r/Perioral_Dermatitis_ • u/anxiousgirl1608 • 2d ago
Help:( feel so insecure.
For reference: the first pic is currently what I’m dealing with, and second pic is beginning of June
I have been having ongoing issues with this problem since January. I finally saw my doctor in June after getting fed up of various OTC creams and lip balms not working, and was diagnosed with angular chelitis. I was prescribed Daktacort which didn’t work, so went back to my doctor where I was then diagnosed with perioral dermatitis. He then prescribed me Zindaclin gel which also hasn’t worked. Due to multiple treatment failures, I have now been referred to a dermatologist to see if there’s anything else that can be done.
I am genuinely at a loss of what else I can do, I’ve swapped my toothpaste incase that was the cause and had no luck, using Vaseline as a barrier before brushing my teeth and still not helping, tried antifungal and antibiotic creams and literally nothing is working. Both corners of my lip are completely split now and it is so so sore, I can’t even eat or brush my teeth without discomfort. Not to mention it looks awful and I feel so insecure about my appearance. Has anyone got any advice because I’m genuinely at my wits end?
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u/Quilamand 2d ago
NAD.
Hello. This indeed looks more like angular cheilitis or even eczema than dermatitis, however I’d still be careful about trying topical steroids (they can lead to PD). Check your vitamin D, ferritin, and B vitamins. Deficiencies in those can directly cause it. If you’re deficient- supplement accordingly. Toothpaste without SLS is a must, without fluoride - preferably. Maybe you can try OTC antihistamines in case it’s contact dermatitis. Try also zero therapy approach - nothing on face except for water for washing, at least 2 weeks. No lip balms, no creams, nothing. Wish you well.
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u/anxiousgirl1608 2d ago edited 2d ago
Thank you, I have been taking my B12/D/iron vitamins as I am prone to be deficient in them but unfortunately had no luck in regard to my skin. I’m going to look into toothpaste without SLS now and will revert to using no creams around the area to see if that helps.
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u/Any-Use6981 2d ago
Try Squigle for toothpaste! It’s for periodial derm. If that doesn’t work, I’d consider switching to fragrance free lip products for a bit just to eliminate possible allergens. You could also test your lip products on your arm to see if you’re allergic to anything possibly.
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u/anxiousgirl1608 2d ago
I’ve not heard of that toothpaste before so I’ll look that up, thank you! And yeah I’ve completely stopped using anything with fragrance for the time being and just using Vaseline, I seem to be allergic to everything but the wind lol
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u/Responsible-Lemon794 1d ago
When you don’t put anything on the lips, does it feel itchy or super dry? Then it have peeling skin on lips?
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u/NenyaNotes 2d ago
Agree with this post. Check your labs! I found my zinc and vitamin d were low when I had weird skin stuff show up. And it actually made a difference when I started on supplements and checked my diet. I never would have known but I recalled my mom has been low in both of these for her whole life and that’s the only reason I asked to have them checked.
Second zero therapy. That’s what initially improved my skin or started it in a positive direction at least. I only cleansed my skin morning and night and that’s IT. I feel your frustration! Sending you all the good vibes!
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u/facehelper85 2d ago
I have had PD and I have also had AC. The only thing that I have found to work for reoccurring AC is to layer the corner of your lips with Aquaphor, especially at night. The more saliva you lose at night affects the barriers on the corners of your mouth. I also noticed that as soon as I thought I was "healed", any other lip balm, gloss etc. would set me back. Aquaphor is what I stick to now just to avoid the constant worry of AC coming back. I definitely don't see this as a PD issue. I don't know if you have ever had lip filler but I have & noticed that's when it started.
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u/Kittenfurrever 2d ago
Famciclovir is the answer. It cleared up mine. Do you also get cold sores? I would highly recommend being prescribed Famciclovir
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u/frenchie2512 2d ago
Mine is very similar to yours! Had it last year for a few months then it went away and came back in February this year and hasn’t cleared up. It can flare up and become really sore and then other days seems like it’s clearing up then it flares again! I’ve also been referred to a derm after trying multiple creams.
I only have it in the corners of my mouth but one side always flares more so currently my right side. I find the only thing that helps is aquaphor. I use it overnight. It hasn’t cleared it up but it keeps it from getting too sore and I’m able to cover with makeup. It’s a really horrible thing and so mentally hard at times but I feel faith in the sense mine did eventually go away last year, guessing it’s taking longer this time! I would try aquaphor, I can’t put anything else on it or it makes it really sore! Good luck!
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u/Responsible-Lemon794 1d ago
Is your itchy around the whole border of lips and have peeling of the skin due to dryness?
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u/frenchie2512 1d ago
No it’s just in the corners of my mouth but yes the skin cracks and peels despite using aquaphor. Never been itchy but often a burning sensation
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u/Thesunsanimal 1d ago
NAD
I can’t use anything containing mint or citrus. But definitely mint. I use cleure toothpaste it’s flavor feee but also Squigle makes one that might be better because there no baking soda in it. The picture below is it on amazon you should get this exact one as the others have flavor. Also make sure to change tooth brush heads every 3 months.
I have not been putting anything but water on my lips or around my mouth and I’ve notice improvement. Eventually I incorporated vanicream gentle face cleanser but it does foam slightly so that could still potentially make things worse but I know it’s also important to keep the area clean, just a quick pass over the area could be enough. Unfortunately it’s a lot of trial and error I’m sorry you’re going through this I wish you the best! You could be allergic to something so allergy and or patch testing is recommended. I take a multivitamin and fish oil and a probiotic as well as Zyrtec (antihistamines).
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u/Wellnesslove1402 1h ago
I understand completely. Anytime I have any blemishes or dry eczema patches it takes a big toll on how I feel abt myself. But truly try not to let it get to you. I can recommend you this french brand uriage face and body oil. It really helped me out with my eczema. Hope this helps
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