Red, burning bumps around the mouth are characteristic of the skin condition perioral dermatitis. Unlike many other forms of dermatitis, perioral dermatitis does not generally include itchiness as a symptom. The pimple-like bumps might be filled with fluid or pus and aside from the mouth, they can also occur on additional areas of the face. Perioral dermatitis is normally treated with non-steroidal topical creams and sometimes with antibiotics, although flaxseed oil might also benefit the condition. Talk to your dermatologist for specific treatment recommendations.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Flaxseed oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Your body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, so you need to obtain them through your diet. According to a study in the journal “Clinics in Dermatology,” omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in flaxseed oil, are associated with improving skin disorders including dermatitis. However, research is mixed on the subject, so more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits for this disorder.
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids to the Skin
Omega-3 fatty acids, like the ALA within flaxseed oil, all have the potential to help perioral dermatitis because they reduce skin inflammation and improve rashes. Also, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can cause problems with the skin. These fats are considered potentially safe treatments for the skin, along with traditional treatment methods. However, more research is needed on the properties of omega-3 fatty acids that have a potential effect on the skin.
Application
To obtain the potential benefits of flaxseed oil for the skin, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking one or two capsules or 1 to 2 tablespoons of the liquid per day. Find flaxseed oil in liquid or capsule form in health food stores or the supermarket. Keep the oil in the refrigerator; otherwise, it might go rancid.
Warning
Some known side effects are associated with flaxseed oil. Its estrogen-like qualities make it potentially harmful for women with uterine, ovarian or breast cancers or endometriosis. For the same reason, it might be harmful if you are pregnant or nursing and can have negative consequences for men with prostate cancer. Flaxseed also might interact with some medications, including hormone, diabetes and blood-thinning medications. Further, ALA fats are associated with a higher risk of the eye disease macular degeneration. Talk to your doctor before taking flaxseed oil.
References
- MedlinePlus: Perioral Dermatitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- PubMed.gov: Clinics in Dermatology – Abstract of Article: Healing Fats of the Skin: The Structural and Immunologic Roles of the Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- MayoClinic.com: Dermatitis – Alternative Medicine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed
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