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Things To Consider When Utilizing Calendula For Perioral Dermatitis


By Gertrude Rogers


Using calendula for perioral dermatitis has become more popular in recent years as chemical treatments are eschewed by people for a number of reasons. The condition itself is one to which adult women are particularly vulnerable. The symptoms consist of skin inflammation around the mouth, similar to acne but without the white or black headed spots which typify that condition.

This rash and inflammation is often accompanied by what feels like burning on the skin. Bumps may also appear as part of the rash, and these often contain pus. This rash can also occur around the forehead and the nose, which is why it can often be mistaken for acne, though blackheads and whiteheads are not part of the symptoms.

The affected areas may also itch, although this is not especially common. A doctor or nurse can usually diagnose the condition by examining the skin. Conventional treatments include the prescription of chemical ointments, with typical active ingredients including Sodium Sulfacetamide with sulfur, Clindamycin, Benzoyl peroxide and Tacrolimus, among other chemicals.

The use of oral antibiotics to combat this kind of skin infection is also common. Treating it can be a very lengthy process though, and months of treatment are often required before the condition will eventually clear. The use of steroids is to avoided at all costs, as much evidence points to the use of steroidal face creams as a possible trigger for the onset of the condition.

Medics may also advise that moisturizers and sun screens be used in conjunction with other treatments. They may also advise patients to desist from using toothpaste with added fluoride or chemicals designed to combat tartar, as these have been identified as things which cause the dermatitis to worsen. Using calendula to complement more conventional treatments may also help shorten a treatment period which can often be lengthy.

Calendula has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities, meaning that applying it to affected areas may well be efficacious. An agent which promotes healing, it also acts as a moisturizer and may also help with the prevention of scarring. It is also considered very safe to use, having no known safety issues when interacting with more conventional drugs.

However, different individuals may react in different ways, and allergic reactions are possible. Using calendula for perioral dermatitis may well be the treatment that finally works for a long-term sufferer. However, it is always wise to check with a properly qualified practitioner before using any treatment; it is also possible to use calendula in tandem with more conventional treatments, and this may bring the best results in the long run.