Perioral Dermatitis (or POD) resembles acne in that it does not result in blackheads or whiteheads and generally appears around the mouth area.
While both men and women can experience POD, teenage and young adult populations seem to be particularly susceptible to this rash.
Signs Perioral Dermatitis is Healing
Redness and Irritation Reduction
Signs that your perioral dermatitis is healing are positive signs, since heavy use of makeup, cosmetics, moisturisers and sunscreen may have contributed to its worsening.
Furthermore, certain medicines like tetracycline or doxycycline could play a part in its progression – or hormonal fluctuations caused by taking contraceptive pills in young women; or food allergies like gluten can all play a part.
To reduce symptoms, aim to eliminate all these ingredients from your daily routine and opt for lighter moisturizers and fragrance-free cleansers instead. LED light therapy may also be effective at soothing skin conditions like perioral dermatitis. Oral antibiotics like Tetracycline or Doxycycline for six weeks per weight could also help, although these must first be prescribed by a medical provider.
A More Even Skin Tone
Perioral Dermatitis resembles a rash that begins around the mouth and spreads to other parts of the face – including nose and eyes. It may be red or skin-colored in hue, with bumps either smooth or scaly in texture; similar to rosacea but without blackheads and whiteheads and typically concentrated more intensely around certain parts of the face like mouth or nostrils.
Perioral Dermatitis can often be caused by ingredients found in heavy skin creams or toothpaste, fluoride in toothpaste or oral contraceptives or by chronic allergies and drooling, among other sources. Once these triggers have been eliminated, symptoms usually subside and skin can start healing once again.
If you suffer from perioral dermatitis, look out for signs that it is improving or healing; such as more even skin tone in the affected areas and less bumps appearing. This could be an indicator that treatment has begun successfully.
A Smoother Texture
Perioral Dermatitis manifests itself with small red or skin colored bumps around the mouth and nose that often go misdiagnosed as acne or rosacea, but differs significantly in that there are no comedones present and inflammation of vellus hair follicles (an indicator of seborrheic dermatitis).
If you are experiencing these symptoms, your doctor may advise that you switch over to gentler skincare products such as light moisturizers and cleansers that won’t irritate the skin – these may help clear out any blocked pores which could be contributing to the rash.
If your perioral dermatitis often flares around the lips, try switching to a fluoride-free toothpaste without foaming agents and no minty taste that doesn’t contain foaming agents or cinnamon flavoring; some cinnamon flavoring and tartar control ingredients have been known to trigger it in some individuals. Gradually you should notice an improvement in skin texture as a sign that PD may be healing.
Less Itching
Perioral Dermatitis affects the area around your mouth, often spreading to include your chin and forehead skin, with itchy symptoms that don’t subside over time. If this symptom does not subside quickly enough, medical advice should be sought immediately for diagnosis and treatment options, possibly including consulting a dermatologist to prescribe topical treatments and oral medication that will alleviate symptoms and help improve them.
As soon as a rash has been resolved, a person will begin to see that its redness and irritation have reduced, as well as their natural skin color returning.
Remembering to be patient while trying to heal this condition takes time and may experience periods of improvement and then worsening is known as oscillation and should be seen as part of the healing process.
While flare ups may seem dispiriting at times, if patients continue their treatment regimen and don’t compare themselves against others the itching should gradually decrease over time.
How to Prevent Scarring During the Healing Process of Perioral Dermatitis
To prevent scarring in perioral dermatitis, one must follow these preventive measures:
- Avoid picking or scratching. Such actions lead to scarring and further irritation.
- Do not use topical corticosteroids. They worsen perioral dermatitis and heighten scarring risks. Avoid them during the healing process.
- Be gentle with your skin. Opt for gentle skincare products without harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubs. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers.
- Avoid triggers. Identify and steer clear of triggers that worsen perioral dermatitis, such as cosmetics, skincare products, fluorinated toothpaste, or oral care products. Evading triggers prevents flare-ups and potential scarring.
- Follow a consistent skincare routine. Establish a gentle and steady routine involving cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Sun exposure exacerbates perioral dermatitis and scarring risks.
- Consult a dermatologist. Seeking professional advice is crucial when dealing with perioral dermatitis or scarring concerns. Dermatologists offer personalized guidance, recommend suitable treatments, and monitor progress.
Remember, healing processes differ for everyone. Patience and consistency in skincare routines are key. By embracing these preventive measures and seeking expert guidance, the risk of scarring in perioral dermatitis can be minimized.
What Are Some Natural Remedies That Can Help With the Healing Process of Perioral Dermatitis
Natural remedies can aid the healing process of perioral dermatitis. Here are a few:
- Probiotics: Restore gut balance and boost immunity to facilitate healing.
- Zinc: Reduce inflammation and promote skin healing with this essential mineral.
- Vitamin D: Obtain from sunlight or supplements to combat inflammation.
- Turmeric: Apply paste or take supplements to alleviate redness and irritation.
- Aloe vera: Soothe and reduce inflammation with its healing properties.
- Apple cider vinegar: Dilute and apply to minimize redness and irritation.
- Coconut oil: Moisturize and diminish redness with its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Manuka honey: Apply to harness antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Green tea: Utilize its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness.
- Chamomile: Soothe and heal with its anti-inflammatory and calming effects.
Remember, results may vary, and consulting a dermatologist is prudent before trying natural remedies.
How to Adjust Skincare Routine After Perioral Dermatitis Has Healed
Once perioral dermatitis has fully healed, it becomes vital to make necessary adjustments to your skincare routine in order to uphold the well-being of your skin. Here are a few helpful tips on how to modify and maintain an effective skincare regimen after healing:
To alleviate perioral dermatitis, it is advisable to simplify your skincare routine and eliminate potential irritants. Scaling back on your routine can help manage the condition triggered by certain skincare products. It is recommended to avoid using products that contain retinol, vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs, heavy emollients, and oils.
Starting with the basics is crucial. It’s important to focus on gentle skincare products that are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Begin with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These specific products will help maintain the health of your skin
Gradual introduction of products is recommended: Once the skin has healed, individuals should begin reintroducing products into their routine gradually. It is advised to add one product at a time and closely observe how the skin reacts. This approach enables the identification of any potential triggers and ensures that the products used do not worsen the condition.
Consider incorporating barrier-strengthening ingredients into your skincare routine. Look for products that contain niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), and probiotic lysates as these can help soothe irritated skin, address dehydration, promote a healthy skin environment, and encourage healing.
To ensure skin health, it is advisable to steer clear of harsh chemicals. Instead, opt for gentle and non-irritating products that do not disrupt the skin barrier. It is recommended to choose specifically formulated products for sensitive skin which are free from potential irritants.
If individuals are uncertain about which products would be best for their needs or require personalized advice, consulting a dermatologist is highly recommended.
Dermatologists possess the expertise to evaluate and analyze one’s skin condition, enabling them to provide tailored suggestions on appropriate skincare products. Seeking professional assistance ensures that you receive guidance specifically catered to your unique requirements.
In ensuring healthy skin, it is crucial to recognize the uniqueness of each individual’s skin. Therefore, it becomes essential to be attentive and responsive to the needs of your own skin by adjusting your skincare routine accordingly.
Take note of any signs indicating irritation or sensitivity and make the necessary modifications as per requirement. By maintaining a gentle and suitable skincare routine, you can effectively mitigate potential occurrences of perioral dermatitis.
Signs that perioral dermatitis is healing include:
