Perioral Dermatitis

What are the symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a common facial skin problem in adult women. It rarely occurs in men. Groups of itchy or tender small red spots appear most often around the mouth. They do not appear on the skin bordering the lips (which then appears pale) but develop on the chin, upper lip and cheeks. The skin surface becomes dry and flaky. Often the skin around the nose is affected too, and sometimes that around the eyes.

How can I treat it?

Natural Remedies

Perioral dermatitis usually responds well to treatment.

• Use a moisturizer with a high healing fraction frequently. Apply shea butter or another active moisturizer liberally and often on the affected area.
• Discontinue applying all topical steroids, cosmetics and sunscreens. Note that when a steroid cream is discontinued, the rash gets worse for a few days before it starts to improve.
• Avoid harsh soaps. Wash your face with warm water alone while the rash is present. When it has cleared up, wash with water and a mild soap.

Prescription Medications

If your condition persists, we encourage you to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist may prescribe one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics
• Immunosuppressants
• Topical Immunomodulators

How long will it take to go away

If you apply an active moisturizer to your skin two or three times a day, you are likely to begin to see an improvement in less than a week.

If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, you may want to consult a dermatologist.

What causes Perioral Dermatitis?

Patients who are susceptible to perioral dermatitis tend to have an oily face, at least in the affected areas. Perioral dermatitis is probably induced by:

• Applying face creams regularly to the area bounded by the cheek folds and chin, or around the eyes in the case of periocular dermatitis. These creams include moisturisers, cream cleansers, make-up foundation, and sunscreens.
• Applying topical steroid creams to the same area. The more potent the steroid cream, the more rapid and severe the perioral dermatitis which may result.
• Not washing the face frequently enough or washing too frequently with a harsh soap.

The reason why perioral dermatitis arises is unknown. Recent research suggests it may be related to proliferating bacteria in the hair follicles.