A Naturopathic Approach to Periorificial Dermatitis (POD)
What the heck is periorifical dermatitis (POD)?
Periorifical dermatitis (POD) is also sometimes referred to perioral dermatitis, periocular dermatitis or perinasal dermatitis. The different variants in names apply to the different areas on the face being impacted.
POD generally can appear around the eyes, nose or mouth. It is often described to as a red and bumpy rash presenting on one or all of these areas. Skin may present with flaking, tenderness or itching.
Because it presents with small bumps (papules) many women often misinterpret POD as acne. Treating POD with certain actives or harsh stripping products can definitely worsen the condition and delay skin healing.
What causes periorifical dermatitis?
There are many factors that can cause, sustain and aggravate periorificial dermatitis. As a naturopath, I take a holistic approach to address all of these factors in my treatment plans.
I believe that there are a number of causing factors in POD, some of these may be:
- Impaired skin barrier
- History or current use of topical nasal or oral steroids
- Hair care products or beauty care products containing certain sulphates
- Impaired immune function
- Alteration in skin pH or microbiome
While the above factors may cause POD, there are many additional factors that can aggravate and sustain the condition. Some of these include:
- Stress
- Poor dietary intake
- Nutritional deficiencies particularly in vitamin A, zinc and EFA’s
- Low stomach acid and gut health issues
- Hormonal changes
- Skin and hair care, make up and sunscreens
In naturopathy, a set of principles is applied to all treatments to assist addressing the underlying cause of the condition and restore balance within the body. In the treatment of POD this is very important!
- Identify the underlying cause – address impaired barrier, harsh products, steroid use, immune health.
- Remove sustaining and aggravating factors – identify what your aggravating factors may be. You might also need to speak with a holistic skin therapist to create a topical solution long term.
- Restore the weakened system and stimulate healing – providing the body with resources it needs to heal the skin is essential and identifying what other systems may be compromised e.g. nervous system, gastrointestinal system or immune system.
- Establish the foundations for health and prevent reoccurrence – each person requires diffident foundations for health, this includes nutrition, lifestyle, environmental, emotional and physical needs. Addressing what is and isn’t working for your health is important to maintaining your health long term.
Each and every individual presenting with POD may require different nutritional, herbal and lifestyle approaches to reducing symptoms and supporting health so I recommend working with a practitioner to reduce your symptoms long term.
Some of my favourite internal support for POD include:
- Turmeric: anti-inflammatory properties, supports liver function, improves gut microbiome.
- Essential fatty acids: including fish oils and GLA to reduce redness, repair skin barrier and improve skin function.
- Vitamin A: required to maintain the health of the cells that line the skin and gut surface. It is required for intestinal barrier function and provides anti-inflammatory effects.
- Zinc: required for proper wound healing and supporting the skins immune system.
Other important naturopathic investigations and treatments:
- Consider the gut-skin connection and speak with your practitioner about microbiome testing to investigate for bacterial or fungal overgrowth.
- Based on other symptoms which may be occurring for you anti-fungal and antibacterial herbal medicines may be of benefit.
- If stress is an underlying issues consider adaptogens which also modulate immune system such as Eleutherococcus senticosus, Withania somnifera, Ganoderma lingzhi.
If you would like to address the underlying cause to prevent flare ups and improve your skin health I would love to see you!
As mentioned the correct topical treatments are also important in reducing symptoms and managing this skin condition. Natalie from Kindred Toxin Free Facials has put together her top topical products for POD! Here is what Nat said:
“When in flare up – use anti-inflammatory skin shot over area and Calm balm over the top.
Ongoing support using BF serum every am and pm over the entire face and Anahata balm as your moisturiser alternative.
Use an oil cleanser like CLEANSE from Miskin to rebuild an inflamed skin and bamboo cloths.
Use the MISKIN Blackcurrant anti-inflammatory shot for spot treating”
I’ve linked the products for you below!
Oil Cleanser: Use and oil cleanser to rebuild skin with facial bamboo cloths
https://www.kindredtoxinfreefacials.com.au/collections/cleansers/products/bamboo-muslin-face-cloths
CALM BALM: Use all over face in flare up
BF SERUM: Use ongoing to support hydration and reduce inflammation
ANAHATA FACIAL BALM: use as moisturiser alternative
BLACKCURRANT SHOT: use as spot treatment
