Natural Remedies for Perioral Dermatitis
How to Get Rid of Facial Rash Once and for All
Sep 18, 2009
Perioral Dermatitis primarily affects women between the ages of 20 and 30. Usually confined to the area around the mouth between the nose and the chin, the rash is red, bumpy, possibly with pustules and peeling, and sometimes with eczema-like burning or itching. The cause is thought to be bacterial; long-term treatment with antibiotics are effective in many cases, and some may respond to prescription acne medication that should not be used by women who are pregnant or could become pregnant. For others, a cascade of worsening symptoms leads to a desperate search for solutions.
Avoid Creams, Lotions, and Flouride
In 1983, The Journal of Military Dermatologists published a study implicating flouride toothpaste in the development of perioral dermatitis. Using 21 volunteers who used unflouridated toothpaste and had favorable results, the study concluded that flouride does cause and aggravate the condition.
Do not use any type of cosmetics, moisturizers, or lotions on inflamed skin. Even plain fats can worsen the condition because some bacteria thrive on fats. If moisturizing is desired, try using plain glycerine. Cold water may also exacerbate irritation; wash only with warm water.
Prescription or over-the-counter steroid (hydrocortisone) creams initially seem to improve Perioral Dermatitis because they reduce inflammation, however they weaken the body's immune response and the results can include spread or worsening of the rash. Also, many of these creams contain flouride. If steroid creams have been in use, the rash may get much worse when they are stopped. This is a temporary rebound effect.
Try Yogurt or Vinegar and Green Tea
Plain organic yogurt with active cultures is available at most grocery stores. It makes a cooling mask that has had dramatic effects for some people when used twice a day. Supplement the diet with probiotics and fermented foods for an added boost of the immune system.
Or, mix equal parts green tea and vinegar (apple cider or distilled white both work) and dab it on while warm. Repeat two or three times a day. Results should be apparent in a few days.
Balance Calcium and Thyroid
Low levels of thyroid (ask a physician to check for hypothyroidism) may be a factor in perioral dermatitis. Thyroid hormone regulates the amount of calcium that is assimilated by the tissue cells, and calcium is vital to the protective barrier of the skin. Low thyroid equals low calcium.
Consider Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin A stimulates growth of new skin cells, Vitamin E reduces inflammation, and Vitamin B12 (sublingual Methylcobalamine form is best, or ask your doctor for injections) strengthens the skin barrier synergistically with calcium.
Elimination Diets May Hold the Key
When general health is run down or the immune system is overwhelmed by other inflammation, bacteria have a chance to take hold. The result is an opportunistic infection. Food chemical sensitivities and intolerances create inflammatory responses that many people are not aware of. It takes time and dedication to find out what those substances are, but two systems of elimination diets have been successful in stubborn cases of perioral dermatitis.
Try The Failsafe Diet
Failsafe stands for "Free of Additives, Low in Salicylates, Amines, and Artificial Flavors." Most dyes, preservatives, and chemical flavors are eliminated. Food chemicals occur naturally in some healthy foods, however, so avoiding junk food may not be enough. To start the failsafe diet a list of allowed foods is eaten for two to four weeks. After symptoms disappear other foods can be "tested" by adding them to the diet.
Try a Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet
Gluten free diets eliminate all wheat, barley and rye, including hidden sources in many processed and restaurant foods. Gluten intolerance, or Celiac disease, is responsible for a wide range of symptoms, including skin rashes. Wheat intolerance affects many people in varying degrees, and it can be difficult to diagnose. If symptoms do not clear within a few weeks, try also eliminating casein, or milk protein, for a trial period.
Finding the best treatment for Perioral Dermatitis may take determination and tenacity. Fortunately, there are many routes to healing.
 |
