Treating Perioral Dermatitis Naturally with Traditional Chinese Medicine
What is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral Dermatitis (PD), also called Periorificial Dermatitis or Periorbital Dermatitis depending on location, is an increasingly common, potentially chronic skin eruption characterized by raised and sometimes fluid-filled bumps that appear around the nose, mouth, and/or margins of the eyes. Other areas of the face are not commonly effected, which is helpful when differentiating PD from other facial skin eruptions like acne and rosacea. Other features of PD can include background redness, burning or itching of lesions, and dryness and flaking of the effected skin. These features vary from person to person and may be prominent or absent depending on the individual presentation.
Most people who suffer from PD will notice a spontaneous onset in their 20s-30s which may or may not have an obvious trigger. Women are effected much more commonly than men, however, it is being seen increasingly in children of all sexes as well. Untreated it can fluctuate seasonally or with stress levels, or it can progressively worsen over time.
From managing symptoms to healing the whole system, Traditional Chinese Medicine can help heal perioral dermatitis completely from the inside out.
It is not entirely known what causes PD to erupt in the first place, however there are certain things that are known to make it worse. Topical steroids, inhaled steroids (such as asthma inhalers or nasal inhalers), and many kinds of topical skincare products are commonly seen to aggravate PD. Hormonal changes are also thought to play a potentially significant role in the development of PD which may be why it is commonly seen in younger women and can be seen to flare during points of hormonal fluctuation such as ovulation and menstruation. While identifying and avoiding known triggers can help lessen symptoms it may not be enough to fully stop future flares. With Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we can address both acute symptoms and the underlying imbalance at the root of the disease.
TCM herbal treatment for PD first focuses on settling the inflammatory process and clearing the redness and eruptions. As the condition settles we add herbs to help reestablish balance and stability in the system. This often involves clearing any residual heat and dampness from the digestive system and rebalancing hormones. Quite often women who suffer from PD also have some degree of menstrual dysfunction whether it’s painful periods, intense PMS and mood changes, heavy bleeding or clotting, all of which will also be addressed through herbal treatment. The goal with herbal treatment is to identify and treat the root cause of the condition so that we can restore the health of the body and the skin. With appropriate treatment once the body and skin are stable they will tend to remain stable on their own without need for further herbal treatment.
Every case of PD is unique. With a thorough intake and Chinese Medicine diagnosis we can create a treatment plan specific to the individual. If you or someone you know suffers from Periorificial Dermatitis and wants to avoid pharmaceuticals and medical interventions and get to the root of your skin issues, TCM Dermatology may be the best option for you. To learn more and find out if Chinese Medicine is right for you, schedule a free consultation today!