Off-Topic Periorial Dermatitis

[suzannaerin]

After almost six weeks of suffering and two misdiagnoses (including the dreaded HSV-1), the PA whom I saw this morning diagnosed me with perioral dermatitis. Due to the popularity of cosmetic treatments, the earliest I can see a dermatologist for a bona fide medical condition and treatment is mid-December.

Has anyone had this? If so, what skin care regimens have helped? I'm starting a course of antibiotics; swapping out for non-fluoride toothpaste; switching to mineral sunscreen; and looking for the best facial moisturizers and soap for highly sensitive skin.

[yogapam]

I feel for you! I had a very bad bout with it about 15 years ago & took a long course if antibiotics which did clear it up. Since then it has flared up several times. I’ve managed to keep it under control, but I have to stay on top of it. It usually starts around the base if my nose and will spread down if I don’t catch it.

Here’s my regime....
I don’t use fluoride toothpaste, rarely wear make up, and religiously wash my face twice a day. I use Norwex or similar facial cloths and water only. My favorite moisturizer is Cerave lotion, but I’ve also used Kiehl’s. I only wear sunscreen when absolutely necessary and then it’s one for faces only. I live in Canada and wear baseball caps when I go outdoor walking.

I’m actually at the tail end of a flare up right now. I’ve had success with a tea tree oil spot treatment I bought at Boots in the UK when I was on vacation this summer. The Body Shop makes something similar which I’ll try when I run out. I prefer that over antibiotics. I’ve also had some success with the acne creams azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide, they can be drying though. I hear black clay soap or charcoal facial soaps can be helpful too, but haven’t tried them.

I hope that helps!

[fanofladyvols]

My family suffers from eczema and I have a homemade salve I make for them but I'd be hesitant to try anything on yours since I'm not sure it's similar to what they suffer from.

But one thing that is simple that always seems to provide instant relief for any strange rash is a salt water warm compress making salt water which is basically 1 1/2 tsp salt to every gallon of boiled distilled water.

Sending you healing wishes!

[tytbody]

as natural as you can.

1. stop using bar soap. It is nothing but chemicals.
Get handcrafted soap. I make it. I've not used bar soap in over 20 years.

2. Change your toothpaste. No sodium Laural sulfate in it. that's detergent in your mounth going into your body.

3. get all products sulphate free, i.e. your shampoo, mouth wash. Non alcoholic mouthwash, gluten free and no sls.

4 you know our skin is the largest ORGAN in our bodies. what we put on it, goes right into your system.

[yogapam]

I agree, natural is best. We are fortunate have many sources of natural products where I live, many made by local artisans. One thing I forgot to mention is to avoid oil based moisturizers & creams. At one point I was using organic coconut oil as my facial moisturizer & it made it worse.

[tytbody]

I disagree with not using any oils. Some penetrate the skin and some just lay on top of the skin, Each skin has different porosities. I make all my lotion and there is an oil in all of them. Oil, water and emulsifier to make a cream. GSE for preservative. a good oil is avocado and good moisturizer is plane aloe vera.


also, the type of water you have to use can affect your skin. i.e. hard water vs. soft water.










se

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by tytbody

I disagree with not using any oils. Some penetrate the skin and some just lay on top of the skin, Each skin has different porosities. I make all my lotion and there is an oil in all of them. Oil, water and emulsifier to make a cream. GSE for preservative. a good oil is avocado and good moisturizer is plane aloe vera.


also, the type of water you have to use can affect your skin. i.e. hard water vs. soft water.
se

Perioral dermatitis is different from eczema. I’m only saying what worked & didn’t work for me as a sufferer. Oil made it worse.

[suzannaerin]

Thanks for the replies so far. Right now, I’m terrified to put anything on it so I’m leaving it alone, aside from washing my face morning and night. I had been using aquaphor and cerave (regular not face lotion) but both made it worse. Hopefully, the doxycycline will kick in and the shedding and burning will stop. It’s not as red since I’ve stopped putting anything on it.

I’m also simultaneously trying to kick my addiction to lip balm. Not easy, but I have been “sober”since Saturday. Lol. I had used Carmex for years, probably the worst thing, and had a lot of bumps but never a rash. Rosacea has plagued me since my teens, damn Irish skin.

Tea tree oil helped me in the past with rosacea pimples so that’s a possibility. I’ve never been able to tolerate other oils on my face. I probably wait until I see the dermatologist on the 11th before putting anything on it. I’ll just keep it clean.

I’m so glad it’s not hsv1. And not contagious

[yogapam]

Yes, lip balm can be problematic, especially if it’s not all natural. I had an addiction to it at one point. I still use it occasionally, but only if it’s all natural. I don’t blame you for not wanting to put anything on it. I hope the antibiotic works for you!

[pgun3]

had it a few times in my younger years, all I remember was they put me on minocycline antibiotic....don't remember if I was told to do anything else. I don't think I was. Your PCP can just put you on the antibiotic. you don't have to see a dermatologist