For close to a year I had a huge flare-up of Perioral Dermatitis (PD). If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a red rash around your mouth and nose. It’s itchy, sometimes flakey, it’s uncomfortable, it’s on your face and for me, it was a real emotional struggle. A roller coaster of self-acceptance.
But the story doesn’t begin with the Perioral Dermatitis, although this was the hardest of my skin conditions to go through, it began with a tiny rash on my arms back in 2017. Just a few little itchy dots. Itchy dots that quickly spread on that arm. Then onto my other arm and then onto my legs.
Once the rash had fully spread to both arms and legs, I went straight to the Doctor. And then to a list of different Doctors, dermatologists, naturopaths, you name it. From dermatitis to eczema to… scabies (yes, really! It was not scabies thankfully) – I tried many different treatments. But no matter what I tried, the rash persisted.
I launched a full-blown investigation into my diet. Not the greatest thing to be doing after recovering from disorderly eating and diet obsession. I tried natural remedies, parasite cleanses and all sorts of supplements from Dr Google (I don’t recommend this, it gets you obsessed and you end up spending a lot of money on random remedies that probably won’t work).
Then, I listened to a Doctor and tried steroid creams. The sweet relief! Not only did the steroid cream calm down the redness but it stopped the itchiness. I continued using the steroid cream happily.
But when things are too good to be true… well, they usually are.
The steroid creams were just a band-aid solution, and it went on to create a new issue – perioral dermatitis (well I believe it did anyway)! I’m not sure if it was from overuse on my body or if I accidentally put the cream on my face.
Perioral Dermatitis Triggers
Perioral Dermatitis can be caused by many things, and most likely from a combination of several. Here are just some of the potential triggers.
- Topical steroid creams
- Make-up and super-active skincare and face oils
- Too many skin care products
- Cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion
- Too much sun exposure
- Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS) found in hair products, laundry detergent and toothpaste
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Hormonal imbalances, it’s even been known to flare in pregnancy
- Stress (includes stress about skin issues!)
- Leaky gut, SIBO, imbalance of good/bad gut bacteria
I thought the body eczema was horrible, but it was nothing on the face rash!
This face rash of angry, itchy, red bumps took over my face, it made me feel extremely self-conscious and miserable. This was a really hard time for me.
I want to point out, I am completely self-diagnosing from my own personal research. Steroid creams have their place, but they do tend to be easily over-used and a quick fix that stops you looking at the actual cause of the skin issue.
We were filming MerryBody classes at this stage, and I was constantly worried about being on video with this face rash. And yes, I realise the irony, MerryBody is a workout method built on self-acceptance. But here’s the thing with self-acceptance, it’s not about complacency, it’s not about putting up with what you don’t want/like. It’s more about accepting what is and then figuring out what way you want to step forward with acceptance.
What to Do When You Have Perioral Dermatitis
For so long I tried to heal myself the natural way and it simply did not work. PD was making me miserable. I then finally booked in with the doctor and then a dermatologist, they got me on a low dose, long-term antibiotic (doxycycline) and after 3 months it cleared my face up. I didn’t want to go on the antibiotics, but I am so grateful I did because it worked.
Since then I have quit steroid creams completely and focused on doing all the natural things to help my skin stay healthy and clear.
From time to time the rashes come back in small patches. This is usually caused by stress, weather, not enough sleep, hormones, and sometimes a food triggers it. Get my drift… many things can trigger it.
I am also grateful for Emily May. The amazing naturopath I am working with and who also features in our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training course!.
I’d seen at least 3 naturopaths before Emily, and while they were all lovely, their advice didn’t hit the mark. 12 months of following Emily’s advice, I have seen a drastic change in my skin!
Over the year, Emily has prescribed me a custom herb mix, special eczema-specific probiotics (I did not even know they made these), and some supplements. She suggested a low-histamine diet plus adding more zinc rich foods, but not as a strict regimen. She presented it more like a guide, a gentle reminder to listen to my body.
Right now these are the supplements and skin products I am using:
If you’ve done any research on skin, you know a lot of the issues are created from the gut. So we have a mix of supplements that support gut health and topical creams.
Broccoli Sprouts, Sulforaphane Supplement.
It is an antioxidant, powerful anti-inflammatory, and helps support the immune system of the gut to reduce food intolerances and digestive symptoms. I take 1-2 tablets a day. I am using this variety, you can find it over here.
Evening Primrose Oil
Right now I am taking 2 tablets a day. Known for its hormone-balancing and anti-inflammatory factors. Great for overall skin health but especially for acne and eczema. I am using this one here.
Probiotics
I try to take a round of probiotics twice a year to promote gut health. Right now I am talking this variety here. This was the brand that also had eczema-specific probiotics.
Activated Charcoal Powder
Helps to bind any toxins in the gut and eliminate them from the digestive system. I am using this brand here. I take 1 teaspoon in water about 1-2 hours after my other supplements.
Cream to Protect Skin Barrier
I am using the Avene Cicalfate Restorative Cream on my face at night, you can find it over here. I’m using MooGoo Eczema and Psoriasis Cream on my body, find it over here. I love all the MooGoo products! especially the lip balm. I also use the Aperna Soothing Duo in the morning, especially made for people suffering from Perioral Dermatitis. I also use the Aperna cleanser, but not all the time.
Most days I only wash my face with water. I know it sounds weird BUT if you do struggle with perioral dermatitis you will fast understand, that when it comes to skin care and make up, less is more.
Here’s the most recent picture I have of myself, post morning Yoga/Pilates, no make up.
These are the foods I am eating more of:
It’s important to note that I was already eating a balanced diet but now I am making an effort to add more of the below.
- Garlic, I’m trying to add this to every dinner. I stopped cooking with it as I was afraid of garlic breath… silly! It’s so good for you!
- Onion, I got lazy in the kitchen! I hated bawling my eyes every time I chopped onion.
- Dark bitter greens, I am eating a lot of cicoria lately (yum!).
- Turmeric, easy spice to add to lots of meals, anti-inflammatory goodness!
- Pumpkin seeds, high in zinc and also great for gut health.
- Beans and legumes, thanks to Damiano, he is introducing so many delicious Italian lentil and bean dishes!
Some foods seem to trigger my skin, not into a rash but I might feel a little tingle. Things like cinnamon, super hot chilli, citrus and sometimes vinegar. It’s important to remember that your list may look different. I’ve also made an effort to not cut complete food groups out, like gluten or dairy. I’ve worked so hard to get over my obsession with dieting, so my preference is to include these.
I also got a Vitamin C Shower filter!
Our tap water contains lots of chemicals, and daily exposure to these chemicals (especially when combined with hot water) can impact the integrity of the skin barrier. This one is super easy to install if you have a hand/hose shower. It might not be decorative but it’s an easy and cost-effective way to test if the water is causing any of your issues. The filters last a few months, check them out over here.
I want to point out here, that Vitamin C skin creams and even supplements have been known to trigger PD. In my experience, the shower has only been beneficial.
Daily Exercise to Clear the Detox Pathways
When working on improving gut health, it’s important to keep your detox pathways clear. I do this by getting in some form of exercise every day. Walking, plus Yoga and Pilates are my preferred choices for pumping the lymphatic system and getting a little sweat going. These exercises not only help detoxify your body but also support overall wellness, directly benefitting both gut and skin health.
You can try out a MerryBody online Yoga and Pilates Fusion class over here.
Other ways to help open your detox pathways:
Your natural detoxification processes are much more complex (and amazing) than what I’ll talk about but there are some obvious things you can do.
- Eat enough fibre to promote daily bowel movements. If you’re not pooping… where is all that waste material going? I have no idea, one to ask the doctor hehe.
- Drink enough water, I aim for 2-3 litres a day.
- Dry brushing to pump the lymphatic system, not directly on eczema or rashes.
- Infrared sauna, I was always worried about the heat when I had rash-prone skin but I have tried it since and it felt beneficial. Do this with care.
Alright, I feel like this is enough information for now! Oh, wait… maybe one more thing to add!
If you’re feeling stressed and anxious about your skin issues, this will only make them worse.
If you’re stressed in general this could be a major trigger. So… my last tip is to add a daily stress-relieving activity. I recommend meditation or Yin Yoga. You can try one of the MerryBody Yin Yoga classes here, it is such an amazing practice.
I know these actions won’t work for everyone but perhaps it gives you hope that you can get to the bottom of your skin issues. It took time, money and help from experts. I won’t lie, this journey has been a bit of a roller coaster. But it was a roller coaster that taught me to listen to my body, to have patience and most importantly, to accept myself but still work towards where I want to be. Just like my relationship with food (you can read more about it over here), my relationship with my skin took time, patience and a lot of self-love.
Always merrymaking,
Emma
Ps. If you have any questions feel free to reach out on social media or email.
Pps. I have included a few affiliate links in this post, this means if you purchase something I’ve recommended we may receive a small commission.