Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory facial skin disorder. It is often chronic [1]. It can even sometimes spread up around the nose and eyes, avoiding the skin next to the lips.
Perioral dermatitis is a small red pus-filled bump that appears scaly or bumpy. This inflammatory skin disorder is common in women. It is rarely diagnosed in children and men [2].
But, there are some variants including lupus-like and granulomatous perioral dermatitis. Granulomatous occurs in childhood and among prepubescent boys [2].
Perioral dermatitis involves the eruption of papules and pustules. These may recur over weeks to months, with fine scales [1] [2]. Perioral dermatitis can leave marks on your face.
Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory activities against various skin disorders.
Keep on reading to learn more about perioral dermatitis including its causes and types. You’ll also get to know about some essential oils for perioral dermatitis remedies at home.
Potential Essential Oils for Perioral Dermatitis Natural Treatment
Essential oils are the basic materials for aromatherapy [4].
These oils originate from the fragrant essences in special plant parts [4]. The essential oil can treat many health problems, one of them is perioral dermatitis. Here are the best five essential oils for treating perioral dermatitis:
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the must-have oil at all times due to its versatile uses since ancient times.
Lavender oil also belongs to the category of one of the gentlest oils.
It is very soothing to the skin and contains a pleasant smell. It’s also proven to be very effective in treating perioral dermatitis. A study evaluated the effects of essential oil in atopic dermatitis (AD) induced mice.
The study conducted used 45 mice with the AD and randomly assigned the essential oil to the mice per group [5]. The result proved that a combination of lavender and thyme oil is effective in reducing AD symptoms [5].
Hence, applying lavender oil to the infected area could reduce the symptoms of perioral dermatitis.
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2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is also a popular oil known for its use in cosmetic products.
It has amazing potential antiseptic properties. It is effective in treating a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites [6].
Tea tree oil has a sharp camphoraceous odor. It may be beneficial for dermatitis.
A study conducted in 1999, showed that usage of this oil had a positive reaction in a high number of patients. The concentration of this oil used for topical products is very low, i.e., 5-10%. But it is effective to reduce contact dermatitis [6].
You can add 5-6 drops of tea tree essential oil to a carrier oil such as olive oil, or coconut oil and use it as an antiseptic.
READ MORE: 12 Incredible Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil (Backed by Evidence)
3. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is perhaps the most researched aromatic oils. Frankincense oil comes from the frankincense resin through steam distillation.
The resin is a key ingredient in sacred religious rituals right from Biblical times.
It’s known as the “king of oils.” Because it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anxiolytic properties. It also has anti-neurotic effects and anti-cancer compounds [7].
The main component of frankincense oils is mono and diterpenes. It also contains ethyl acetate, octyl acetate, and methyl anisole [8].
The highest biological activity among terpenes is characteristic of 11-keto-ß-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid, and acetyl-α-boswellic acid [8].
These compounds can help treat perioral dermatitis when diluted with a carrier oil.
Read More: 12 Health Benefits of Frankincense Oil + How to Use It
4. Sandalwood Oil
Many skin conditions and diseases are the results of inflammation, infection, and hyperplasia. You must use safe and effective topical treatment for long-term benefits [9].
Hence, Sandalwood oil can be a good choice in the treatment of perioral dermatitis.
It is an essential oil distilled from the Santalum album tree. It has biological activity as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-proliferative agent [9].
Sandalwood essential oil may treat acne, psoriasis, eczema, common warts, and molluscum contagiosum. It also has positive effects on patients with perioral dermatitis. [9].
α-santalol, a main constituent of this essential oil, acts as a chemopreventive agent. It provides most of their anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial property [10].
5. Oregano Oil
Oregano means “delight of the mountains,” and is a native plant to higher altitudes.
Ancient Greece was the first to discover oregano. People used its leaves to treat bacterial infections on skin or wounds.
The extraction procedure of oregano essential oil is through steam distillation.
Some of the active components of oregano oil are carvacrol, thymol, cymene, caryophyllene, pinene, bisabolene, linalool, borneol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, and terpinene [11].
Among the active components, the main compounds include carvacrol and thymol. These properties are responsible for the antimicrobial, characteristic odor, and antioxidant activity [11].
The content of oregano oil varies according to the species, harvesting season, and geographical sources [11].
Oregano oil is also known to improve the health of animals. Particularly it improves the health of the intestine [12]. The antimicrobial property and antioxidant property of oregano help to treat perioral dermatitis.
You can even mix five drops of oregano oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil to get the best benefit out of this oil.
How to Use Essential Oils for Perioral Dermatitis Natural Treatment?
Here you have a potent essential oil recipe for treating perioral dermatitis quickly.
You will need:
1-2 drops of tea tree oil, 1-2 drops of frankincense oil, 1-2 drops of lavender oil, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
How to Use:
Combine all the oils and create a solution. Apply and massage the oil blend on the affected area twice daily. Repeat the treatment regularly for best and quick results.
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Other Potential Home Remedies for Perioral Dermatitis
The following natural ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence these may prove to be effective as natural cures for perioral dermatitis.
- Coconut oil for perioral dermatitis: the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil especially lauric acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant values. Some studies confirm the antibacterial effects of coconut oil. Hence it may be effective to use coconut oil for perioral dermatitis natural cure. [13]
- Manuka honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Calendula
- Yogurt
- Homeopathic remedies for perioral dermatitis
Causes and Types of Perioral Dermatitis
The exact reasons for developing perioral dermatitis are not specific. Some factors may increase your chances of getting perioral dermatitis:
- Prolonged use of topical products, especially corticosteroids
- Corticosteroid inhalers
- Nasal sprays
- Various skin irritants
- Physical and hormonal factors
Each type of dermatitis may look a little bit different than the other. It tends to occur in different parts of the body [3]. The most common types of dermatitis include:
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
This condition is more common in children that makes their skin red and itchy. It is long lasting and tends to flare periodically, accompanied by asthma or hay fever. It usually occurs inside the elbows, behind the knees and the front of the neck [3].
- Contact Dermatitis
This kind of rash occurs on areas of the body that comes in contact with substances that can irritate your skin. Such as soaps, cosmetics, jewelry, and plants can cause an allergic reaction.
The rashes produced as a result may burn, sting or itch or even blisters may develop [3].
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
This kind of skin disease affects the scalp, causing scaly patches, red skin, and dandruff.
Besides the scalp, it also affects the oily areas of the body such as the face, nose, eyebrows, ears, and chest.
This kind of skin condition can be long-term with periods of remission and flare-ups [3].
When to See a Doctor
Perioral Dermatitis is not deadly. But the red bumps look very ugly on the skin.
Essential oils may help you get rid of the symptoms of the condition.
But if you see the remedies aren’t working for you, you must see a doctor. The inflammatory condition may recur and lead to a secondary infection. A dermatologist can diagnose and prescribe an effective treatment.
The End Note
Perioral Dermatitis is harmless. But, these small skin diseases spoil the flawless beauty of your skin.
Using medicine to treat perioral dermatitis is costly. Perioral dermatitis may also tend to reappear if you do not take proper precautions. Also, using medications may not remove them altogether.
Using essential oils for perioral dermatitis are a safe and hassle-free option. The essential oils can reduce the reappearance of the skin problems if not remove them.
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