Did You Know That Perioral Dermatitis Can Be Cured?

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Did You Know That Perioral Dermatitis Can Be Cured?

Contrary to popular belief (even doctors and dermatologists tell their patients it can’t be cured), perioral dermatitis can be cured and at the very least the symptoms significantly reduced. Don’t take our word for it, just look at Beth who is featured in our blog image and in our Picture Gallery

There is  a video at the end of this blog highlighting the doom and gloom and ignorance surrounding PD. Nice doctor and lovely man that he is, please don’t listen to the naysayers like him. Listen to us, and others like us – the real experts! Our best advice – take what these ‘experts’ say with a fistful of salt.

We hope the following in depth article provides you with enough information to understand what perioral dermatitis is and to make an educated choice on how best to treat your PD.

What exactly is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory rash that mainly occurs around the lips and mouth. The rash may spread up to the nose or even the eyes. It usually appears as a scaly or red bumpy rash and there may also be a clear fluid discharge. Redness and slight itching and burning can also occur.

Perioral dermatitis is more common in women between the ages of 16 to 45 years but can be seen in all ages. It affects all races and ethnicities.

When it occurs in children, it tends to affect younger children with an average age of 6 years.

Without the right treatment, perioral dermatitis may go away on its own but may reappear later. Episodes of perioral dermatitis can last weeks, months and sometimes even years.

What causes perioral dermatitis?

According to the medical community the cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown. However, research suggests that it can occur after the use of strong topical steroids on the skin, which may be prescribed to treat another condition. Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can cause perioral dermatitis as well.

There is also evidence that certain ingredients in cosmetics can cause it. Heavy skin creams that contain petrolatum or a paraffin base may cause or worsen this condition.

Other factors that may trigger this condition include: 

  • bacterial or fungal infections
  • constant drooling
  • fluorinated toothpaste
  • sunscreen
  • hormonal changes due to the oral contraceptive pill
  • hormonal changes due to the menopause
  • hormonal changes due to monthly cycles

We are of the firm opinion that 90% of PD is caused by hormonal fluctuations. Also, we know from experience that stress can exacerbate the symptoms and bring on episodes. 

How is perioral dermatitis diagnosed?

Your doctor or dermatologist can often diagnose perioral dermatitis with just a visual examination of your skin, along with analysing your medical history. Your doctor may also perform a skin culture test to rule out a possible infection.

During this test, your doctor will swab a small patch of skin in the affected area. They will then send the sample to a laboratory to test the skin cells for bacteria or fungi. Your doctor may perform a skin biopsy, especially if the rash doesn’t respond to standard treatments.

What are the treatment options for perioral dermatitis?

Topical steroid creams or nasal sprays containing steroids can make symptoms worse and can even cause the symptoms. However, it’s important to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medications.

Your doctor or dermatologist will determine your treatment based on the severity of your condition. In some cases, using mild soaps and discontinuing the use of heavy skin creams and fluorinated toothpaste may ease symptoms. Medications may also speed healing.

Since we are firm believers that it is mostly caused by hormonal changes, balancing your hormones using herbal treatments and supplements such as Agnus Castus, soy lecithin, evening primrose oil and magnesium can be extremely beneficial in not only helping your PD, but also your overall health and wellbeing.

Your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe and/or recommend the following;

Prescription medications

  • Topical antibiotic medications, such as metronidazole (Metrogel) and oral antibiotics such as erythromycin.
  • Immunosuppressive creams, such as pimecrolimus cream.
  • Topical acne medications, such as azelaic acid.
  • Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, or isotretinoin, for more severe cases

Natural Topically Applied Treatments

  • Natural topically applied creams such as ProSkin Eczema.
  • Pure aloe vera is also widely used in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions like perioral dermatitis. Aloe will help to restore the pH balance of your skin and relieve the itching sensation as well as skin irritation.
  • Vitamin E oil is a natural oil that promotes quicker skin healing and also provides significant relief from itching and inflammation. This oil can be applied directly onto the PD rash, once or twice per day.
  • Apple cider vinegar (watch this may sting and is drying!!! probably better diluting it with water). Then applying a non-irritating moisturiser afterwards.
  • Green tea.
  • Other effective natural remedies include coconut oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil and calendula.

Natural and alternative remedies

Some patients prefer to try natural remedies in addition to or in place of prescription medications which are not working. There are countless scientific studies showing the efficacy of natural ingredients and treatments. These include:

  • Supplementing with vitamins A, E, C.
  • Zinc supplements.
  • Blue light treatment.
  • TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
  • Agnus Castus, soy lecithin, evening primrose oil and magnesium to balance hormonal fluctuations due to age (teenagers), PMS, Menopause (all stages) and contraceptive pills.

We would recommend dealing with hormonal fluctuations in the first instance and then supplementing with other natural treatments if required.

Conclusion

By balancing hormones and switching from a skincare routine that uses harsh, irritating products, to gentler, natural products that work in harmony with your skin, there is no reason why you can’t rid yourself of PD and have great looking skin (plus improved physical and mental wellbeing).

Countless women have solely used our ProSkin Eczema with fantastic results. It won’t work for everyone (nothing does) but it is a great place to start and if it doesn’t work you can easily take advantage of our no quibble money back guarantee.  See some of their wonderful transformations here >>>

Lovely Doctor and man that he is, this video highlights the doom and gloom and ignorance surrounding Perioral Dermatitis. 

 

 

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