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Dermatitis
Started
by babs
on July 6, 2011
I have had dermatitis around my nose and mouth area for probably 8 years now. Back in high school, it didn't bother me very much because I honestly had no idea what the dermatologist was talking about...and it was fairly mild. Then I got to college and it started getting worse: much drier and very red. I tried multiple topical Rx and some antibiotics...and all that did was cost me money and a few yeast infections. The past few years, I feel I have been prescribed every antibiotic, antifungal, topical, and oral prescription under the sun. And to no avail.
I have been a vegetarian for over a year and for the past month, I have given up dairy. I have never been told that I have any allergies. The only thing I notice effects me is if I have too much sugar (my gums tend to swell a bit). I have changed my makeup numerous times, changed my face wash, moisturizer, birth control, even my toothpaste! Most of the research I have done on dermatitis (specifically, seborrheic) states that more research is needed because researchers have not examined maintenance effects. Soooo helpful.
So with all that said, does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom? I am ready to give up!
Babs! I'm with you! I've had dermatitis around my nose and mouth since high school. It would mostly show up after I've washed my face; I'd have this red ring around my mouth. I could cover it up with makeup, no problem. I thought I was going nuts because I'd point it out and people would say they don't see anything. So after I graduated high school I went to see a Dermatologist. The Dermatologist told me he couldn't see anything and couldn't treat what he couldn't see. This was maybe around 2002 or so. Then around 2009 I decided I had something wrong because I was noticing it and it was just annoying me! I kept getting white heads in the corners of my nose and around my mouth. AFter he treated me it seemed to have cleared up but I wasn't really consistant with it and I had lost my job and stopped going to the dermatologist because I lost my healthcare with it. So back in 2011 it got really bad. So I started seeing a dermatologist monthly. He's given me ointment, creme, antibiotics, etc. He just switched me from 40mg of Oracea to 150mg of Doryx! After seeing this Dr. it started to develop really badly down my neck and chest, too. Sometimes it clears up and then I have some really bad days (like today). Sometimes I think it's because of my makeup. But even when I stop wearing it for a few days I still have a rash. I think if it was from my foundation the Dr. would have said something, don't you think? I haven't worn makeup in two days and today it's seemed to worsen. I have no idea what to do! I'm considering the vegan diet again just to see what happens. What's your update on your skin? It's nice to meet someone else with the same issues! I now have it ALL OVER my face (forehead, cheeks, chin), down my neck and on my chest. He has me using this creme on my neck and chest twice a week (he cut me down from 3x a week because excessive use causes your skin to sag) so now no matter what I have pimples on my chest. This is a nighmare! I've read all I can on this condition and have gotten no further. It would be great to hear from you!
I am flirting with the vegan thing right now and will look into the gluten thing as well. I just feel all the medicine this guy is giving me is not helping! Thank you, Terra. I really appreciate your help.
I just went to buy some gluten free / dairy free milk & creamers. I am not sure Silk is gluten free though. I'll need to read up on all this stuff. It should take me some time. I'm looking forward to a healthier me. Let's hope this works!
All these tips sound great! Becky, I do know that stress exacerbates dermatitis so maybe that is playing a role? I am a grad student so...getting rid of stress is not exactly in my schedule haha.
I will sadly admit that shortly after my post, I 'gave up' trying to figure out my skin issue. Every doctor/dermatologist I went to kept saying 'well, I don't know what else to tell you, I don't know of any other options'. And to be honest, I didn't like putting all those drugs in my body and on my skin!
Terra, I switched to the Simple fash wash as well and am loving it so far! I do think that avoiding scents and froofy products is best for people with sensitive skin, dermatitis included.
Maybe Alicia's new beauty line is the answer :)
It could be stress. I've started exercising twice a day some days. The doctor put me on antibiotic and I've been taking folic acid and omega-3's. I'm also trying to get my digestive system in tact so I've been taking acidophilus and I put flax seed in my yogurt. I also wash my face with olive oil and then use a coconut oil soap to wash it all off. I switched to Josie Maran's makeup line. It seems to all be clearing up. The question is, what's making it do so??? Haha. Well I guess I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.
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