Looking for a solution for Perioral Dermatitis?

Looking for a solution to manage perioral dermatitis? I understand what it feels like and I wanted to share my experience.It is usually short-term; it may flare up at times but I am here to advise you on how I managed this skin condition.  

What is perioral dermatitis?

Starting off Perioral dermatitis is a condition that causes inflammation on the surface of the skin. Perioral is referring to around the mouth. It can also travel to the nose and the eyes. Perioral dermatitis is most common in females. It looks like small yellow bumps on the skin (pustules) that are filled with a watery fluid. The skin is red and flaky around the mouth chin and nose. 

My experience with Perioral dermatitis

For starters, I don’t know how I got this. I'm wondering if it was a mix of different skincare products at the time and I reacted to one of the ingredients. Firstly, I noticed my skin becoming really red and itchy with small bumps. I took little notice. Then I started to get these pustules and knew something was different. They didn't look like normal spots, there was loads of them. I wore no makeup to see would it make a difference and I drank plenty of water but it still continued. It felt as though my skin was telling me that something wasn’t right. 

Treatment

I was given a topical steroid cream. This cleared up for a few days but once I stopped using it, the rash reappeared but 10 times worse. I went to my GP and I was prescribed tetralysal antibiotics for 3 months. I didn’t see a difference in my skin until 2 weeks if not more into the course. When I finished the antibiotics, I remember thinking that I needed to go back on another 3 months of antibiotics because my skin still didn’t clear. After a week of coming off them my skin looked so much better and back to itself.  Lifestyle Changes.  While on antibiotics

• I washed my face with warm water. I put as little as possible on my skin. Perioral dermatitis wants to be left alone.

• I took evening primrose supplements. These are really good for acne and eczema and help to keep the skin healthy and radiant. 

• Probiotics for your gut. 

• I used a sodium laurate sulphate free shampoo. I used the Moroccan argon oil Renewing shampoo. 

• Ideally you shouldn’t wear any makeup. Ingredients to avoid is bismuth which is in many foundations and powders, parabens, petroleum and talc. Make sure to wash your brushes if you are wearing makeup. 

• Drinking plenty of water.

• Healthy balanced diet.

• Don’t touch your face. Make sure to clean your hands before washing and putting on moistures. (I tried to limit my use of them) 

• Patience. Everything takes time and it isn't going to fix overnight. 

• Remember that people are not aware that you have it, it's quite hard to see, most people wouldn't notice when they look at you. 

After

• I used La Roche Posay Toleraine ultra cleanser, moisturiser and night cream. This range is for really reactive skin so I would recommend these as they are very light. 

• You have to prepare yourself that this may come up again at some stage in your life. It might be when your stressed or anxious about something. It might be an imbalance of hormones. 

• Continue drinking plenty of water.

• Continue healthy diet. 

What I use now if it flares

I didn’t use this product when it was at its worst but when it was getting better and I had the odd breakout, I would use this to prevent it from getting any worse. This is a lifesaver for anybody who suffers with the condition. Whenever it flares up which isn't very often, I use the weleda baby nappy cream. You might laugh and think I'm crazy. But try it. This is a barrier cream that helps reduce redness. Extracts of calendula and organic chamomile soothe irritation and comfort the skin to help prevent soreness and flaking. I would pop this on the skin and leave it soak in. 

Stay positive.

It's tough, it's your skin, I know. There's so much emotional stress that comes with it. But if you stress, it gets worse, then your mental health gets worse and your immune system becomes low. It could be so much worse. Its curable? Which is most important. It can be managed. You are not alone, don’t be looking at social media, this brought me down as I saw so many people with beautiful skin (filters) there are lots of people out there suffering too. Don’t be harsh on yourself. Other people I promise won't think it's as bad as you think. So, imagine it could be much worse to make yourself feel more at ease. 

My overall experience lasted 6/7 months so by the time it was gone i nearly wanted to throw a party.

What worked for me, might not work for you. I hope this helps

Chloe