Perioral dermatitis or periorificial dermatitis is a common skin condition where you are likely to develop a rash around the mouth. Though it normally develops around the mouth, it can spread elsewhere if not treated on time. Try these natural home remedies for perioral dermatitis to treat the symptoms associated with the condition.
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Causes of perioral dermatitis
Although the exact cause of perioral dermatitis is not known, it is suggested by experts that it appears when topical steroid cream is applied on the face as a remedy for some other skin condition. As such it is a side effect of the cream. It can even be caused by the use of nasal sprays which contain corticosteroids. Heavy creams that are petrolatum-based or contain paraffin, might also result in perioral dermatitis.
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Risk factors of perioral dermatitis
The factors which are known to trigger this skin condition include,
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Rosacea
- Constant drooling
- Use of fluoridated toothpaste
- Oral contraceptives
- Sunscreen
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology,
A dermatologist diagnoses perioral dermatitis by examination. No other tests are usually done. The first step in treating perioral dermatitis is to discontinue all topical steroid creams, even non-prescription hydrocortisone. Once the steroid cream is discontinued, the rash appears and feels worse for days to weeks before it starts to improve. Heavy face creams should also be stopped. One must resist the temptation to apply any of these creams to the face when this happens. Think of the face as a cream junkie that needs a “fix”- one needs to go “cold-turkey”.
In addition to the treatment the doctor suggests, try these natural remedies to speed up the recovery process.
Home remedies for perioral dermatitis
Here are the most effective 8 natural remedies you should try to treat your perioral dermatitis.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
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The first remedy on our list is apple cider vinegar. This is undoubtedly the most effective remedy when it comes to treating perioral dermatitis. Preparing a health tonic with diluted apple cider vinegar will allow you to fight bacteria, microbes, fungi and viruses. This, in turn, will help you deal with the problem at hand.
Apple cider vinegar, as you might already know, is an extremely strong anti-inflammatory agent. It lends quick relied from all kinds of skin irritations. It also helps in healing blotchy red skin or painful rash.
For the remedy, begin by diluting the vinegar. For this mix raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with mineral water in the ratio of 1:1. Now take a clean cotton ball and dip it in this solution. Apply the solution on the affected area around the mouth. You need to leave the solution on for 20-odd minutes, after which you can wash it off with lukewarm water. Now for moisturizing the area, apply some jojoba oil. You can also apply olive oil in place of the jojoba oil. This remedy should be repeated thrice a day until the condition heals.
People with sensitive skin should further dilute the vinegar.
2. Grapefruit Seed Extract
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The next remedy on our list is grapefruit seed extract, which has been used for decades as a natural treatment for perioral dermatitis. Since grapefruit seed extract is antifungal, works as a potent antiseptic, and is anti-inflammatory in nature, it will help you treat the pain and discomfort caused by perioral dermatitis.
Also the extract will purify your skin from within, which in turn, will help you fight of germs that cause infection.
For the remedy, mix 6 to 7 drops of the grapefruit seed extract with a tablespoon of castor oil. In place of castor oil, you can use any other carrier oil like olive oil. After mixing the two, apply the mix on the affected area using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes, and then wash the area with water. You need to repeat the remedy two to three times through the day, until the condition is cured.
3. Colloidal Silver
Another great natural treatment for perioral dermatitis is colloidal silver. It is natural, easy and yet very effective. Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic, and as such it will help you get rid of the harmful toxins that accumulate in the body. This, in turn, will help prevent the growth of germs, which tends to worsen the skin condition.
Colloidal silver is not harsh on the skin, and so even if you have a sensitive skin, you need not worry about anything.
For the remedy, you need to first wash your face with lukewarm water. Now pat it dry. Remember not to rub, but pat gently using a clean and soft towel. Now apply two to three drops of colloidal silver around your mouth and wherever the infection has spread. This remedy should be repeated two times a day for best results.
4. Yogurt
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The next remedy on our list is yogurt, and when we say yogurt, we mean plain yogurt without added sugar or any kind of artificial flavors. Yogurt is soothing on rashes, and as such, it can provide relief from the symptoms of perioral dermatitis.
Since yogurt is rich in good bacteria, it will work against the harmful bacteria on the skin, thus treating the condition effectively.
The cooling properties of yogurt will give instant relief from the redness and the pain, which are two very common symptoms of the skin condition.
For the remedy, you need to simply apply a layer of the plain yogurt on your affected area and leave it on until it dries. Now wash off the yogurt with cool water and pat the area dry.
The remedy should be repeated at least twice a day for a couple of weeks.
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5. Aloe Vera
A great remedy for all kinds of skin problems, it isn’t a surprise that aloe vera finds a place on this list of natural treatments for perioral dermatitis. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory and also antimicrobial, which make it an amazing therapy for skin irritation and burning sensation in the skin,
Dry skin which is a common problem that follows perioral dermatitis, is also treated by aloe vera.
You need to first extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf. Cut it and scoop out the gel. Now apply it through the day.
Aloe vera balances the acid-base level of our skin which in turn, helps prevent the skin breakouts due to perioral dermatitis.
6. Honey
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The next remedy, honey, will help you fight inflammation of the skin, which as you know is a symptom linked closely with perioral dermatitis. This potent antibacterial agent will help fight the bacteria is the infected area, and prevent the rashes from spreading elsewhere. Honey is also an antiseptic, so it will soothe the skin, and alleviate the pain and itchiness caused by the condition.
For the remedy, you need to simply apply Manuka honey on the affected area, and leave it on until it naturally dries. Now clean your face with lukewarm water and pat the area dry.
You need to repeat the remedy twice every day until the skin condition is treated completely.
7. Calendula
Calendula, an herb that is not only antibacterial and antifungal, but also has moisturizing properties, works as an excellent remedy for perioral dermatitis. It will soothe the irritation, inflammation as well as the itching and speed up the recovery process.
For the remedy, you need a clean and dry mason jar. Put an ounce of pure shea butter in it, and put the jar on a pan with some water. Now heat it on low heat. Once the butter melt, remove the pan from the heat, and remove the jar from the pan. Now add about 6 drops of calendula essential oil to the jar and mix the ingredients well. After letting it set for a couple of hours, you can use this as a cream.
Apply the cream on the affected area two times a day until the condition is completely treated.
8. Turmeric
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The last remedy on our list is turmeric. It is an effective treatment for perioral dermatitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which lowers inflammation as well as the itching linked to perioral dermatitis. Since it is a natural antiseptic, it will not just treat the infection but also prevent it from spreading. It will also help avert skin breakouts.
Begin by mixing some turmeric powder with water. You can even add honey in place of water. Now apply the paste on the affected area, and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Now clean the area with cool water and pat it dry.
The remedy should be repeated two to three times through the day, until your perioral dermatitis is healed.
If despite these remedies the condition is not treated, then you need to visit a dermatologist before it is too late.
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That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for perioral dermatitis. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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