How I healed my Perioral Dermatitis with Ayurveda: A personal journey.

Ayurveda as a healing science

Ayurveda means ‘knowledge / science of life’ and focuses on a holistic approach to health and wellness. The ayurvedic approach to every individual and how the Ayurveda views the root of causes of any disturbance of balance and disease makes Ayurveda in my view a superior healing science.

I truly believe that thanks to the Ayurvedic wisdom I was able to heal my Perioral Dermatitis and even more importantly I healed my guts and improved my overall health.

I am sharing my story and experience here hoping that this will help you to heal your skin, gut or other health issues. I hope you get intrigued and encouraged by Ayurveda to reconnect with your internal healer and take holistic approach in maintaining your health.

How it all began

In 2014 I relocated to Toronto from the East coast of Canada. Within couple of years of living in a big city, I started noticing changes in my health. I felt heavy, tired, and bloated after most of my meals. I attributed these symptoms to my new environment, new job, and much faster lifestyle that I used to have before.

So I adjusted my diet – I included more vegetables and I removed excess carbs, I started using digestive enzymes to help with digestion, added more movement and more dance to my life.

I really thought I was on the right track. But then I started developing a red rash on my face. The rash started around my mouth and nose but slowly progressed on to the eye area. I was getting frustrated as I did not know what was happening within my body. From the research it seemed that I had Perioral Dermatitis.

What is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral (periorificial) dermatitis is a red rash around the mouth, sometimes can spread to the nose and eye area. Rash can be dry and flaky with swollen, inflamed bumps (papules), often itchy or burning.  Perioral dermatitis can look like acne and is often mistaken for it.

Possible Causes of Perioral Dermatitis

The exact cause of Perioral Dermatitis is unknown, but there are many theories.

The possibilities include : bacterial infection, yeast infection (Candida Albicans), overuse of topical steroids and heavy creams, unhealthy lifestyle choices, stress, fluoridated toothpaste, chewing gum, hormonal changes , use of oral contraceptives, immune system issues, altered skin flora and dysfunction of the epidermis , extreme environmental factors like cold, heat or wind, personal care products - soaps & detergents containing sulphates, over-exfoliating, cosmetics, makeup and food sensitivities

Standard treatment for Perioral Dermatitis

Standard allopathic treatment for perioral dermatitis includes antibiotics (oral and /or topical), Immunosuppressants, topical acne medication. In some cases, topical steroids. According to the Cleveland Clinic Unfortunately, these medications may not fix the problem for weeks or months.

Allopathic approach to my Perioral Dermatitis

I have consulted my GP about my new health issues. I received no answers to what may be the cause. I was prescribed 10% Hydrocortisone for my skin rash, which I obviously did not use. Shortly after I had a consultation with a dermatologist who instantly diagnosed me with Perioral Dermatitis. He suggested a course of oral Antibiotics and topical cream, and advised me to avoid harsh products on my skin. I fully agreed with the latter but Antibiotics were no go for me. I was determined to find the root of the issue and treat my perioral dermatitis naturally.

Alternative Therapy/ Candida Detox

I instinctively knew that there was something wrong going on inside my body and that rash was the way my body was trying to communicate with me. I reached out for help to a Naturopathic Doctor, since allopathic medicine wasn’t offering the help and explanation I needed.

My Naturopath diagnosed me with Candida Albicans overgrowth, leaky gut syndrome and many food allergies. I was told that all my symptoms including my Perioral Dermatitis rash was a presentation of those issues.

So the treatment began. For a couple of weeks I had to follow a strict Candida Detox. I still remember the first weeks of the detox and some harsh die off symptoms. It wasn't easy but I made it. For those not aware what Candida diet is, it is a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet that eliminates added sugars, restricts certain carbohydrates, limits dairy products and instead incorporates healthy proteins, fats, non- starchy vegetables, non -glutinous grains and probiotics. The aim of the diet is to reduce inflammation, improve gut health and boost immunity.

Within a year of following the Candida diet and making a few adjustments to my lifestyle and skin care routine I started feeling better. I was more energetic, even dropped some unwanted weight and the rash on my face disappeared. I felt amazing and healed. I started loving my body and my face again. However, my joy was short-lived. As soon as I deviated from my diet I was back to feeling bloated and heavy and my dermatitis returned.

For a couple years I was going back and forth with a restrictive diet to keep my symptoms at bay. At that time, I started using only clean skin care products and even created my own soaps, creams and facial oils.

I felt physically ok but mentally I was always on high alert since my symptom could return with a different life choice. After a while I realized that I must find a different solution to my problem as the adjustments in my lifestyle were not enough to experience complete healing. I was tired of depriving myself of food and the pleasure that comes with it just to remain symptom free. I just wanted to feel good and healthy and was determined to find a solution to my health issues.

Holistic approach to Perioral Dermatitis

And that is when my Ayurveda journey started.

I came across Ayurveda and became fascinated by it . Ayurveda promises that with restoring balance in the body/mind/ spirit we receive a relief of symptoms, long-lasting solution and complete healing. I was not going to lose that chance.

Bit by bit I started following Ayurvedic principles. I started eating more cooked, warm, easy digestible foods with digestive spices, eating lighter dinners, included ghee and other healthy fats and digestive teas in my diet (my very favourite is CCF tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel).I also ensured I drink enough water (warm water in particular ). My belly loved it. For my skin care routine, I completely switched to oil cleaning and used jojoba oil to moisturize my skin if I needed it. I occasionally used yoghurt, honey  and aloe vera face masks. But I really minimized all the creams, lotions and potions that I was putting on my face. I made sure I always wear sunscreen when going out. I eliminated from my personal care all products that contains parabens, PEGs, SLS, mineral oil, phthalates, DEA, aluminum, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances and colour.

However, my true healing started once I joined the school of Ayurveda /the Shakti School. With the guidance of wise and very knowledgeable teachers I discovered what Ayurveda was really about. I was learning about feminine energy, emotional and mental health and the unity it forms with our physical body. Besides the practices for healthy eating, taking care of my liver health I started paying more attention to my emotions and my mental health in general. I was exploring & practicing meditation and breathwork and learnt to be patient and gentle with myself. I trusted the process.

I can confidently say I completely healed my Perioral Dermatitis. I healed my guts and improved my overall health. I reintroduced back to my diet food and ingredients I was supposedly allergic / sensitive to like wheat, eggs, certain fruits and nuts. For over 2 years I had no rash on my face of any kind and my belly feels great. I can now have a meal with friends or family. It feels great.

Summary

Perioral Dermatitis is pretty difficult to heal but the key is to look at the disease holistically.  Our skin is an indication of what is going on inside our gut. We often look for quick yet temporary fixes when in fact the solution lies in simplicity. This simplicity is offered by Ayurveda. Ayurveda knows that the disease usually begins with our unhealthy guts.

If you suffer from Perioral Dermatitis or other rashes or have other symptoms the first step is to examine what is happening in the digestive system because it seems that your gut health is compromised. It will take time and some lifestyle adjustments but it is possible to heal. If you tried many things and nothing helped, I really hope you give an Ayurveda a chance and reach out to an Ayurvedic practitioner for help and guidance.

If you ever dealt with Perioral Dermatitis please share your experience.

Take care,

Renata