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Jasmine (Tx) on 05/22/2018
So reading through the remedies on here I found that there is not just one "cure" for perioral dermatitis - definitely depending on the cause of it. In my case, steroid cream irritated what was FUNGUS on my face. If you look through the Multiple Remedies tab on here you can see that quite a few (but not many) people talked about approaching it as a fungus. It's exactly what I did though. I went to my local health food store and talked to a guy about perioral dermatitis. He basically said that I could treat it topically, but if I really wanted it gone I had to work from the inside out. He suggested that I get a yeast cleanse to clean out the overgrowth of yeast in my body. An overgrowth of yeast in the gut leads to leaky gut syndrome, which will have yeast in your bloodstream, which ultimately turns to fungal acne, perioral dermatitis, and other skin conditions. In the last month before breakout, I was eating every carb under the sun, drinking lots of sugary alcoholic drinks, and other things that would produce yeast in my body.
Here's what I did to get rid of my PD in 10 DAYS! No, seriously. TEN DAYS!
Yeast Cleanse Supplement (Caprylic Acid, Pau D'Arco, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Tea Tree Oil) - six pills a day as directed.
Grapefruit Seed Extract - anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I took ten drops in water three times a day. You can break up or combine the servings how you like. You can apply this to the affected area but it's potent so dilute with a carrier oil.
Black Seed Oil - anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I applied this to the affected area. In the first few days I washed my face and then I would apply the oil and sleep with it on. As it healed, I would apply it for awhile then rinse it off before bed. After that I would apply vitamin e oil and jojoba oil mixed to heal the scars that it would leave behind. In the morning I would apply the mask (listed below), rinse and then apply a bit of black seed oil and then my vitamin e and jojoba oil mixed throughout the day.
Antifungal Mask (from someone else under the Multiple Remedies tab; Thanks btw! )
full fat yogurt (the more cultures/bacteria in it, the better)
manuka honey
clotrimazole antifungal cream (make sure that's the only active ingredient; no steroids)
acidophilus (3-4 capsules cracked open)
black seed oil (4-5 drops; 1/2 teaspoon)
Mix it all together to make a paste. The thicker, the better it will stay in place on your face. I slept in this the first few days. As it healed, I would put it on for a few before bed and then rinse off and follow with black seed oil. Wear this as much as you can. It really soothed my PD and when you take it off in the morning you'll notice that some pustules you may have had will have busted or popped open. Make this mixture every two days, don't use the same one more than twice. Make small batches. The fresher the batch, the better.
EAT CLEAN! Drink as much water as possible. As many leafy, dark greens as you can. Stay away from processed sugar, grains like wheat and corn. Anything that causes yeast in the body, stay away from it. If you can, stick to the Candida diet as much as possible.
I KNOW how frustrating and humiliating this can be, but you CAN get it under control. Don't think of any of this as a quick fix or something that will magically go away. It took time to come, it will take some time to go away. Just because one single cure worked for others, doesn't mean it will work for you. But don't let it get you down. Just wanted to share my experience in hopes that it will work for others! You got this!
Michelle (Saint Paul, Mn) on 06/30/2017
Priyanka (Victoria) on 11/13/2016
First up, you must be prepared to make a hell lot of lifestyle changes. So throw away all your chemical make ups, eye liners, shampoos etc.
Second, buy a fluoride free toothpaste and a tongue cleaner.
Third, stop using all the expensive so called "natural" shampoos. Bottomline is, chemicals shouldn't touch your face. I found an amazing alternative to shampoo. I wash my hair with 1 tbp of baking soda with water, followed by conditioning it with a cap of Apple Cider vinegar mixed with water. Works perfect.
Fourth, I apply a mix of Apple Cider Vinegar daily mixed with mineral water followed by yoghurt, turmeric and honey paste. I applied it 5-6 times when I have the flare ups. Otherwise 2 times daily is just fine.
Fifth, do not drink the tap water. I drink mineral water and also bought a spray bottle that I fill with mineral water to wipe my face. I also wash my hair with mineral water.
Sixth, initially I stopped eating any kind of food that might cause allergy. Gluten, lactose, soy, no processed food, no spices, no red meat, no sauces (talking about the bottled ones in Supermarkets like Red chilli sauce, etc). I prepared everything at home and ate mainly veggies, chicken and eggs (3 times a week). I noticed a big difference and then I started introducing each item slowly to see if it reacts. Luckily for me, I found that Mexican food and KFC reacted to my skin. I think they use some kind of spices that didn't agree with me. So now I know what to avoid and have started eating the others without any fear. I know how frustrating it can be to find out what exactly is causing it. My dermatologist referred me to an allergist who said I have no allergy, whatsoever and declined to do a food allergy although I wanted it. Hence I strongly suggest to have patience and do trial and error.
Last but not the least, no matter what, do not give up hope. This is not fully curable as every once in a while, I still have flare ups but it does go away with my home remedy in about 5-6 days time.
Also stop using all make up. I have decided to try using mineral make ups and see how my skin reacts. Make up is not high on my priority but sometimes I do miss it when I have to go to a social event (like hubby's office party or my office party or a date night).
I sincerely hope that no one has to suffer from this and all those who suffered, may find these remedies helpful :)
Christy (Los Angeles ) on 10/20/2016
1. Wheat
2. Soy sauce (not Tamari- that has no wheat)
3. Witch Hazel
4. SLS
5. Tea Tree
6. Almost all essential oils. Even ones that are said to be good for dermatitis
7. Cinnamon flavor/oil
There are a number of theories out there why PD occurs, one of them being that its a fungal infection. Many people have success with using an OTC anti fugal cream to heal their rash. They alone did not work for me. My onset of PD this last time happened because I used a new toothpaste that although did not have SLS, it did have cinnamon essential oil. I flared horribly. Then I proceeded to try and heal it with Navan acne supplements which then gave me the worst flare of my life. My whole face was inflamed and my chin was double the size it normally was. I had 4 blisters that turned into one huge inflamed one and became cystic. Then 3 more cystic ones showed up. Unbeknownst to me, the pills had witch hazel leaf in it which I thought would be fine orally. Apparently not. I then went to the derm and she gave me a script for DOXY and clindomycin gel (both which I have yet to use because I am hoping to heal it myself through elimination). She also gave me samples of PLEXION cleanser and Lotion. At this point my skin was starting to heal on its own but once I got home and applied the lotion I started getting blisters and pustules within 15 minutes!!! I googled it and yup-- SLS. It was very negligent of the derm synchs knew it was one of my flares. Plus, one would a pharm company make a product for PD that contains SLS when it is widely known that SLS is one of the ingredients that makes almost everyone with it break out?! So please... dont ever try it. I dont think its worth it for anyone.
What helped me to finally start making the rash and P and P's subside was
1. Drinking tons of lemon water and ACV water to alkalize my body and help it to fight the inflammation.
2. Wash my face with warm water and cleanser (purple label) LOVE this stuff! I also like to mix in zinc powder for added benefit.
3. Use a Sensitive skin serum (green bottle)
4. Use a mask on my break out a few times a day that contained the following:
Kefir (unsweetened), ACV diluted with filtered water, anti fungal OTC cream, bentonite clay and raw honey. Mix this in a glass jar with a non-metal spoon and keep in the fridge. Its cooling and helps the itch and burn and reduces the blisters.
5. I am also taking 1 tsp of food grade diatomaceous earth 1 time a day. I do this for 10 days on, 10 days off. After the 10 days off you can up your dosage a little. There are many health benefits to this stuff... google it.
6. When my skin is flaring I also get off all sugar, wheat, alcohol and coffee. Sounds drastic but to me nothing is worse than this crap on my face so I go into detox mode in order to help my body help fight this B.S. of a situation.
7. Multivitamin with zinc!
I hope this helps!!! I know its so so hard, embarrassing and painful. But I think we all need to remember that we can kick its ugly ass. We just have to do our own investigation of the case... because we are all different. But dont give up! There is a reason for it and it wont last forever. I also suggest creating a daily diary of what you used, ate and did as well as what your skin looks like that day so that you can better track whats going on.
XXXXX
Nla (Mobile, Al ) on 06/05/2016
Chris (Michigan) on 04/11/2016
After the first outbreak, I stopped using fluoride toothpaste, any shampoo/conditioner or lotion with SLS/parabens/petroleum. I did continue to wear my expensive department store make up.
This winter it reappeared with a vengeance, the worst it's ever been. Dermatologist prescribed oral antibiotics as well as topical. I really balked at the oral antibiotics as they frequently cause digestive issues and yeast infections. The doctor said my face was so swollen it was deforming my lower lip and that I really needed to go on the antibiotics. (The area most affected was left lower chin from corner of mouth down to chin).
So after 5 days of oral/topical antibiotics my rash was still spreading (outward and upward). My digestive system started reacting negatively to the antibiotics, and a yeast infection was setting in. I spent hours researching online and came across your website. What a blessing!
Here is what I used after reading and re-reading most of your posts regarding POD:
Stopped antibiotics both oral and topical.
Washed face with African black soap morn and eve. Used diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (raw unfiltered - diluted 50% with spring water) to tone my entire face; paying attention to the rash area.
The ACV burned like crazy! After the first 3 days I was using straight ACV only once a day with much less burning.
I let the ACV dry, then put Manuka honey over the rash for several hours. Gently wiped it off when I had to go out in public. Put calendula ointment over it at night. No make up. Skin would flake/peel and I GENTLY exfoliated with a wash cloth.
As others have reported; rash appeared to be getting worse - more red/angry looking the first 3-4 days then woke up on 5th day and it really was 2/3 gone. Now it's the 7th day and you have to look hard to see it.
I only used the honey the first 3 days; then due to traveling was just using ACV followed by calendula; which is what I am continuing to do at this time.
Went to a local health food store and invested in some natural makeup. Threw out the $100's of dollars worth of my department store brand makeup.
I truly appreciate everyone sharing their experience; and hope that my post will help someone as the others have helped me.
Megan (Vancouver, Canada) on 03/22/2016
SO – my recommendations for keeping PD down that have worked FOR ME:
I do the Manuka/matcha mask daily, after cleansing ONLY with water (sometimes twice a day – once in the morning, once before bed) FYI – it’s goopy to take off, make sure you’re thorough and use a wash cloth (a clean one every time) and follow with a good moisturizer. Find moisturizers that don’t contain scents, irritants, parabens/sulphates. Being on minocycline dried my skin a lot, and this moisturizer works wonders.
LIMIT dairy/sugar/alcohol/fried foods intake (only black coffee!! Better yet, switch to green tea) and eat lots of leafy green veg (duh). Personally, I cut out most bread products, never have dairy anymore, and drink matcha tea daily
I use mineral makeup, when I need it (honestly don’t need much these days – skin is pretty clear! )
Drink LOTS of water
Try to sweat 2-3 times a week. I find it overall makes me feel healthier, regardless of what ailment I’m dealing with.
Try to get outside, get some daily vitamin D
Honestly, if you’ve given natural remedies a fair shot, and it hasn’t worked – see a doctor. Get a prescription. The medication will help and after you’ve gotten your PD down, you can continue to keep your body healthy with the steps above and stop it from coming back. If you choose to take antibiotics, ensure you’re following it with a daily probiotic (3-4 hours after) to keep your gut flora in check.
After 1.5 years, at 24, I am PD clear! It gets better. But keeping it away, in my opinion, is truly a lifestyle shift that takes diligence to maintain. Worth it though.
Zubi (Longmont, Colorado) on 01/07/2016
1) Drink lemon water throughout the day. This will help to reduce the acidity in your body. Seems counter intuitive, but it works.
2) No alcohol.
3) No sugar. (I had one relapse and immediately paid for my sin by getting one huge blistery bump in the middle of my chin.)
4) No coffee.
5) No creams, lotions, oils of any kind
6) Apply diluted ACV by blotting on several times a day
7) Apply goat yogurt mask as often as possible during the day (I'm allergic to cow products). Tip: the yogurt that is a bit dehydrated and thick on the sides of the container will stick to your face better.
I am experimenting with applying the foot fungal cream to one part of my face at night time to see if this has an effect. So far it's difficult to say. Will let you know if it seems to help over time.
I am a 66 year old woman and have read that this is considered a problem that affects children and young hormonal women. A friend who is my age has had a milder attack of this recently but hers just cleared up on its own (lucky girl). This would have been so very much more upsetting and aggravating if not for this site. THANKS so very much.
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.
