HELP - I have a face rash...don't know why!

[mmhinton]

I am 32 and have ALWAYS had VERY oily skin with tendencies to break out (acne) often, but especially when hormones hit. At the moment though, I am concerned about a rash that I've had for about 2 months now and it is around / on the corner of my mouth and spread to the corners of my nose.
From what I can read / research online, it LOOKS like Perioral Dermatitis...but the stated most common cause of that is steroidal creams and / or floridated toothpaste.
Well, I use only all natural stuff that I have NO idea how / why would cause a rash like this. And, if this is not Perioral Dermatitis - I have no idea what else it is as nothing else I could find online matched at all based on pics!??!

Currently, I wash with honey and then use a homemade moisturizer of jojoba oil with a couple of essential oils (e.g., rosehip, etc). This combo has made the rest of my face more clear that typical for me AND SOO soft! Also, oil is well controlled. BUT, the rash is just icky looking and annoying to me - it makes me feel quite self conscious! Concealers and/or makeup just make it MORE noticeable and "peely" looking (whereas, the few times that I do wear makeup, any other blemishes are well concealed and look better with the makeup).

So, I don't know what is going on and wondered if anyone had any ideas/help! And, yes, I realize this is an odd topic for this area... but, as I am only using all natural stuff and really have had lots of helpful advice from other mamas on here - I thought I try it first

Thanks to anyone and everyone with thoughts and / or advice


Oh, and no, I've not yet been to a doctor for it as I don't want any meds if I can help it... if there is a natural option!

[QueenOfTheMeadow]

I don't know what it could be, but my first suggestion would be try using the moisturiser wtihout the EOs in it and see if that makes any difference.

[mmhinton]

hmm, I might have to try that (with out the eo)... though I've been using that for quite a bit longer than when the rash appeared...????

[jennabean]

Is it possibly rosacea? I have a very similar type rash and HAVE had it for months now... I've been to the derm and have tried all sorts of meds with nothing working for long... its only this past week, through some internet sleuthing that I drew my own conclusion that I have rosacea.

I've given up on the derm and have switched to aveeno ultra-calming products and an OTC product called Prosacea which is a homeopathic gel consisting mostly of sulphur and aloe I think.

Not sure any of this is relevant in your case, but just thought I'd mention it

Best of luck to you, I know how grumpy and self-conscious this is making me

[mmhinton]

Jennabean - I'd thought about rosacea...but it doesn't seem to match that description as well as it could....
My rash is dry flaky, but red area skin with occas very small "pimple" (whitehead) looking spots that are not pimples. It started just on the left corner of my chin/just below/beside the lip but is now on the left and right chin area and also at the corners of my nose.
I went to my kinesiologist today and he thought it likely it is caused by yeast (gut) which I've had a problem with in the past. He treated me for that....so, we'll see what happens.

[mmhinton]

I'd not thought of this at all, but my husband mentioned that, perhaps, the honey (raw, natural, organic, etc) was causing and/or worsening my rash....with the thought that if it is indeed caused by yeast then the honey (as a sugar) would be "feeding" the yeast = worsening the rash. I have changed back to an all natural-toxin free facial cleanser (from Healing Scents) and the rash does seem to be improving though I will have to give it a week or more to see if it really does help.
Then, I won't be albe to use honey as a face wash anymore which SUCKS as it was working soooo well for the rest of my face
I've considered trying the oil cleansing method for skin care.... may have to try that if I can't use honey.