| 5 star (34) | 69% | |
| 4 star (12) | 24% | |
| 3 star (2) | 4% | |
| 1 star (1) | 2% |
Alex (Au) on 06/22/2015: 
- clean my skin with no soap cleaner (tea trea foam for acne)
- spray on the skin/face Avene spring water
- wash my face with organic ACV " with the mother" (if you can not stand it not diluted, put in on your face while you still have the spring water on the skin)
- wait until it dries a bit and put on your face tea tree oil ( if you can not stand the stings diluted spray again your face with the spring water)
- moisturize your face with Calendula cream (mostly near/ around the areas where you have the PD)
- put on your PD area (can put it actualy on your entire face - make sure you treat the whole skin , also the nose area) the following mix:
- Clotrimazole cream - 1 part (2 cm lenght of cream coming out of the tube)
- Calendula cream - 1 part
-Baby rash cream -1/4 part
- 1-2 drops yogurt
- 1 probiotic pill (only the content inside/ the powder)
- 1 drop Vitamin E oil
- 1 drop Rosehip oil
Mix all together until it forms a uniform cream.
This mix reduces the acidity of the skin and in the same time shoots and treats the skin. It kills the fungus which thrives in an acidic environment.
And ... you do not need to do the yogurt masks because it includes it.
Repeat this full procedure before you go to bed and also, wait until the cream mix is fully absorbed in the skin, apply after only the Baby rash cream on PD (and keep it all night).
During the day, if you do not have time/ you are away from home to do this process again at mid day, just apply on the PD every 3-4 hours the same cream mix.
Because of the probiotic and yogurt it may become powdery on the face if you apply a new mix on the previous one without cleaning the skin. Just wash / clean with water your face and apply the mix.
PS: You are what you eat! Make sure you eliminate acidic food from your diet and take regulary probiotics. This is candida manifesting on the skin.
Gracejones (London) on 05/29/2015:
I had POD and tried ACV but it did not work and although the POD burnt and dried up, it came back.
What worked: raw garlic applied topically, no tap water ever, calendula cream, do not exfoliate.
I suggest:
Do not ever use tap water to wash your face. Use bottled water or better still spray water. Do not use soap. Do not exfoliate. Treat your skin like baby skin.
Ladies stop applying a million products to your skin. Try to use minimal cosmetics and only organic ones. All these chemical make-ups and products are very damaging.
We need to baby our skin, love it, not bombard it with harsh petrochemicals.
The reason I had POD was my skin barrier got broken from using too many harsh products and I believe a fungus or something got in that caused the POD. I tried antibiotics, they only worked for a while and then POD came back. Instead of trying to use harsh chemicals, I started using very gentle products to wash my face. I would rub the worst POD spots with raw garlic, 1-5 times a day (as many times as I could and especially for bed). Yes it smells, yes it stings and gets red but slowly it would dry up from the garlic. I would leave it without touching those parts again. Then I would apply calendula lotion to the healed parts of my skin.
It took a very long time to heal and I still occasionally get a few flare ups when I use non-organic or lots of make up or harsh skin care products but with perseverance POD can be eliminated.
I also changed my diet to no sugars, no grains, no starches and now follow the SCD diet. Most skin conditions link to gut health. I am trying to heal my gut to get my skin perfect. I have heard that the skintervention guide, SCD diet people and paleo communities believe most skin and health issues can be resolved by returning to the diet our ancestors had and eliminating chemicals and artificial items in our diets and lifestyle. No doubt they are right.
Grace (London) on 03/19/2015:
Do not use tap water or soap to wash your face. Instead use Avene Micellar lotion followed by spring water mixed at a ratio of 3:1 with pure powdered vitamin C crystals (I used Now brand), then spritz face with avene spring water spray. Do not exfoliate or ever get face wet in shower or bath with tap water as this is full of chlorine and will unbalance ph of your skin.
Follow the Avene routine with Weleda Calendula Baby Face cream.
Do not use any products that contain SLS, whether it is in shampoo, hair dye, toothpaste. Avoid hair dyes that contain bleach, dye hair with natural methods like henna or herbal dyes.
If you must use make up use only organic brands that contain no oil, do not use any mineral make up that contains bismuth. I use primal life make up that is only pure powdered herbs and clays. Do not use commercial brands of make up or anything that contains coconut or other oils.
Reduce sugars and especially refined carbs in your diet. Stick to a paleo diet and you will clog up your skin far less. Avoid histamines in foods, like processed, smoked, fermented, pickled foods, like wine, cheese etc. Look up the low histamine diet. Avoid beans, pulses and minimize lentils which are hard to digest and cause bloating and blotchy skin for those with weak digestion.
This is a strict regime which basically involves living very clean inside and outside but it really works! If you follow these instructions you should have beautiful, clear skin.
Claire (Uk) on 02/24/2015:
I'm mainly eating organic salad and vegetables, organic eggs and organic chicken. Have just started having 2 pieces of organic fruit per day now too. Have given up my morning coffee as this seemed to aggravate and now only drinking organic herb teas. No soap on my face, only non flouride toothpaste (kingfisher or sarakan) and no other make up or products on my face. Finally after months of depression and frustration (as I've always had really clear skin)... My scabs are basically gone, no more leaking liquid from my bumps, my bright red rash has faded to a light pink and my skin is healing nicely. It's been a long journey but I am so happy now that my skin is finally starting to get back to normal! I really feel for all you who are going through what I did... And I pray you will be healed very soon. I hope this will help you xxx
Visitor (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 10/06/2014: 
1. Cut fluoride (including using non-flouridated water to drink and wash my face).
2. Cut SLS from all of my health and beauty products.
3. Did a yogurt mask every night. After a few weeks I got creative and made a mask out of manuka honey, acidophilus, and aloe.
4. Cleaned my face with only diluted Bragg's apple cider vinegar (morning and night, I didn't use this on the dermatitis by my eyes because it would irritate that skin).
5. Applied violet tincture to the dermatitis morning and night.
6. Used only organic virgin coconut oil as a facial moisturizer.
7. Here is the tough one- I cut added sweeteners and coffee from my diet. I would cheat and have coffee on Saturday, and let myself have sweets on time a week. I drank earl grey instead of coffee.
8. Supplements I took- biotin, evening primrose oil, grapefruit seed extract, liquid acidophilus supplement morning and night.
Before I diagnosed myself with POD, I was using a steroid cream for months that was given to me by a dermatologist. I stopped using that cream after I began to suspect POD, and my skin went really crazy for about two weeks. After adhering to the treatment above for about two to three months my skin was clear. I should also add that I don't wear makeup, and I think that helps to clean it up faster.
Now to maintain clear skin, I use Keys Care facial moisturizer, and I try to stay away from coffee and sugar. I still avoid fluoride and SLS. I also use only non-soap cleanser on my face, and exfoliate with a cleansing grains mix that I make myself. After confirming my diagnosis, my dermatologist gave me an antibacterial cream that is also helpful when I think it is going to flare up. I hope this list is helpful to you! I got all of my information from the internet (including this site), for which I am so grateful!
Ali (Portland, Oregon) on 10/03/2014:
I've been dealing with this awful Perioral Dermatitis rash for 4 months. I have had it off and on all my life, but this recent bout takes the cake. Around the nose, all over the chin, around the mouth, eyebrows, eyelids, and creeping up to my poor little cheeks! Saw a doctor that wanted to put me on antibiotics. I can't take them because I'm nursing a baby, so she gave me a topical antibiotic cream instead. It dried my face up and didn't work. Trying a few natural things now.
Has anyone tried Proskin Eczema cream? I bought some on the net and it seems to be helping with the pain, itchiness and dryness. I also decided to treat the condition like yeast, and have started taking acidophilus and applying an organic, plain, Greek yogurt mask once a day. I'm taking Biotin as well. Since starting on this path, the redness/swelling is much improved. I tried Apple Cider Vinegar once and it made the redness flare up, so I stopped. It even spread further up my face, as if it was running away! I will try again and stick with it, this time putting it on the unaffected areas close by as well. If this stupid POD is in any way a bacterial infection, then it makes perfect sense for the ACV to work. I read that the initial flare-up right after the first few applications is the infection going crazy and trying to leave the surface or something. But then it dies...nowhere to run!
Good luck to everyone!
Rodders505 (Sydney, Australia) on 08/16/2014:
Scenario: No prior history although I suspect it had been under the surface; for years, I would have 3 'little stress spots' around my eyes that would crop up but be gone in a day or two. Medication: 25mg prednisolone / prednisone orally a day to suppress an elevated level of natural killer cells in pregnancy. Unfortunately the wee bub didn't make it (unrelated chromosome issues) so half way through slowly reducing the steroids was the start. The pregnancy hormones wouldn't have helped but text book steroid withdrawal trigger. So quick - all round my nose, chin, perfect muzzle, spreading out to my cheeks and with increasing spots round the eyes. I said no to antibiotics. Thank you to the person who said you can't change it over night. Improvements occurred quickly once I got on track but it took about 9 weeks before I believed I could say 'YEA':
Week 1 & 2: Lightly diluted tea tree oil, and second week followed it with Lavender to sooth. Result: not good. Slowed the spread. Still very red, sore and cracked.
Week 3: Changed tooth paste to non fluoride and non SLS and stopped my face creams although all products did not contain SLS and were already natural and organic. Powdered sugar and oil - fantastic! Within 24 hours healed the cracks and skin felt so much better, although was redder and looked worse for 1-2 days. It was itchy after 3-4 hours, so was nigh on impossible to have a good nights sleep but wow, what an improvement. If I had been able to do this for the recommended 7-10 days and nights, I would have got to where I am now a lot quicker but I had challenges highlighted below. Result: Great, distinct improvement. Took away a large number of the deep red spots and left with lighter red patches and fewer red spots where it was most effected.
Challenges: I run my own business - client facing (white collar) and I entertain a lot! Very hard not to drink or wear makeup.
Week 3: In Hong Kong for work, limited time for the sugar pack (apart from flight and at night), so I used calendula cream and bought an organic tinted moisturiser with SPF 30 which was ok, very light coverage but didn't aggravate (I still use now). I don't work for them -Juice Beauty by the Organic Solution. Result: No real improvement as very difficult to do anything consistently. Still good but still very present.
Week 4: Thailand - hot and humid. No suncream on the face in fear of reacting badly and kept face out of the sun. After a few days in the sea, I changed my routine to washing /padding with salt water, moisturising with coconut oil and aloe vera (both from a local Thai organic shop). 1 day after very red then another improvement. At this point it had reduced to just six distinct points with accompanying redness around my mouth. Returning to Oz, realised I wouldn't be able to do much with the routine for 24 hours, had read about Shea Butter and used this for the flights. Result: Good, another positive change getting better! Perhaps 75% - 85% there.
Week 5: In Sydney - dry, winter conditions. Kept with the same Thai routine: washed with salt water (don't rub! ), moisturise with coconut and aloe vera. Slather with shea butter in the day whilst at work - great protector for under make up too, although I would wash the make up off straight after a meeting. Result: Still very good, slow improvements, reduced to four areas.....85 - 90%
Week 6 & 7: To the UK, change of air again!! Sounds very extravagant but it's not the norm and I didn't travel anywhere last year! By now, I had nearly absorbed all of the earth clinic reviews and tweaked to the following treating inside and out:
Then my Mum (retired nurse) who had experienced a strange fungal rash on her leg, suggested this cream, which had worked for her - again I do not work for this company - Skinfix, organic herbal cream ironically made in Australia. I replaced the coconut oil with this only on the effected areas. I thought it was worse the next day, was frustrated but again, with the above routine it visibly improved. Result: 99.9% gone. This was the first time I would look in a mirror, leave the room and realise I hadn't immediately stared at 'the' area. All gone on both sides of the chin, left hand side of round my mouth up to my nose and right hand side. I'm aware of the 0.01% because as you all know, this type of reaction / condition makes you scrutinise your face - well with the routine, you get a good chance to see yourself first and last thing.
Week 8 & 9: Returned to Oz, back in the dry and in a few days, I could see a few red spots. I also went to the snowy mountains -very dry and minus 7. I slathered the areas with shea butter, which was a great thick protector. After a few days of climate adjustment, I believe, I had stuck with the routine and the red spots disappeared again.
Diet: I have an alkaline IC diet anyway but was definitely stricter while trying to treat this: no tomatoes, no citrus, sugar, nothing processed, no dairy. I did drink wine but not a lot!! And only either organic, biodynamic or European (French, Spanish or Italian as they contain, by law, very low levels of acid).
Hang in there! - sometimes it does get worse for 1-2 days before it gets better! That happened to me 3x and my mum gave me good advice- whatever you try - try for at least 1-2 weeks before changing.
I also took photos (wish I had taken them at the beginning or for the first 4 weeks) as I was finding it hard at times to see any improvement. I recommend this as it helped me stick with it when I felt like turning everything on its head and there actually had been an improvement when I compared the photos!! Don't do what I did though - be consistent I.e. always after you've cleansed or woken up.
Good Luck!! And Thank You again. This really got me incredibly down at one point and the journey would have been horrible without this amazing website and the people who have shared.
Bechansen (Brighton, Co) on 07/10/2013: 
Lou (Barcelona, Spain) on 06/30/2013:
My story regarding PD is quite lengthy (sorry I don't want to bore you, but I think the history of how it all began is important for all to understand the cause, the desperation and eventually miraculous treatment, )and after much confusion, upset, cost and frustration I want to share it with you, with the hope that any fellow sufferers will be alleviated from this painful and psychological debilitating affliction quickly.
My PD started roughly 5 years ago after shingles, so obviously my immunity system was already surpressed.
I live in Spain and for many years used expensive as natural as possible 25-50 sun creams on my face, in winter as well as summer as I enjoy many outdoor sports including sailing.
As typical with PD, I noticed a small patch of irrated skin appearing just below my left nostril. I have extremely sensitive skin with a history of allergic reactions to many lotions and potions... E45 was always my anchor, however it was not helping me here.
As I work in an alternative health clinic, I am surrounded by well informed collegeues on the alternative treatments for dermatological problems, however, after using homeopathy and accupuncture and the typical suggestions of natural topical treatments my problem, although controlled, was in no way cured, and some of the natural 'potions' irritated my sensitive skin even more. Also after calm periods the PD would suddenly flare up again, and it seemed each new episode brought a greater degree of intensity and growth of this affliction.
Eventually I visited my GP who in turn referred me to a dermatologist, who confirmed a PD diagnosis, and yes you have all guessed what was prescribed ...... Steroid cream!!!! SURPRISE!!!! I was told to use it for 10 days and to apply it with a cotton bud. I followed the instructions and was pleased with the outcome... PD vanished... Well for a short while...
Then it came back, so I would then dab on a little more steroid cream... and thus I entered the downward spiral of steroid cream 'quick fix' addiction. Obviously I used it sparingly, and I don't think that in the five years I have exceeded more than 50g of steroid cream, but I knew that the problem was getting worse.
However, it remained my crutch. One day whilst in the waiting room of a clinic waiting for an gynaecological ultrasound, I came across an article about the relationship between facial suncreams and PD... BINGO!!! All I needed to do was stop using suncreams on my face.
It seemed (at least for a while) that my miracle cure had arrived. I stopped the suncream and started using Aveeno (not advertising here it was recommended by my sister who's son suffers for eczema.) However, after about 18months my PD came back, stronger and more resistant than ever and once again the battle was on.
I must also add, that other than chocolate and coffee I eat a very healthy vegetarian and organic produce diet, with very little alcohol, I drink lots of mineral or filtered water don't smoke, exercise on a regular basis, cycle everywhere in the city and do not take any other medication. Also all my cleaning products are natural. My beauty products other than the E45 and Aveeno are completely paraben and fragrance free, and for the last year I use a flouride free toothpaste from the herbal shop.
Eventually I arrived to the point where I didn't want to have to rely upon my steroid cream 'crutch' and wanted a healthier natural remedy that was going to be effective, and rather than procrastinating any longer 'no time like the present' became my mantra.
11 days ago was the last time I applied the steroid cream, and 'oh my goodness, ' its been quite a journey. I went 'cold turkey' and in 5 days my face was literally on 'fire' it was extremely distressing and painful. My skin was red raw, raised, itchy, blistered and with an intense burning sensation around the nose mouth and left eye areas. But, this was it there was no going back and I was now focused on finding the healthy solution.
I trawled the internet forums and thank goodness I came across 'Earth Clinic'..... you have all been a huge help and after initial trial and errors here is what I used and when I got the mixture right I had a lightening time recovery.
I tried Aloe Vera cream and gel.. MADE IT WORSE
Rose Hip oil... MADE IT WORSE
Apple Cider Vinegar... MADE IT WORSE
Tap Water... Made IT WORSE
Aveeno cream... SLIGHT relief from itching (but contains chemicals )
###FOLLOW the below recipe for relief and 80% improvement in 2 days..... IT DID FOR ME
***ORGANIC OAT MILK milk stored in fridge (used for cleansing)..... TOTAL RELIEF from itching and stinging
***ORGANIC LIVE YOGHURT, 2tablespoons, with 2 capsules of 'natures plus' Ultra Probiotic emptied into the mixture(not advertising had the ultra probiotic already stored in the fridge to regenerate intestinal flora after taking antibiotics for tooth implant) any good acidophilus will work, I then added 1 teaspoon of organic honey to this mixture.... Popped the mixture in the freezer for 10 mins, then with a sterile makeup brush I painted it all over my face, around the eyes and double thickness in the areas that were mostly suffering... SUCCESS and HEAVENLY... The coolness of this mixture is soothing. Leave it on for between 20 to 30 mins then rinse off with an organic cotton pad and mineral water, the fine powder from the probiotic/acidophilus capsule will also serve as a delicate exfoliant to remove the gradual drying out of the PD..... Apply morning and evening
***COCONUT OIL (cheap and from any health food store) apply with organic cotton pad twice Daily after the yoghurt treatment. This takes down the swelling and starts to dry up the inflammation.
***ACUPUNCTURE to balance the meridians and remove the excess 'fire' energy from the body, and helps to stimulate the suprarenal glands to produce 'Cortisol' which is our very own organic form of steroid which has anti inflammatory properties on our organism... RELAXING and nice to have a therapist to talk to you about your symptoms
***HOMEOPATHY, Initially I took Rhus toxicodendron 30ch and felt a lot WORSE for it, so I changed to Histaminium 30ch 2 granules under my tongue 3 times a day.... RELIEF instantly my swelling started to subside
***AND LASTLY.... I wanted a 'pure as one can get' vitamin E cream to reduce the possibility of scarring, however after searching numerous pharmacies, health food and herbal stores here in Barcelona I couldn't find any, but my intuition told me to look at La ROCHE-POSAY products who have an amazing programme in their Spa's in France for treating scars and build up of scar tissue after mastectomies. I came across 'Cicablast Baume B5' 'CICA' is derived from the french word for scar... 'Cicatrice' and although, not totally free of chemicals it is fragrance and paraben free and contains shea butter and zinc gluconate. This was very soothing and the difference the next morning was ASTOUNDING!!!!! I would only recommend this at the end of the treatment list and for a few days only.
I am now sitting writing this with my face nearly looking normal and reflecting on it all it has been a HUGE learning curve, and I know this will be of use to others that is why I decided to share it with you all. I realise that PD is not 100% curable, however I think with the above tools it will now be 100% treatable.
Cost wise, most of these products are not at all expensive.... in fact other than the Acupuncture most are well under 10euros, or are products that we already have in the house.
I think it also important to point out that its necessary to allow your PD to 'Come Out' after stopping the steroid cream. Its a distressing time but then you will no to some extent what you are 'really' treating
I am now just going to put on the cooling yoghurt face pack... BLISS
Good luck and thank you for your help and support, I will keep you updated as it is still early days for me as yet.
Lou xxx
Lizzy (British Columbia, Canada) on 04/29/2013:
| 5 star (34) | 69% | |
| 4 star (12) | 24% | |
| 3 star (2) | 4% | |
| 1 star (1) | 2% |
Alex (Au) on 06/22/2015:
- clean my skin with no soap cleaner (tea trea foam for acne)
- spray on the skin/face Avene spring water
- wash my face with organic ACV " with the mother" (if you can not stand it not diluted, put in on your face while you still have the spring water on the skin)
- wait until it dries a bit and put on your face tea tree oil ( if you can not stand the stings diluted spray again your face with the spring water)
- moisturize your face with Calendula cream (mostly near/ around the areas where you have the PD)
- put on your PD area (can put it actualy on your entire face - make sure you treat the whole skin , also the nose area) the following mix:
- Clotrimazole cream - 1 part (2 cm lenght of cream coming out of the tube)
- Calendula cream - 1 part
-Baby rash cream -1/4 part
- 1-2 drops yogurt
- 1 probiotic pill (only the content inside/ the powder)
- 1 drop Vitamin E oil
- 1 drop Rosehip oil
Mix all together until it forms a uniform cream.
This mix reduces the acidity of the skin and in the same time shoots and treats the skin. It kills the fungus which thrives in an acidic environment.
And ... you do not need to do the yogurt masks because it includes it.
Repeat this full procedure before you go to bed and also, wait until the cream mix is fully absorbed in the skin, apply after only the Baby rash cream on PD (and keep it all night).
During the day, if you do not have time/ you are away from home to do this process again at mid day, just apply on the PD every 3-4 hours the same cream mix.
Because of the probiotic and yogurt it may become powdery on the face if you apply a new mix on the previous one without cleaning the skin. Just wash / clean with water your face and apply the mix.
PS: You are what you eat! Make sure you eliminate acidic food from your diet and take regulary probiotics. This is candida manifesting on the skin.
Gracejones (London) on 05/29/2015:
I had POD and tried ACV but it did not work and although the POD burnt and dried up, it came back.
What worked: raw garlic applied topically, no tap water ever, calendula cream, do not exfoliate.
I suggest:
Do not ever use tap water to wash your face. Use bottled water or better still spray water. Do not use soap. Do not exfoliate. Treat your skin like baby skin.
Ladies stop applying a million products to your skin. Try to use minimal cosmetics and only organic ones. All these chemical make-ups and products are very damaging.
We need to baby our skin, love it, not bombard it with harsh petrochemicals.
The reason I had POD was my skin barrier got broken from using too many harsh products and I believe a fungus or something got in that caused the POD. I tried antibiotics, they only worked for a while and then POD came back. Instead of trying to use harsh chemicals, I started using very gentle products to wash my face. I would rub the worst POD spots with raw garlic, 1-5 times a day (as many times as I could and especially for bed). Yes it smells, yes it stings and gets red but slowly it would dry up from the garlic. I would leave it without touching those parts again. Then I would apply calendula lotion to the healed parts of my skin.
It took a very long time to heal and I still occasionally get a few flare ups when I use non-organic or lots of make up or harsh skin care products but with perseverance POD can be eliminated.
I also changed my diet to no sugars, no grains, no starches and now follow the SCD diet. Most skin conditions link to gut health. I am trying to heal my gut to get my skin perfect. I have heard that the skintervention guide, SCD diet people and paleo communities believe most skin and health issues can be resolved by returning to the diet our ancestors had and eliminating chemicals and artificial items in our diets and lifestyle. No doubt they are right.
Grace (London) on 03/19/2015:
Do not use tap water or soap to wash your face. Instead use Avene Micellar lotion followed by spring water mixed at a ratio of 3:1 with pure powdered vitamin C crystals (I used Now brand), then spritz face with avene spring water spray. Do not exfoliate or ever get face wet in shower or bath with tap water as this is full of chlorine and will unbalance ph of your skin.
Follow the Avene routine with Weleda Calendula Baby Face cream.
Do not use any products that contain SLS, whether it is in shampoo, hair dye, toothpaste. Avoid hair dyes that contain bleach, dye hair with natural methods like henna or herbal dyes.
If you must use make up use only organic brands that contain no oil, do not use any mineral make up that contains bismuth. I use primal life make up that is only pure powdered herbs and clays. Do not use commercial brands of make up or anything that contains coconut or other oils.
Reduce sugars and especially refined carbs in your diet. Stick to a paleo diet and you will clog up your skin far less. Avoid histamines in foods, like processed, smoked, fermented, pickled foods, like wine, cheese etc. Look up the low histamine diet. Avoid beans, pulses and minimize lentils which are hard to digest and cause bloating and blotchy skin for those with weak digestion.
This is a strict regime which basically involves living very clean inside and outside but it really works! If you follow these instructions you should have beautiful, clear skin.
Claire (Uk) on 02/24/2015:
I'm mainly eating organic salad and vegetables, organic eggs and organic chicken. Have just started having 2 pieces of organic fruit per day now too. Have given up my morning coffee as this seemed to aggravate and now only drinking organic herb teas. No soap on my face, only non flouride toothpaste (kingfisher or sarakan) and no other make up or products on my face. Finally after months of depression and frustration (as I've always had really clear skin)... My scabs are basically gone, no more leaking liquid from my bumps, my bright red rash has faded to a light pink and my skin is healing nicely. It's been a long journey but I am so happy now that my skin is finally starting to get back to normal! I really feel for all you who are going through what I did... And I pray you will be healed very soon. I hope this will help you xxx
Visitor (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 10/06/2014:
1. Cut fluoride (including using non-flouridated water to drink and wash my face).
2. Cut SLS from all of my health and beauty products.
3. Did a yogurt mask every night. After a few weeks I got creative and made a mask out of manuka honey, acidophilus, and aloe.
4. Cleaned my face with only diluted Bragg's apple cider vinegar (morning and night, I didn't use this on the dermatitis by my eyes because it would irritate that skin).
5. Applied violet tincture to the dermatitis morning and night.
6. Used only organic virgin coconut oil as a facial moisturizer.
7. Here is the tough one- I cut added sweeteners and coffee from my diet. I would cheat and have coffee on Saturday, and let myself have sweets on time a week. I drank earl grey instead of coffee.
8. Supplements I took- biotin, evening primrose oil, grapefruit seed extract, liquid acidophilus supplement morning and night.
Before I diagnosed myself with POD, I was using a steroid cream for months that was given to me by a dermatologist. I stopped using that cream after I began to suspect POD, and my skin went really crazy for about two weeks. After adhering to the treatment above for about two to three months my skin was clear. I should also add that I don't wear makeup, and I think that helps to clean it up faster.
Now to maintain clear skin, I use Keys Care facial moisturizer, and I try to stay away from coffee and sugar. I still avoid fluoride and SLS. I also use only non-soap cleanser on my face, and exfoliate with a cleansing grains mix that I make myself. After confirming my diagnosis, my dermatologist gave me an antibacterial cream that is also helpful when I think it is going to flare up. I hope this list is helpful to you! I got all of my information from the internet (including this site), for which I am so grateful!
Ali (Portland, Oregon) on 10/03/2014:
I've been dealing with this awful Perioral Dermatitis rash for 4 months. I have had it off and on all my life, but this recent bout takes the cake. Around the nose, all over the chin, around the mouth, eyebrows, eyelids, and creeping up to my poor little cheeks! Saw a doctor that wanted to put me on antibiotics. I can't take them because I'm nursing a baby, so she gave me a topical antibiotic cream instead. It dried my face up and didn't work. Trying a few natural things now.
Has anyone tried Proskin Eczema cream? I bought some on the net and it seems to be helping with the pain, itchiness and dryness. I also decided to treat the condition like yeast, and have started taking acidophilus and applying an organic, plain, Greek yogurt mask once a day. I'm taking Biotin as well. Since starting on this path, the redness/swelling is much improved. I tried Apple Cider Vinegar once and it made the redness flare up, so I stopped. It even spread further up my face, as if it was running away! I will try again and stick with it, this time putting it on the unaffected areas close by as well. If this stupid POD is in any way a bacterial infection, then it makes perfect sense for the ACV to work. I read that the initial flare-up right after the first few applications is the infection going crazy and trying to leave the surface or something. But then it dies...nowhere to run!
Good luck to everyone!
Rodders505 (Sydney, Australia) on 08/16/2014:
Scenario: No prior history although I suspect it had been under the surface; for years, I would have 3 'little stress spots' around my eyes that would crop up but be gone in a day or two. Medication: 25mg prednisolone / prednisone orally a day to suppress an elevated level of natural killer cells in pregnancy. Unfortunately the wee bub didn't make it (unrelated chromosome issues) so half way through slowly reducing the steroids was the start. The pregnancy hormones wouldn't have helped but text book steroid withdrawal trigger. So quick - all round my nose, chin, perfect muzzle, spreading out to my cheeks and with increasing spots round the eyes. I said no to antibiotics. Thank you to the person who said you can't change it over night. Improvements occurred quickly once I got on track but it took about 9 weeks before I believed I could say 'YEA':
Week 1 & 2: Lightly diluted tea tree oil, and second week followed it with Lavender to sooth. Result: not good. Slowed the spread. Still very red, sore and cracked.
Week 3: Changed tooth paste to non fluoride and non SLS and stopped my face creams although all products did not contain SLS and were already natural and organic. Powdered sugar and oil - fantastic! Within 24 hours healed the cracks and skin felt so much better, although was redder and looked worse for 1-2 days. It was itchy after 3-4 hours, so was nigh on impossible to have a good nights sleep but wow, what an improvement. If I had been able to do this for the recommended 7-10 days and nights, I would have got to where I am now a lot quicker but I had challenges highlighted below. Result: Great, distinct improvement. Took away a large number of the deep red spots and left with lighter red patches and fewer red spots where it was most effected.
Challenges: I run my own business - client facing (white collar) and I entertain a lot! Very hard not to drink or wear makeup.
Week 3: In Hong Kong for work, limited time for the sugar pack (apart from flight and at night), so I used calendula cream and bought an organic tinted moisturiser with SPF 30 which was ok, very light coverage but didn't aggravate (I still use now). I don't work for them -Juice Beauty by the Organic Solution. Result: No real improvement as very difficult to do anything consistently. Still good but still very present.
Week 4: Thailand - hot and humid. No suncream on the face in fear of reacting badly and kept face out of the sun. After a few days in the sea, I changed my routine to washing /padding with salt water, moisturising with coconut oil and aloe vera (both from a local Thai organic shop). 1 day after very red then another improvement. At this point it had reduced to just six distinct points with accompanying redness around my mouth. Returning to Oz, realised I wouldn't be able to do much with the routine for 24 hours, had read about Shea Butter and used this for the flights. Result: Good, another positive change getting better! Perhaps 75% - 85% there.
Week 5: In Sydney - dry, winter conditions. Kept with the same Thai routine: washed with salt water (don't rub! ), moisturise with coconut and aloe vera. Slather with shea butter in the day whilst at work - great protector for under make up too, although I would wash the make up off straight after a meeting. Result: Still very good, slow improvements, reduced to four areas.....85 - 90%
Week 6 & 7: To the UK, change of air again!! Sounds very extravagant but it's not the norm and I didn't travel anywhere last year! By now, I had nearly absorbed all of the earth clinic reviews and tweaked to the following treating inside and out:
Then my Mum (retired nurse) who had experienced a strange fungal rash on her leg, suggested this cream, which had worked for her - again I do not work for this company - Skinfix, organic herbal cream ironically made in Australia. I replaced the coconut oil with this only on the effected areas. I thought it was worse the next day, was frustrated but again, with the above routine it visibly improved. Result: 99.9% gone. This was the first time I would look in a mirror, leave the room and realise I hadn't immediately stared at 'the' area. All gone on both sides of the chin, left hand side of round my mouth up to my nose and right hand side. I'm aware of the 0.01% because as you all know, this type of reaction / condition makes you scrutinise your face - well with the routine, you get a good chance to see yourself first and last thing.
Week 8 & 9: Returned to Oz, back in the dry and in a few days, I could see a few red spots. I also went to the snowy mountains -very dry and minus 7. I slathered the areas with shea butter, which was a great thick protector. After a few days of climate adjustment, I believe, I had stuck with the routine and the red spots disappeared again.
Diet: I have an alkaline IC diet anyway but was definitely stricter while trying to treat this: no tomatoes, no citrus, sugar, nothing processed, no dairy. I did drink wine but not a lot!! And only either organic, biodynamic or European (French, Spanish or Italian as they contain, by law, very low levels of acid).
Hang in there! - sometimes it does get worse for 1-2 days before it gets better! That happened to me 3x and my mum gave me good advice- whatever you try - try for at least 1-2 weeks before changing.
I also took photos (wish I had taken them at the beginning or for the first 4 weeks) as I was finding it hard at times to see any improvement. I recommend this as it helped me stick with it when I felt like turning everything on its head and there actually had been an improvement when I compared the photos!! Don't do what I did though - be consistent I.e. always after you've cleansed or woken up.
Good Luck!! And Thank You again. This really got me incredibly down at one point and the journey would have been horrible without this amazing website and the people who have shared.
Bechansen (Brighton, Co) on 07/10/2013:
Lou (Barcelona, Spain) on 06/30/2013:
My story regarding PD is quite lengthy (sorry I don't want to bore you, but I think the history of how it all began is important for all to understand the cause, the desperation and eventually miraculous treatment, )and after much confusion, upset, cost and frustration I want to share it with you, with the hope that any fellow sufferers will be alleviated from this painful and psychological debilitating affliction quickly.
My PD started roughly 5 years ago after shingles, so obviously my immunity system was already surpressed.
I live in Spain and for many years used expensive as natural as possible 25-50 sun creams on my face, in winter as well as summer as I enjoy many outdoor sports including sailing.
As typical with PD, I noticed a small patch of irrated skin appearing just below my left nostril. I have extremely sensitive skin with a history of allergic reactions to many lotions and potions... E45 was always my anchor, however it was not helping me here.
As I work in an alternative health clinic, I am surrounded by well informed collegeues on the alternative treatments for dermatological problems, however, after using homeopathy and accupuncture and the typical suggestions of natural topical treatments my problem, although controlled, was in no way cured, and some of the natural 'potions' irritated my sensitive skin even more. Also after calm periods the PD would suddenly flare up again, and it seemed each new episode brought a greater degree of intensity and growth of this affliction.
Eventually I visited my GP who in turn referred me to a dermatologist, who confirmed a PD diagnosis, and yes you have all guessed what was prescribed ...... Steroid cream!!!! SURPRISE!!!! I was told to use it for 10 days and to apply it with a cotton bud. I followed the instructions and was pleased with the outcome... PD vanished... Well for a short while...
Then it came back, so I would then dab on a little more steroid cream... and thus I entered the downward spiral of steroid cream 'quick fix' addiction. Obviously I used it sparingly, and I don't think that in the five years I have exceeded more than 50g of steroid cream, but I knew that the problem was getting worse.
However, it remained my crutch. One day whilst in the waiting room of a clinic waiting for an gynaecological ultrasound, I came across an article about the relationship between facial suncreams and PD... BINGO!!! All I needed to do was stop using suncreams on my face.
It seemed (at least for a while) that my miracle cure had arrived. I stopped the suncream and started using Aveeno (not advertising here it was recommended by my sister who's son suffers for eczema.) However, after about 18months my PD came back, stronger and more resistant than ever and once again the battle was on.
I must also add, that other than chocolate and coffee I eat a very healthy vegetarian and organic produce diet, with very little alcohol, I drink lots of mineral or filtered water don't smoke, exercise on a regular basis, cycle everywhere in the city and do not take any other medication. Also all my cleaning products are natural. My beauty products other than the E45 and Aveeno are completely paraben and fragrance free, and for the last year I use a flouride free toothpaste from the herbal shop.
Eventually I arrived to the point where I didn't want to have to rely upon my steroid cream 'crutch' and wanted a healthier natural remedy that was going to be effective, and rather than procrastinating any longer 'no time like the present' became my mantra.
11 days ago was the last time I applied the steroid cream, and 'oh my goodness, ' its been quite a journey. I went 'cold turkey' and in 5 days my face was literally on 'fire' it was extremely distressing and painful. My skin was red raw, raised, itchy, blistered and with an intense burning sensation around the nose mouth and left eye areas. But, this was it there was no going back and I was now focused on finding the healthy solution.
I trawled the internet forums and thank goodness I came across 'Earth Clinic'..... you have all been a huge help and after initial trial and errors here is what I used and when I got the mixture right I had a lightening time recovery.
I tried Aloe Vera cream and gel.. MADE IT WORSE
Rose Hip oil... MADE IT WORSE
Apple Cider Vinegar... MADE IT WORSE
Tap Water... Made IT WORSE
Aveeno cream... SLIGHT relief from itching (but contains chemicals )
###FOLLOW the below recipe for relief and 80% improvement in 2 days..... IT DID FOR ME
***ORGANIC OAT MILK milk stored in fridge (used for cleansing)..... TOTAL RELIEF from itching and stinging
***ORGANIC LIVE YOGHURT, 2tablespoons, with 2 capsules of 'natures plus' Ultra Probiotic emptied into the mixture(not advertising had the ultra probiotic already stored in the fridge to regenerate intestinal flora after taking antibiotics for tooth implant) any good acidophilus will work, I then added 1 teaspoon of organic honey to this mixture.... Popped the mixture in the freezer for 10 mins, then with a sterile makeup brush I painted it all over my face, around the eyes and double thickness in the areas that were mostly suffering... SUCCESS and HEAVENLY... The coolness of this mixture is soothing. Leave it on for between 20 to 30 mins then rinse off with an organic cotton pad and mineral water, the fine powder from the probiotic/acidophilus capsule will also serve as a delicate exfoliant to remove the gradual drying out of the PD..... Apply morning and evening
***COCONUT OIL (cheap and from any health food store) apply with organic cotton pad twice Daily after the yoghurt treatment. This takes down the swelling and starts to dry up the inflammation.
***ACUPUNCTURE to balance the meridians and remove the excess 'fire' energy from the body, and helps to stimulate the suprarenal glands to produce 'Cortisol' which is our very own organic form of steroid which has anti inflammatory properties on our organism... RELAXING and nice to have a therapist to talk to you about your symptoms
***HOMEOPATHY, Initially I took Rhus toxicodendron 30ch and felt a lot WORSE for it, so I changed to Histaminium 30ch 2 granules under my tongue 3 times a day.... RELIEF instantly my swelling started to subside
***AND LASTLY.... I wanted a 'pure as one can get' vitamin E cream to reduce the possibility of scarring, however after searching numerous pharmacies, health food and herbal stores here in Barcelona I couldn't find any, but my intuition told me to look at La ROCHE-POSAY products who have an amazing programme in their Spa's in France for treating scars and build up of scar tissue after mastectomies. I came across 'Cicablast Baume B5' 'CICA' is derived from the french word for scar... 'Cicatrice' and although, not totally free of chemicals it is fragrance and paraben free and contains shea butter and zinc gluconate. This was very soothing and the difference the next morning was ASTOUNDING!!!!! I would only recommend this at the end of the treatment list and for a few days only.
I am now sitting writing this with my face nearly looking normal and reflecting on it all it has been a HUGE learning curve, and I know this will be of use to others that is why I decided to share it with you all. I realise that PD is not 100% curable, however I think with the above tools it will now be 100% treatable.
Cost wise, most of these products are not at all expensive.... in fact other than the Acupuncture most are well under 10euros, or are products that we already have in the house.
I think it also important to point out that its necessary to allow your PD to 'Come Out' after stopping the steroid cream. Its a distressing time but then you will no to some extent what you are 'really' treating
I am now just going to put on the cooling yoghurt face pack... BLISS
Good luck and thank you for your help and support, I will keep you updated as it is still early days for me as yet.
Lou xxx
Lizzy (British Columbia, Canada) on 04/29/2013:
Alex (Au) on 06/22/2015:
- clean my skin with no soap cleaner (tea trea foam for acne)
- spray on the skin/face Avene spring water
- wash my face with organic ACV " with the mother" (if you can not stand it not diluted, put in on your face while you still have the spring water on the skin)
- wait until it dries a bit and put on your face tea tree oil ( if you can not stand the stings diluted spray again your face with the spring water)
- moisturize your face with Calendula cream (mostly near/ around the areas where you have the PD)
- put on your PD area (can put it actualy on your entire face - make sure you treat the whole skin , also the nose area) the following mix:
- Clotrimazole cream - 1 part (2 cm lenght of cream coming out of the tube)
- Calendula cream - 1 part
-Baby rash cream -1/4 part
- 1-2 drops yogurt
- 1 probiotic pill (only the content inside/ the powder)
- 1 drop Vitamin E oil
- 1 drop Rosehip oil
Mix all together until it forms a uniform cream.
This mix reduces the acidity of the skin and in the same time shoots and treats the skin. It kills the fungus which thrives in an acidic environment.
And ... you do not need to do the yogurt masks because it includes it.
Repeat this full procedure before you go to bed and also, wait until the cream mix is fully absorbed in the skin, apply after only the Baby rash cream on PD (and keep it all night).
During the day, if you do not have time/ you are away from home to do this process again at mid day, just apply on the PD every 3-4 hours the same cream mix.
Because of the probiotic and yogurt it may become powdery on the face if you apply a new mix on the previous one without cleaning the skin. Just wash / clean with water your face and apply the mix.
PS: You are what you eat! Make sure you eliminate acidic food from your diet and take regulary probiotics. This is candida manifesting on the skin.
Gracejones (London) on 05/29/2015:
I had POD and tried ACV but it did not work and although the POD burnt and dried up, it came back.
What worked: raw garlic applied topically, no tap water ever, calendula cream, do not exfoliate.
I suggest:
Do not ever use tap water to wash your face. Use bottled water or better still spray water. Do not use soap. Do not exfoliate. Treat your skin like baby skin.
Ladies stop applying a million products to your skin. Try to use minimal cosmetics and only organic ones. All these chemical make-ups and products are very damaging.
We need to baby our skin, love it, not bombard it with harsh petrochemicals.
The reason I had POD was my skin barrier got broken from using too many harsh products and I believe a fungus or something got in that caused the POD. I tried antibiotics, they only worked for a while and then POD came back. Instead of trying to use harsh chemicals, I started using very gentle products to wash my face. I would rub the worst POD spots with raw garlic, 1-5 times a day (as many times as I could and especially for bed). Yes it smells, yes it stings and gets red but slowly it would dry up from the garlic. I would leave it without touching those parts again. Then I would apply calendula lotion to the healed parts of my skin.
It took a very long time to heal and I still occasionally get a few flare ups when I use non-organic or lots of make up or harsh skin care products but with perseverance POD can be eliminated.
I also changed my diet to no sugars, no grains, no starches and now follow the SCD diet. Most skin conditions link to gut health. I am trying to heal my gut to get my skin perfect. I have heard that the skintervention guide, SCD diet people and paleo communities believe most skin and health issues can be resolved by returning to the diet our ancestors had and eliminating chemicals and artificial items in our diets and lifestyle. No doubt they are right.
Grace (London) on 03/19/2015:
Do not use tap water or soap to wash your face. Instead use Avene Micellar lotion followed by spring water mixed at a ratio of 3:1 with pure powdered vitamin C crystals (I used Now brand), then spritz face with avene spring water spray. Do not exfoliate or ever get face wet in shower or bath with tap water as this is full of chlorine and will unbalance ph of your skin.
Follow the Avene routine with Weleda Calendula Baby Face cream.
Do not use any products that contain SLS, whether it is in shampoo, hair dye, toothpaste. Avoid hair dyes that contain bleach, dye hair with natural methods like henna or herbal dyes.
If you must use make up use only organic brands that contain no oil, do not use any mineral make up that contains bismuth. I use primal life make up that is only pure powdered herbs and clays. Do not use commercial brands of make up or anything that contains coconut or other oils.
Reduce sugars and especially refined carbs in your diet. Stick to a paleo diet and you will clog up your skin far less. Avoid histamines in foods, like processed, smoked, fermented, pickled foods, like wine, cheese etc. Look up the low histamine diet. Avoid beans, pulses and minimize lentils which are hard to digest and cause bloating and blotchy skin for those with weak digestion.
This is a strict regime which basically involves living very clean inside and outside but it really works! If you follow these instructions you should have beautiful, clear skin.
Claire (Uk) on 02/24/2015:
I'm mainly eating organic salad and vegetables, organic eggs and organic chicken. Have just started having 2 pieces of organic fruit per day now too. Have given up my morning coffee as this seemed to aggravate and now only drinking organic herb teas. No soap on my face, only non flouride toothpaste (kingfisher or sarakan) and no other make up or products on my face. Finally after months of depression and frustration (as I've always had really clear skin)... My scabs are basically gone, no more leaking liquid from my bumps, my bright red rash has faded to a light pink and my skin is healing nicely. It's been a long journey but I am so happy now that my skin is finally starting to get back to normal! I really feel for all you who are going through what I did... And I pray you will be healed very soon. I hope this will help you xxx
Visitor (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 10/06/2014:
1. Cut fluoride (including using non-flouridated water to drink and wash my face).
2. Cut SLS from all of my health and beauty products.
3. Did a yogurt mask every night. After a few weeks I got creative and made a mask out of manuka honey, acidophilus, and aloe.
4. Cleaned my face with only diluted Bragg's apple cider vinegar (morning and night, I didn't use this on the dermatitis by my eyes because it would irritate that skin).
5. Applied violet tincture to the dermatitis morning and night.
6. Used only organic virgin coconut oil as a facial moisturizer.
7. Here is the tough one- I cut added sweeteners and coffee from my diet. I would cheat and have coffee on Saturday, and let myself have sweets on time a week. I drank earl grey instead of coffee.
8. Supplements I took- biotin, evening primrose oil, grapefruit seed extract, liquid acidophilus supplement morning and night.
Before I diagnosed myself with POD, I was using a steroid cream for months that was given to me by a dermatologist. I stopped using that cream after I began to suspect POD, and my skin went really crazy for about two weeks. After adhering to the treatment above for about two to three months my skin was clear. I should also add that I don't wear makeup, and I think that helps to clean it up faster.
Now to maintain clear skin, I use Keys Care facial moisturizer, and I try to stay away from coffee and sugar. I still avoid fluoride and SLS. I also use only non-soap cleanser on my face, and exfoliate with a cleansing grains mix that I make myself. After confirming my diagnosis, my dermatologist gave me an antibacterial cream that is also helpful when I think it is going to flare up. I hope this list is helpful to you! I got all of my information from the internet (including this site), for which I am so grateful!
Ali (Portland, Oregon) on 10/03/2014:
I've been dealing with this awful Perioral Dermatitis rash for 4 months. I have had it off and on all my life, but this recent bout takes the cake. Around the nose, all over the chin, around the mouth, eyebrows, eyelids, and creeping up to my poor little cheeks! Saw a doctor that wanted to put me on antibiotics. I can't take them because I'm nursing a baby, so she gave me a topical antibiotic cream instead. It dried my face up and didn't work. Trying a few natural things now.
Has anyone tried Proskin Eczema cream? I bought some on the net and it seems to be helping with the pain, itchiness and dryness. I also decided to treat the condition like yeast, and have started taking acidophilus and applying an organic, plain, Greek yogurt mask once a day. I'm taking Biotin as well. Since starting on this path, the redness/swelling is much improved. I tried Apple Cider Vinegar once and it made the redness flare up, so I stopped. It even spread further up my face, as if it was running away! I will try again and stick with it, this time putting it on the unaffected areas close by as well. If this stupid POD is in any way a bacterial infection, then it makes perfect sense for the ACV to work. I read that the initial flare-up right after the first few applications is the infection going crazy and trying to leave the surface or something. But then it dies...nowhere to run!
Good luck to everyone!
Rodders505 (Sydney, Australia) on 08/16/2014:
Scenario: No prior history although I suspect it had been under the surface; for years, I would have 3 'little stress spots' around my eyes that would crop up but be gone in a day or two. Medication: 25mg prednisolone / prednisone orally a day to suppress an elevated level of natural killer cells in pregnancy. Unfortunately the wee bub didn't make it (unrelated chromosome issues) so half way through slowly reducing the steroids was the start. The pregnancy hormones wouldn't have helped but text book steroid withdrawal trigger. So quick - all round my nose, chin, perfect muzzle, spreading out to my cheeks and with increasing spots round the eyes. I said no to antibiotics. Thank you to the person who said you can't change it over night. Improvements occurred quickly once I got on track but it took about 9 weeks before I believed I could say 'YEA':
Week 1 & 2: Lightly diluted tea tree oil, and second week followed it with Lavender to sooth. Result: not good. Slowed the spread. Still very red, sore and cracked.
Week 3: Changed tooth paste to non fluoride and non SLS and stopped my face creams although all products did not contain SLS and were already natural and organic. Powdered sugar and oil - fantastic! Within 24 hours healed the cracks and skin felt so much better, although was redder and looked worse for 1-2 days. It was itchy after 3-4 hours, so was nigh on impossible to have a good nights sleep but wow, what an improvement. If I had been able to do this for the recommended 7-10 days and nights, I would have got to where I am now a lot quicker but I had challenges highlighted below. Result: Great, distinct improvement. Took away a large number of the deep red spots and left with lighter red patches and fewer red spots where it was most effected.
Challenges: I run my own business - client facing (white collar) and I entertain a lot! Very hard not to drink or wear makeup.
Week 3: In Hong Kong for work, limited time for the sugar pack (apart from flight and at night), so I used calendula cream and bought an organic tinted moisturiser with SPF 30 which was ok, very light coverage but didn't aggravate (I still use now). I don't work for them -Juice Beauty by the Organic Solution. Result: No real improvement as very difficult to do anything consistently. Still good but still very present.
Week 4: Thailand - hot and humid. No suncream on the face in fear of reacting badly and kept face out of the sun. After a few days in the sea, I changed my routine to washing /padding with salt water, moisturising with coconut oil and aloe vera (both from a local Thai organic shop). 1 day after very red then another improvement. At this point it had reduced to just six distinct points with accompanying redness around my mouth. Returning to Oz, realised I wouldn't be able to do much with the routine for 24 hours, had read about Shea Butter and used this for the flights. Result: Good, another positive change getting better! Perhaps 75% - 85% there.
Week 5: In Sydney - dry, winter conditions. Kept with the same Thai routine: washed with salt water (don't rub! ), moisturise with coconut and aloe vera. Slather with shea butter in the day whilst at work - great protector for under make up too, although I would wash the make up off straight after a meeting. Result: Still very good, slow improvements, reduced to four areas.....85 - 90%
Week 6 & 7: To the UK, change of air again!! Sounds very extravagant but it's not the norm and I didn't travel anywhere last year! By now, I had nearly absorbed all of the earth clinic reviews and tweaked to the following treating inside and out:
Then my Mum (retired nurse) who had experienced a strange fungal rash on her leg, suggested this cream, which had worked for her - again I do not work for this company - Skinfix, organic herbal cream ironically made in Australia. I replaced the coconut oil with this only on the effected areas. I thought it was worse the next day, was frustrated but again, with the above routine it visibly improved. Result: 99.9% gone. This was the first time I would look in a mirror, leave the room and realise I hadn't immediately stared at 'the' area. All gone on both sides of the chin, left hand side of round my mouth up to my nose and right hand side. I'm aware of the 0.01% because as you all know, this type of reaction / condition makes you scrutinise your face - well with the routine, you get a good chance to see yourself first and last thing.
Week 8 & 9: Returned to Oz, back in the dry and in a few days, I could see a few red spots. I also went to the snowy mountains -very dry and minus 7. I slathered the areas with shea butter, which was a great thick protector. After a few days of climate adjustment, I believe, I had stuck with the routine and the red spots disappeared again.
Diet: I have an alkaline IC diet anyway but was definitely stricter while trying to treat this: no tomatoes, no citrus, sugar, nothing processed, no dairy. I did drink wine but not a lot!! And only either organic, biodynamic or European (French, Spanish or Italian as they contain, by law, very low levels of acid).
Hang in there! - sometimes it does get worse for 1-2 days before it gets better! That happened to me 3x and my mum gave me good advice- whatever you try - try for at least 1-2 weeks before changing.
I also took photos (wish I had taken them at the beginning or for the first 4 weeks) as I was finding it hard at times to see any improvement. I recommend this as it helped me stick with it when I felt like turning everything on its head and there actually had been an improvement when I compared the photos!! Don't do what I did though - be consistent I.e. always after you've cleansed or woken up.
Good Luck!! And Thank You again. This really got me incredibly down at one point and the journey would have been horrible without this amazing website and the people who have shared.
Bechansen (Brighton, Co) on 07/10/2013:
Lou (Barcelona, Spain) on 06/30/2013:
My story regarding PD is quite lengthy (sorry I don't want to bore you, but I think the history of how it all began is important for all to understand the cause, the desperation and eventually miraculous treatment, )and after much confusion, upset, cost and frustration I want to share it with you, with the hope that any fellow sufferers will be alleviated from this painful and psychological debilitating affliction quickly.
My PD started roughly 5 years ago after shingles, so obviously my immunity system was already surpressed.
I live in Spain and for many years used expensive as natural as possible 25-50 sun creams on my face, in winter as well as summer as I enjoy many outdoor sports including sailing.
As typical with PD, I noticed a small patch of irrated skin appearing just below my left nostril. I have extremely sensitive skin with a history of allergic reactions to many lotions and potions... E45 was always my anchor, however it was not helping me here.
As I work in an alternative health clinic, I am surrounded by well informed collegeues on the alternative treatments for dermatological problems, however, after using homeopathy and accupuncture and the typical suggestions of natural topical treatments my problem, although controlled, was in no way cured, and some of the natural 'potions' irritated my sensitive skin even more. Also after calm periods the PD would suddenly flare up again, and it seemed each new episode brought a greater degree of intensity and growth of this affliction.
Eventually I visited my GP who in turn referred me to a dermatologist, who confirmed a PD diagnosis, and yes you have all guessed what was prescribed ...... Steroid cream!!!! SURPRISE!!!! I was told to use it for 10 days and to apply it with a cotton bud. I followed the instructions and was pleased with the outcome... PD vanished... Well for a short while...
Then it came back, so I would then dab on a little more steroid cream... and thus I entered the downward spiral of steroid cream 'quick fix' addiction. Obviously I used it sparingly, and I don't think that in the five years I have exceeded more than 50g of steroid cream, but I knew that the problem was getting worse.
However, it remained my crutch. One day whilst in the waiting room of a clinic waiting for an gynaecological ultrasound, I came across an article about the relationship between facial suncreams and PD... BINGO!!! All I needed to do was stop using suncreams on my face.
It seemed (at least for a while) that my miracle cure had arrived. I stopped the suncream and started using Aveeno (not advertising here it was recommended by my sister who's son suffers for eczema.) However, after about 18months my PD came back, stronger and more resistant than ever and once again the battle was on.
I must also add, that other than chocolate and coffee I eat a very healthy vegetarian and organic produce diet, with very little alcohol, I drink lots of mineral or filtered water don't smoke, exercise on a regular basis, cycle everywhere in the city and do not take any other medication. Also all my cleaning products are natural. My beauty products other than the E45 and Aveeno are completely paraben and fragrance free, and for the last year I use a flouride free toothpaste from the herbal shop.
Eventually I arrived to the point where I didn't want to have to rely upon my steroid cream 'crutch' and wanted a healthier natural remedy that was going to be effective, and rather than procrastinating any longer 'no time like the present' became my mantra.
11 days ago was the last time I applied the steroid cream, and 'oh my goodness, ' its been quite a journey. I went 'cold turkey' and in 5 days my face was literally on 'fire' it was extremely distressing and painful. My skin was red raw, raised, itchy, blistered and with an intense burning sensation around the nose mouth and left eye areas. But, this was it there was no going back and I was now focused on finding the healthy solution.
I trawled the internet forums and thank goodness I came across 'Earth Clinic'..... you have all been a huge help and after initial trial and errors here is what I used and when I got the mixture right I had a lightening time recovery.
I tried Aloe Vera cream and gel.. MADE IT WORSE
Rose Hip oil... MADE IT WORSE
Apple Cider Vinegar... MADE IT WORSE
Tap Water... Made IT WORSE
Aveeno cream... SLIGHT relief from itching (but contains chemicals )
###FOLLOW the below recipe for relief and 80% improvement in 2 days..... IT DID FOR ME
***ORGANIC OAT MILK milk stored in fridge (used for cleansing)..... TOTAL RELIEF from itching and stinging
***ORGANIC LIVE YOGHURT, 2tablespoons, with 2 capsules of 'natures plus' Ultra Probiotic emptied into the mixture(not advertising had the ultra probiotic already stored in the fridge to regenerate intestinal flora after taking antibiotics for tooth implant) any good acidophilus will work, I then added 1 teaspoon of organic honey to this mixture.... Popped the mixture in the freezer for 10 mins, then with a sterile makeup brush I painted it all over my face, around the eyes and double thickness in the areas that were mostly suffering... SUCCESS and HEAVENLY... The coolness of this mixture is soothing. Leave it on for between 20 to 30 mins then rinse off with an organic cotton pad and mineral water, the fine powder from the probiotic/acidophilus capsule will also serve as a delicate exfoliant to remove the gradual drying out of the PD..... Apply morning and evening
***COCONUT OIL (cheap and from any health food store) apply with organic cotton pad twice Daily after the yoghurt treatment. This takes down the swelling and starts to dry up the inflammation.
***ACUPUNCTURE to balance the meridians and remove the excess 'fire' energy from the body, and helps to stimulate the suprarenal glands to produce 'Cortisol' which is our very own organic form of steroid which has anti inflammatory properties on our organism... RELAXING and nice to have a therapist to talk to you about your symptoms
***HOMEOPATHY, Initially I took Rhus toxicodendron 30ch and felt a lot WORSE for it, so I changed to Histaminium 30ch 2 granules under my tongue 3 times a day.... RELIEF instantly my swelling started to subside
***AND LASTLY.... I wanted a 'pure as one can get' vitamin E cream to reduce the possibility of scarring, however after searching numerous pharmacies, health food and herbal stores here in Barcelona I couldn't find any, but my intuition told me to look at La ROCHE-POSAY products who have an amazing programme in their Spa's in France for treating scars and build up of scar tissue after mastectomies. I came across 'Cicablast Baume B5' 'CICA' is derived from the french word for scar... 'Cicatrice' and although, not totally free of chemicals it is fragrance and paraben free and contains shea butter and zinc gluconate. This was very soothing and the difference the next morning was ASTOUNDING!!!!! I would only recommend this at the end of the treatment list and for a few days only.
I am now sitting writing this with my face nearly looking normal and reflecting on it all it has been a HUGE learning curve, and I know this will be of use to others that is why I decided to share it with you all. I realise that PD is not 100% curable, however I think with the above tools it will now be 100% treatable.
Cost wise, most of these products are not at all expensive.... in fact other than the Acupuncture most are well under 10euros, or are products that we already have in the house.
I think it also important to point out that its necessary to allow your PD to 'Come Out' after stopping the steroid cream. Its a distressing time but then you will no to some extent what you are 'really' treating
I am now just going to put on the cooling yoghurt face pack... BLISS
Good luck and thank you for your help and support, I will keep you updated as it is still early days for me as yet.
Lou xxx
Lizzy (British Columbia, Canada) on 04/29/2013:
