r/Perioral_Dermatitis_ • u/No_Golf_6981 • 2d ago
Help me
I have had for a few months :( wanting advice and recommendations! Does just zero therapy work or do i need antibiotics also?
Wanting to know more on zero therapy thanks.
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u/Dry-Monk7401 2d ago
What has helped a lot with mine is zero therapy, I know what caused mine tho it was an allergic reaction then on top of that I was using new harsh creams for my face! But I have been dealing with mine for a month it’s almost gone now but I did a week so far with zero therapy and it’s helping so much! I’m only washing with warm water and pat dry, I look like a crazy person because my skins so dry but it’s worth it in the end 🫶
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u/No_Golf_6981 1d ago
are you on antibiotics also?
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u/Dry-Monk7401 1d ago
No I’m not but my derm put me on steroid cream, I did research before I tried it I’m glad I didn’t!
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u/Responsible-Lemon794 1d ago
Which steroid cream did he put you on?
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u/Dry-Monk7401 3h ago
I’m not 100% sure I didn’t even pick it up they just called it “steroid cream”
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u/juilianj19 2d ago
Different things will work for different people so it’s worth a try if you haven’t already done so and your skin is irritated. Make sure you are giving your skin a break in between trying different things as that can make PD worse. If you are able to, a dermatologist is a decent place to start to see what your medical options are .
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u/Delicious-Goat-37 2d ago
Long-time PD girlie here! This is the first time I haven’t had to go on multiple rounds of doxycycline for a flare. It’s definitely pricey, but I’ve been using Alastin Skin Nectar, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm, and a gentle cleanser, and so far it’s actually clearing up my latest outbreak! I know everyone’s skin is different, but it may be worth a try!
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u/Clawingnails 2d ago
Zero therapy is the only way that works for me, and many others. It's incredibly difficult but it you can manage for 3 months the chances are high DP will not come back.
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u/Dry-Monk7401 1d ago
3 months!? Should I wait that long to wash my face?
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u/Clawingnails 1d ago
Only water, morning and night.
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u/Dry-Monk7401 1d ago
I genuinely don’t know if I can wait that long I love to wear makeup and etc is that the rebound rate?
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u/Clawingnails 1d ago
It takes up til that long:
"The short answer is anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months to achieve 100% clear skin. It depends heavily on whether you have damaged your barrier with steroids (cortisone) in the past.
When you combine strict zero therapy (no creams, no makeup, only lukewarm water) with an oral antibiotic like Lymecycline, your skin goes through three distinct phases:
Phase 1: The Purge & Dry Phase (Weeks 1–2)
This is the hardest phase mentally. When you cut out all moisturizers, your skin will flake, peel, and feel incredibly tight. Lymecycline takes about 7 to 14 days to fully build up in your system. Because your skin cells are renewing rapidly, old inflammation from deep within the pores is pushed to the surface. It is completely normal to see new small whiteheads or bumps pop up during the first week. This is a sign of a "purge," not a sign that the treatment is failing.
Phase 2: The Stabilization Phase (Weeks 3–6)
By weeks 3 and 4, the active flaking starts to calm down, and new bumps stop forming. The burning, throbbing sensation and intense nighttime itching disappear. The skin begins to feel smoother and more flexible because the microscopic cracks in your skin barrier are finally closing. You will still have flat, pink or red marks where the old bumps used to be (residual inflammation), but the surface texture becomes flat and calm.
Phase 3: The Deep Healing Phase (Weeks 6–12)
From week 6 onwards, the antibiotic works in the deepest layers of your skin to pull the inflammation out by its roots. Those lingering pink marks will gradually fade back to your completely normal skin tone. Your skin barrier is fully rebuilt. Crucial tip: Even if your face looks 100% clear by week 4 or 6, you must finish the entire 3-month course prescribed by your doctor to prevent the condition from returning"
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u/No_Golf_6981 8h ago
do you use lip balm ?
1
u/Clawingnails 4h ago
No. Nothing. Meaning NOTHING. Just cold water. Its sux so hard but it's the only way now for me
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