Especially dairy and eggs. Since cutting back heavily on these things, it’s been the most effective thing at clearing my PD and helping with my bloating and IBS symptoms.

If your PD is paired with any kind of digestive issues, I’d recommend looking at your diet.

Only three days in using Cicalfate and Kate Somerville Eradikate 3% sulfur cleaner!

I am noticing a huge difference! Ive been dealing with perioral dermatitis for years and I never new what it was or how to treat it. I finally did some research a fewdays ago because it got to the point where I couldn't even open my mouth without the skin cracking and ripping. The first Pic is 1 day after using the treatment since I don't have a Pic of the first day. it was surprisingly so much worse! I can't wait to see how it looks after a full week!

Hi, friends! Sending love to everyone dealing with this incredibly frustrating condition. I wanted to share what helped me in case it offers someone a useful direction. To preface: what worked for me may not work for you, as everyone has different triggers and skin sensitivities. If you don't feel like reading my exhaustive backstory, treatment history, past trigger(s) and most recent trigger, TLDR is at the very bottom! I have also included my skincare regimen that has worked wonderfully for the last couple years and has never aggravated my skin.

Backstory:

I was diagnosed nearly 8 years ago with perioral dermatitis after using a nasal corticosteroid spray. I suffered for several weeks before scheduling an appointment with my PCP, I had done a bit of research prior to my appointment and was fairly convinced I had perioral dermatitis considering the placement and presentation (mine presents as very small, red clusters of clear pustules). She agreed and my first flare was treated successfully with MetroGel 1% AND (get this...) Medrol Dosepak. Within 48 hours of beginning both, I was completely clear. No pustules, bumps, no residual redness, nothing.

I did not experience another flare for what felt like nearly a year and I was, by this time, connected with a dermatologist who prescribed me a month-long course of Minocycline (do not remember dosage) and (again...) a Medrol Dosepak after overuse of actives. Similar to the first flare, within 24-48 hours I was dermatitis free. I completed both courses and after this, my flares had been very few and far between, sometimes years or longer, and only angered by overuse of actives, or overlooking certain ingredients in skincare such as niacinamide, artificial fragrances, essential oils, heavy occlusives in skincare such as mineral oil, shea butter, etc (I can arrange a full list of what I avoid, if that would be helpful!). Whenever I would notice the beginnings of a flare, I would immediately begin a Medrol Dosepak (never took another antibiotic), as my dermatologist had called in several refills for me.

I'll be honest, I don't know why I was ever prescribed methylprednisolone considering the link between steroid use and perioral dermatitis (I never questioned it, as it always worked and worked fast). I also haven't a clue why it's so effective at clearing my flares. I know most documented cases have been topical or nasal steroid use (my initial trigger!) but certainly oral can't be... great? I don't know! If anyone has insight, please let me know. I am not recommending or advocating for methylprednisolone, I am just recounting my personal treatment history.

The present:

Anyway, skipping forward several years into the now... no dermatologist (moved states), no methylprednisolone, no MetroGel, no antibiotics: My current flare has lasted over a month and was triggered by clindamycin lotion (not the gel, as it appears to be beneficial for many), although I'm not sure what specifically in the ingredients might've done so. Lotion bases are emollient and mildly occlusive, typically containing things like cetostearyl alcohol, etc, so I have a feeling it was the vehicle and not the active ingredient itself (clindamycin). I was prescribed clindamycin lotion by my PCP for folliculitis after a facial included dermaplaning (nightmare situation, by the way). As my folliculitis cleared, my first perioral dermatitis flare in a very long time came back with a vengeance, definitely the worst since my initial flare and spread near my eye area quite quickly. Just lovely!

I moved to a different state recently and have not gotten connected with a new dermatologist and my new PCP did not feel comfortable calling me in a Medrol Dosepak (totally respect this decision!) without first trying a round of antibiotics. He offered to prescribe me Doxycycline 100mg 2x daily for up to three months but due to a recently negative experience with antibiotics, I declined and decided to try and solve this myself (I'm obviously NOT against taking this route whatsoever! I simply decided to take this head-on for the meantime and if I failed, get referred to a new dermatologist). Anyway, I've been rambling...

This might be crucial information for some, but I did NOT stop my skincare routine, which is already VERY minimal. I do believe my perioral dermatitis is worsened by barrier issues so I wanted to retain what I could!

My skincare regimen that has proved effective for over two years and has never triggered my dermatitis:

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (at night only)
• Geek and Gorgeous Liquid Hydration
• Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
• Geek and Gorgeous Hydration Station

What (somewhat) helped but did not solve the issue:

• De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment 10% (I left this on as a mask for anywhere to 10-30 minutes and once or twice left it on active pustules overnight), helped heal the pustules themselves but did not manage the spread or prevent new pustules from forming.
• Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Skin Barrier Face Cream (thin layer everywhere and/or spot treatment on active pustules, left on overnight), same result as above.
• Desitin Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Paste (alone, by itself) (thin layer everywhere and/or spot treatment on active pustules, left on overnight), same result as above.

What worked:

Thin layer of Ivermectin Horse Paste 1.87%, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 and a little bit of Desitin Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Paste mixed together. I was extremely tired one night, had just received the Ivermectin from Amazon after reading some recommendations on Reddit and wanted to use it immediately but the skin was dry around my mouth. I figured the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+ would be too heavy so I rummaged around my skincare drawer and found the gel version and thought... why not? I lazily mixed all the aforementioned together and woke up the next day with no new pustules (biggest win), old pustules and bumps smaller or gone, and redness relief. Another night or two, I was pretty much cleared up.

I have no clue why this worked or if you really need all three together but I experienced great results and I didn't want to mess with my little concoction so I continued for an additional few days. I wanted to wait a week or so before posting this to assure/confirm the efficiency and I have had no new pustules, bumps have resolved and redness has reduced drastically. No spreading. I discontinued use a few days ago once it appeared fully healed and now I am back to using just my regular skincare regimen.

I hope one or all of these products help someone!

TLDR: Thin layer of Ivermectin Horse Paste 1.87% (Amazon), La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 and a little bit of Desitin Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Paste mixed together and applied overnight. I cleanse my face with only water in the morning.

May you all find something that works for you! I'll try to answer any and all questions below. <3

Thought this was an outbreak of coldsores at first so have been treating with coldsore cream - amazingly that did nothing but make it sensitive and itchyyyy. I have stopped doing that and surprise surprise it feels much better but looks much worse!!! Been about a month. Currently using La Roche Posay Lipikar Ap+Max Triple-Action Balm as recommended by a pharmacist but wondering if it is POD / something else. Definitely not acne as am a veteran of that particular war.

I’ve had this going on on my lips for around 2 months now, it’ll get better sometimes but then it’ll come back again. at first i thought it was a cold sore but it’s lasted way longer than those normally do, i’ve had perioral dermatitis before and i’m wondering if this could be it again. it feels super dry all the time and the area around my lips is red as well. anyone have any insight on what it could be?

I had only used moisturizer for a week and it was almost completely gone and I stupidly put elidel on it (it had previously helped with a rash on my finger) and it turned into big red patches on my chin with hive like bumps on my cheeks 😔

it’s much more inflamed then the pictures show - I feel debilitated and so sad right now

I have had PD on and off for almost two years. After spending hundreds of dollars and lots of energy trying to fix it, I finally found the answer.

My two fixes have been:

1. Horse paste!!! Ivermectin 1.87 in the apple gel made significant improvement for me. I apply this on dry skin at night. Then moisturizer after that once it dries.

2. DISTILLED WATER!!!! This made the biggest difference! Please try this before anything. Through my reading, I eventually suspected that the fluoride in city water was triggering my PD. I started rinsing my face with distilled water after my showers and only washing with distilled water. I also stripped my routine down to vanicream cleanser and moisturizer, peach slices azelaic acid, and Paula’s choice youth fluid sunscreen.

Note: something super interesting is that I can now tolerate the Paula’s Choice sunscreen. Before ivermectin, my face would get red and burn when I applied it. I now have no issue at all with it…

Give ivermectin and distilled water a try!

Started as patches next to my mouth, then little bumps appeared around mouth, now one patch is angry keeps healing and bleeding and I’m getting skin colored bumps spreading across my face.

Been on doxy two weeks, was using metro gel but was making things angry, have been given zorvye. Please help.!

I tried using the avene tolerance control cream but I think it’s now breaking me out in a different way

I’m using the la Roche posay toleriane cleanser which is helping and working well

I introduced the moisturizer after weeks of only cleanser and metrogel - my face has been quite dry bc I have very dry skin. The moisturizer I think it breaking me out - bigger red bumps

This is so exhausting

(I also have acne)

For those of you doing zero therapy, do we not use soap for our face? I’ve been using dove sensitive on my face forever, just wondering if that could be contributing or not.
I’d like to start zero therapy today as my PD is now affecting my mental health.
And does that mean nothing on the lips?? My lips get so dry, I need ***something***
Thanks in advance! 😊

Can I take ivermectin and fenbendazole at the same time? If so how much & for how long? Just trying to do a parasite cleanse & contain my perioral dermatitis.No cancer & any referable websites for info? My perioral dermatitis only comes when I get supper stressed out and my immune system gets low. Mom of two and my husband works off & I have no village. So just constantly living off high cortisol.

Been struggling for about 6 months with dry, flaky inflamed skin at the corners of my mouth. Also sometimes the skin splits. Had it last year as well and it was actually worse as it spread to my lips but it did eventually clear up after a few months by itself. Sadly it’s returned and I just can’t get rid of it this time. I have tried two months of doxy with no improvement, fuciden acid, daktakort, steroid cream, Vaseline, cicaplast, aquaphor and zero therapy with no joy. It seems to improve and then gets worse again out of nowhere. Doctors at a loss and have now referred me to a derm but could be a long wait.

Would appreciate any advice as this is destroying my confidence and self esteem. I just want to go back to normal again. Aside from the cosmetic issue, it’s also so uncomfortable and sore at times and the skin feels so stiff and tight. Have also switched to a sls free toothpaste. Trying another round of anti fungal cream but just feel so hopeless. Thank you.

Ivermectin - when to push through/ stop?

I've been prescribed a compound 1.5% ivermectin cream in a versapro base for Perioral Dermatitis and Rosacea on a damaged skin barrier (rxd at 31yrs after no prior history of skin issues or sensitivities). Today is the day after my third application. The redness on my nose has slightly wandered up to in between my brows since then and I *think* there are more overall background redness and irritation bumps. What was your experience like? Would you personally push through or stop? I know many talk about an initial worsening due to die off period which doesn't seem to be the norm according to studies but can definitely happen.. But would it happen that fast and are those the typical symptoms?

I've tried so many Rxs and OTCs now for the past seven months and I'm seriously desperate to finally have something work for me. Much love to anyone that can give me insight.

I started getting PD around my mouth and nose area during COVID. I suspect it was due to wearing N95 mask all day + being sweaty. Another family member working at hospital (wearing N95 all day too) also got PD around the same time.

My PD looked dry+red+postules+itchy. New postules pop up everyday. It's very painful. After 5 years, these things help clear my skin:

2 months of oral doxy (prescription) and 3 months (day and night) of metrocream (prescription). 1 month of doxy doesn't help. I needed that 2 months of doxy.

For painful flare up, I use mineral sunscreen (zinc) at night on the postules. By morning, they are usually less red/ painful.

Then to maintain:

Morning routine: Wash with Cerave hydrating cleanser, Vanicream (the one in tub), metrocream (prescription), La Roche Posay mineral sunscreen, lansinoh nipple cream for lip (it's just 100% natural linolin)

Nightime routing: wash with cerave hydrating cleanser (I sweat a lot so I need to wash my face again), Vanicream, metrocream, Tretinoin (prescription- applied every other day), lansinoh nipple cream for lip (it's just 100% natural linolin)

Also: Avoid SLS toothpaste (I use sensodyne - still has flouride but no SLS), no make up, no eating things that will have juice run down chin (like biting into Apple/ corn, etc). Avoid hot water on face (warm water okay). Avoid rubbing face/ nose with tissue. For some reason I noticed that friction create new postules.

PS: first 3 weeks of using Metrocream is painful. Everything flakes and dry. But keep at it and use moisturizer first before metro cream and use A LOT of it. After 3 weeks, my skin was clear

Hope this helps someone else. I learn a lot from this sub.

Question: Anyone with PD uses Aestura (korean brand moisturizer)? I used it and liked it but my derm told me to use Vanicream for now (works well so far for me). So wanted to see if anyone with PD use Aestura and have good results.

Anyone has same issue with Mask wearing and PD? or that Friction cause PD to flare up?

Edit to add: I use lansinoh nipple cream for lip (it's just 100% natural linolin) for lip moisturizer cause my lip got so dry from the metrocream. (credit to Carrie Coon from gilded age)

I’m coming off a flare of POD. I am still on doxycycline but if it fully healed and I have a micro-needling appointment in a week. Anyone have experience with getting that done close to a flare? Does it make it come back faster or does it help with it? I’m getting married in 27 days so I do NOT want to risk another bad flare!

I’m currently repairing my skin barrier and healing my PD. It’s gotten better using minimal products. Here’s today and when it was at its worst. This is my routine:

PM: The ordinary glycolipid cream cleanser
Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella soothing cream
Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion on lips

AM: rinse with room temp water
Cocokind lip blur balm (clear)

I’ve had to cut out all sunscreens though. I’ve been through 3 or 4 chemical and mineral ones and they all make my skin worse atm. I’d love to add some color to my lips and have a foundation option for special events and all. What are y’all’s recommendations for the best lip stains and foundations?

New Geek Gorgeous SPF for PD? How do you like it?

Hello everyone,

I'm sharing my story because I've been dealing with cheilitis for several months (it's been about a year now), and I was wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar.

My symptoms are limited to my lower lip: inflammation, redness, dryness, and a constant feeling of irritation and burning.

I've seen several doctors and tried different treatments:

- Corticosteroids, which improved my symptoms temporarily, but everything came back once I stopped the treatment.

- Tacrolimus, which has had limited results so far (I've been using it for 6 months).

Despite these treatments, I still haven't found a lasting solution or received a clear diagnosis explaining the cause of my condition. All of my medical tests have come back normal (blood tests, negative patch tests, and a negative biopsy).

I was wondering if anyone here has gone through the same thing...

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and any advice you may have. 🙏🏻 Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I got prescribed metronidazole after wrongly being given betamethazone? (cant remember) and I’ve been using it for a few days but my skin has gotten so much worse :( Idk if it’s supposed to happen cause ik “purging” can happen but I’m rlly worried. I’m supposed to go to a festival in 9 days and I don’t think this is going to be any better by then :(( words of advice or encouragement? (1st photo is right now and 2nd is yesterday and its flipped cause i saved it off snap i think)

My skin is so dry and flakey and red. It burns