use the ACV daily to keep the rash gone, I'll gladly do it.
Amy (Augusta, Ga) on 01/27/2011:
Upon researching the meds he prescribed me I stumbled upon this website and read about how apple cider vinegar was a miracle drug. I decided that I would try it. It worked!!!!!!!! Here was my regimen for about 2-3 weeks (I was faithful and never missed a day because I was determined to give it a fair try and I wanted the mouth rash gone! ) 2-3 times daily I would put ORGANIC BR*GGS apple cider vinegar on my face (undiluted) on a cotton ball only on the rash. It burns like crazy at first, but stick with it.
2-3 Times daily I would drink 2Tbsp of the same stuff in a juice/water mixture.
I was amazed! But I stopped getting bumps and the redness was starting to fade. Now I had an issue with clearing up the redness that persisted. I again researched and came across calendula cream. It even says on the website that it helps with mystery rashes like perioral dermatitis. I ordered calendula cream. My regimen was for this started 2 weeks into using the Apple Cider Vinegar so the time overlaps with the above.
In addition to putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face and drinking it, I started putting calendula cream liberally on my whole face morning and evening. After there were no new bumps consistently for 1 week, I cut out putting it on my face as the Apple Cider Vinegar had done its job, I. E. Drying out the rash. I did and still drink it 1-2 times daily as well as still use the cream. Officially, it took me 5 weeks from when I began but my husband and I can barely and I mean barely see scars from it. If I wear makeup (which I can now!!!!! ) you can't see it at all. I am so pleased that it worked for me and I pray it does for others too.
If you have this you know what a blow to the ego it is. You don't want to leave the house ever because you feel ugly but it is impossible to continue living. I found myself explaining my appearance to friends, family, and complete strangers because I was so self conscious of the way I looked. I ordered everything from AMOZON. I hope this can help even one person! Please post comments if you also have good/bad results.
On a side note, I have also switched to products that contain no SLS and are paraben free (i. E. More natural and organic). In addition to this, I do not eat any sweets anymore and upped eating fresh veggies and fruit. I still obviously ingest sugar from fruit, juice, bread, etc. But no cakes, cookies, snack stuff anymore. It has made me feel great from the inside out!
Anna (Arlington, Tx) on 01/14/2011:
It's been about a month since I started the ACV and continued use of the shea butter as a moisterizer and the results are astounding! My skin is less inflamed , there's no more dryness, In fact my PD is 95% gone. So now everyday I wash my face with a cleanser from a website called (100percentpure.com) That doesn't have SLS in it. Then after cleansing I use ACV as a toner diluted to 25 ¬V to 75% water in a small plastic bottle which I then Squirt on a cotton round , Apply it to my face And let it dry, DON'T RINSE OFF, Then apply Raw coconut oil (for added antibacterial/antifungal effects) then a small amount of shea butter. (a little bit of shea butter goes a long way) I don't take ACV internally although I plan to do so now, the results would probably be even better! So if you have PD this might work for you like it worked for me. Don't give up hope , it will get better, I know how frustrating this rash can be. Whatever you do though DON'T put hydrocortisone on it, I never did but I've read it makes absolutley WORSE! Good luck to everyone.
Jax (Minneapolis, Mn) on 12/11/2010:
I've been doing this general routine everyday for the last 3 days. I also used green tea bags pressed against the affected area a couple times. I have seen a 50% improvement in my skin in the last couple days, and I'm assuming it will just continue to heal more and more... The bumps and blisters have diminished and the redness and flakiness is improving. THANK GOD. It is so embarrassing and makes me so self conscious since the rest of my skin is clear and soft.... Considering taking aloe juice internally.... I have not really changed my diet and I still put on makeup for work (bare minerals powder) I really think the toothpaste was a major issue. Hopefully this helps someone else... This site helped me find my own remedy and I just pray this continues to work and becomes manageable and my skin looks normal again! Good luck!!!
Doodle (Narragansett, Ri, Usa) on 10/11/2010:
-organic plain yogurt (washing with and masks)
-grapefruit seed extract (washing with and taking internally)
-violet extract (topical)
-organic apple cider vinegar
-non toxic diaper rash cream with calendula
-calendula cream
-internal probiotics (which I take every day anyway)
I did all of these things at different times, sometimes one at a time, sometimes some of them together, sometimes while going back to the antibiotic gel. No matter what, nothing was working, I was getting more and more impatient, and concerned. I am a bit ocd when it comes to things looking out of place on me, and thinking that I might have to contend with this rash till I was able to take oral antibiotics (roughly 2 years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding) was becoming unbearable. I was definitely getting depressed and not wanting to go out and do things. Then I got a lovely yeast infection (woohoo). I told my doctor I was afraid I might have an overgrowth of yeast in my body, considering some people believe the rash can be due to yeast. She said I should get some antifungal cream (one that you would use for a yeast infection) and apply to rash to see if it works. Also, for this yeast infection my acupuncturist gave me a product called 'yin care herbal wash'. After looking online I read it's good for all sorts of things (yeast, bacteria, fungus, dermatitis, etc). For the past few days I have incorporated both these things into a new routine, and one that is actually working!! NEW ROUTINE THAT IS FINALLY WORKING! :
-wash with warm water or with grapefruit seed extract (if I need to wash off makeup)
-apply the e-mycin antibiotic gel (at night only) and let it sit for 1/2-1 hour
-rinse off e-mycin with warm water and rub on some hydrogen peroxide with cotton ball
-after a couple minutes rub on some yin care herbal wash (50/50 dilution product and water) with cotton ball
-after sometime (not a science here) I apply some terconazole 0. 4% cream (a prescription yeast infection 7 day suppository cream). I would think any type of antifungal cream made for that purpose would work, over the counter included. -last step in the mornings I actually put on some mineral makeup (not the mass marketed ones), some really nice organic makeup that doesn't include the harsh ingredients. I just make sure to wash it off when I get home. I've been following this routine since friday night, and it's now monday night. I cannot cannot cannot believe it but I am watching this beast disappear every time I look in the mirror! Every time I would read on this site about someone finding the thing that would actually cure their dermatitis, rather than feeling hope I would feel more and more like I must be the exception and that nothing would ever work for me.. But trust me, there IS hope! You just need to keep an open mind and continue to try different things, no matter how weird these things might seem. For me, I think it's either the yin care herbal wash, or the terconazole prescription cream (or both). But I'm not gonna stop my trusty routine just in case there's some magic in it. The rash on the right side is almost totally gone, just a couple bumps left but pretty much all smooth skin! It's still quite pink, I guess a bit scarred. The left side is the worse side, it's healing but not nearly to the extent as the right side. I think once it is all completely gone I will dab on some vitamin e oil to heal the pink scarring. I will update once this monster is totally gone! Good luck everyone, and hang in there..
Deb-aura (Boston, Ma) on 04/27/2010:
Stopped using oral/body/hair products with fluoride or SLS (and asking my BF to do the same for now, what a great guy!).
Stopped coffee, soda, bread, dairy, sugar (not perfect on this, have always kept these to a minimum anyway but significantly less!)
Skin care: Washing with a very mild cleanser from whl-fds (at the sink, not in the shower, too hot!), applying ACV with a wet cotton ball. Using an extremly light/mild moisturizer, also from whl-fds.
Doing yogurt mask twice a day (organic plain).
Added supplements: probiotics, zinc, garlic, oregano oil, green tea extract.
Drinking 1-2 teasp ACV diluted in water (cutting back on this as it is giving me heartburn).
Now drinking juice of 1/2 lemon in water first thing in the morning before anything else.
I got one acupuncture treatment and am going back for more.
I have a sense that the acupuncture and yogurt mask have been the most helpful, but the other actions are laying the groundwork for healing. Note that I tried the diaper cream approach for a few days but did not notice much improvement. Good luck to everyone!
Naomi (Bath, Uk) on 04/10/2010:
Hi everyone. PD has been frustrating me for over a year but I think I've finally cracked it. It started as a dry red patch on one cheek but spread to my chin and other cheek after a while. Now it's pretty much all gone. Here are my do's and don'ts
Do:
Use antibacterial glycerin based handwash morning and evening on the affected area.
Apply zinc and castor oil (nappy rash cream) cream to the area at night.
Get fresh air and exercise.
Use cotton wool to apply handwash.
Do use a fine plain facial scrub once every four days or so to get rid of flakey skin
Don't:
Wear make up if you can help it. If you feel you have to remove it at the earliest opportunity using the handwash and cotton wool.
Use soap or moisturiser.
Constantly put your hands to your face.
Use a facecloth or make up sponges
Things I have tried that didn't work: ACV, natural yoghurt, E45 anti eczema cream, anti-bacterial soap.
Good luck everyone.
Nycole (Wichita, Ks, Usa) on 02/15/2010:
I read about people using calendula cream for eczema, so I gave it a shot. It is sooo soothing. I use it several times a day. It helped immediately.
I also decided to use Ted's topical remedy. The rash is now almost completely gone. I am still using both the borax/water/peroxide topically and the calendula cream, afterward. Almost totally gone! Yay!!!
Colleen (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 11/15/2009:
I'm 35 and live in Calgary, where the water is fluorinated (BOO!).
I suddenly became afflicted with perioral dermatitis in June of this year, a couple of days after receiving a tetanus shot.
Yes, I believe that is the cause; no, I can't prove it and have found no corroboration online. Anyone else get an immunization or vaccine just prior to this?
I had a very sore stomach for a couple of days after the shot, and then started getting an "acne-like" rash around the sides of my mouth and chin. I didn't think too much of it - I get the odd pimple in that area once in awhile.
I didn't notice any particular food related ebb and flow of symptoms, aside from some alcohols. No problem with spicy food or exercise either.
But this didn't go away, and it got worse and spread. These were blisters, not pimples (filled with clear fluid). I tried all my usual skin "cures" - primarily coconut oil, which is generally what I use on my skin and it's *usually* brilliant. But that only seemed to make the bumps worse! And a bit tender.
I tried castor oil - same thing. Bio-Oil - same.
I finally tried some of the cortisone cream my doc had prescribed for a different rash (on my shoulder - TOTALLY different beast), and that worked great... for a while. Then, like everyone else, I had the rebound, and the decreasing efficacy, and the spreading. Finally, I read that the cortisone can make it much worse (if I'd only known!).
I searched the 'Net, and self-diagnosed based on several write-ups of POD - I was not willing to go to the doc and end up on several months of antibiotics! There had to be something natural... And then I found Earth Clinic!
Now, the POD was on my eyelids, under my eyes, forehead, sides of the nose and around my mouth. When I stopped the cortisone, it was raw and painful and really unsightly and I was completely beside myself.
I tried whatever I could get my hands on that people were recommending here, with varying levels of success. My bathroom counter is covered with the many items I've bought trying to solve this!
My findings for the things I tried here:
Zinc Oxide cream - found that it relieved the rawness a bit, but the blisters proliferated and the redness did not subside. Might be partially due to other ingredients. I could not find one that didn't have either castor oil, petrolatum or other oils. ANY oil (except Tea Tree Oil) = FAIL. At least for me.
Vitamin E Oil - this was nice and soothing after using Tea Tree Oil or Apple Cider Vinegar, but - ANY OIL (except Tea Tree Oil)= FAIL. It would soothe the redness and rawness, but then I'd start over again with more blisters. Overall, I gave up on it for this condition.
Aloe vera gel (topical) - also stings. Helps the spots to feel better once the burning stops, but makes everything feel very tight and dry - need an emollient afterward, but at the time couldn't find anything. Helpful, but didn't cure anything.
Acidophillus - I've been taking acidophillus on a regular basis for years. I upped the dosage, but I didn't feel that this had any effect on my face.
Tea Tree Oil (TTO) - stings like crazy, but I could cope with that. It really helped by drying out the blisters. Definitely helped, but still never made it go away. Overall drying effect, so it didn't seem to contribute to new blisters, but it may since I couldn't seem to stop the blisters/dry & flaky cycle.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) -helped the most - stings, and very drying, but reduced the redness down to small spots.
I found TTO and ACV in tandem to be the most helpful in toning down the overall redness (after the initial burn, that is). I would alternate days using ACV and TTO as a "toner", using a small amount of a 20% Urea cream afterward (to combat the flaking and tightness - this was the ONLY thing that helped in that area without creating more blisters).
That got me into a more manageable cycle, BUT still the redness and flaking skin persisted. If I knocked off the ACV & TTO, the blisters would come back.
I decided to revisit some earlier advice from my acupuncturist. He said (back when this all started) that the area around the mouth (where it first showed up) is related to the intestines in Chinese Medicine. I'd tried elimination diets (dairy, meat, grains) throughout the summer and fall to no avail, and no appreciable effect.
So - my new strategy. I did 3 things simultaneously:
2 days ago:
I bought a huge jug of organic Aloe Vera juice (for drinking).
I took 4-5 oz twice a day (mixed with orange juice because it tastes better) to start with, along with some acidophillus (at the same time - the aloe helps with absorption as well as healing intestinal troubles).
I stopped the topical treatments of ACV and TTO, and now I just use a tiny amount of straight calendula cream (from a tube; not mixed in a lotion, but be careful - it's a bit oily!) mixed with 20% Urea cream to help with the dry/tight feeling.
I also finally found a really good, natural and fluoride and SLS free toothpaste at my health food store with Neem, TTO, activated oxygen and other good stuff.
It has been 2 days, and I've had the most dramatic change in the POD!
Literally, the redness is about 95% gone (in 2 days!), and the blisters are flaking off with clear, new skin underneath. A couple of the more severe areas are still a bit tender, but less red, and they're very like healing blemishes now. I can't even see it around my eyes anymore!
So - after all that, I'm recommending that all of you treat your tummy! Even if you don't think you have a problem, Aloe Vera Juice certainly can't hurt!
The acidophillus alone didn't do anything for me, which really isn't all that surprising if (as I surmise) I have a malabsorption problem (do you?), which prevents many things taken internally from working; prevents nutrient absorption, etc.
I'm not certain if it is one part of this latest regimen, or the whole thing together, but FINALLY I am getting some "love", and finally seeing some very promising results.
I'm going to keep going with 4-5 oz x 2/day of aloe juice (I bought a gallon of it for about $30; in Canada, that is), and I'll let you know how things go!
As an aside, I'm starting to think now that there are maybe 2 (or more) different kinds of POD - seems one can be "mite"/ topical parasite/ bacteria related, and one seems to be more connected with the stomach and intestines, based on the fact that there seem to be such wide ranging results for different people.
Any other thoughts or hypotheses on this?
Best of luck to everyone!
Namaste!
Colleen
Erica (Ncentral, Ma) on 09/15/2009:
Sally (Portland, Oregon) on 05/03/2009:
HannaQueen (Portland, OR) on 04/20/2009:
We did this for 2 years and it kept the excema at bay. My 4 yr old started getting red spots under her arms, legs, and hair line. That was it, we had it. We moved into a larger ciy and the water was a lot softer. All red spots and itchy patches were gone within 1 week. If you have hard water, look into getting a filter on your faucets.
We believe in using all natural products instead of using steroid creams or harsh ointments. It really is a life style change but its better for you and your skin. So eat healthy, and use healthy items. Good luck.
Christine (Lynd, MN) on 04/19/2009:
EXTERNAL TREATMENT
- Roll of soft paper towels so that I wouldn't have to risk infection from washcloths/towels---I dab my face dry wit the paper towels, while avoiding scratching, rubbing,scrubbing, etc.
- Three times/day I go through the following steps:
1) Rinse my face with cool water and dab dry with paper towel.
2) Use cotton ball to dab face with Apple Cider Viniger (ACV) (stings, turn red for about 10-15 minutes)
3) Combine organic yogurt (2 TBLS) with three opened Grape Seed Extract capsules. Spread over face and neck. Feels cool, refreshing, soothing skin after ACV use. I wear face mask until it dries completely. Rinse luke warm, then cool water. Dab dry with paper towel.
4) Smooth expellor pressed Organic Coconut Oil over face. (I continue to use the coconut oil periodically throughout the day.)
INTERNAL TREATMENT
1) Drink plenty of water.
2) Drink 5 glasses of combination of vegetable/fruit juices (without sugar added).
3) Take two capsules of Grape Seed Extract.
4) Other supplements: B-vitamin complex; vitamin D; Lysine.
5) Cut way back on refined sugar.
6) Limit coffee to 1 cup/day.
7) Drink tea ---green tea and Yerba Matte---throughout day.
8) Cut out nuts--almonds, peanuts, etc.-- till face clears up.
9) Eat LOTS of organic yogurt (without sugar added).
10) Get plenty of sleep.
*I also make sure to keep my hands off of my face and wash my hands very often!
Hope this helps!
Christine
Bee (Portland, OR) on 03/30/2009:
It began around my 29th year. My sister thought she was being helpful when she gave be a steroid that cleared up her PD. It worked! But... it also made the PD worse. My PD was clear if I used the steroid every day and when I stopped, the PD expanded. She told me to stop as soon as she learned that these steroids make things worse.
I tried the ACV and didn't have much luck. Although I didn't probably give it enough time. drinking the stuff was impossible and during outbreaks, it stings.
Months ago my school doctor prescribed a topical antibiotic called Ethromycen, which worked, but left my hands with an orange tint and an odor. After stopping use, the PD came back.
I am now learning about Witch Hazel, Emu Oil and Neem Oil and leaves. It seems to be working a bit, but I think I will add the daily probiotics and reintroduce the ACV.
I have a feeling the PD is related to inflammation. Neem is an anti-flammatory. Emu Oil is transdermal, which means it can pass through the layers of skin, offering more healing. And Witch Hazel is a gentle, natural toner.
I hope my experience offers some help to the conversation.
Rashy (Wayzata, MN) on 02/01/2009:
Worked Temporarily
The perioral dermatitis reappeared three months ago (could have been a variety of triggers--dietary changes, season, cosmetics, hormonal) and I've been using natural methods to treat it--and nothing has worked. I stopped eating dairy, eggs, soy and wheat. I switched back to a natural toothpaste, and I switched to a dermatologist-recommended mineral makeup (and only use it to cover the rash on occasion!). I took ACV and applied it topically. I used tea tree oil, too. Nothing worked and the rash has gotten much worse.
I finally gave up and went back to the derm for topical and oral antibiotics--that was four days ago and I'm hoping it will clear up!
Andrea (Westminster, CO) on 03/18/2008:
