perioral dermatitis

If you have ever experienced a red rash around your mouth area that appeared out of nowhere, you may be dealing with perioral dermatitis. The discovery of red bumps around the mouth, nose, and even eye area can be worrisome especially as it is not easy to diagnose. Many people mistake it for eczema or acne. So what is perioral dermatitis? Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash that typically causes dryness and inflammation around the corners of the mouth. The rash may also spread around the nose and eyes. Though the cause of it is unknown, there are plenty of treatments, including natural remedies to help with the skin condition.

Perioral dermatitis typically presents itself as a small red patch around the mouth. It can spread around the nose and even the eyes, which is known as periorificial dermatitis. It is most common in women typically in their 30’s, however can occur in any race, ethnicity, and age. In darker skin tones, it can appear as dark brown spots or look like hyperpigmentation. Symptoms range but can include itching and burning, especially as the rash worsens or becomes irritated. An outbreak can last for weeks or even months, and luckily there are a variety of skin treatments to help with this condition. 

To start, there are plenty of prescription medications that can help combat a perioral dermatitis outbreak. Oral medications such as doxycycline or tetracycline are antibiotics that are often prescribed for more severe cases. Topical antibiotics such as metronidazole and erythromycin act against bacteria and are usually the first line of treatment prescribed by dermatologists. Immunosuppressant creams like tacrolimus is another topical treatment for those who have tried other medications and have had no success.

Though there are plenty of prescription medications to help with perioral dermatitis, there are also triggers that can be avoided. Some triggers of an outbreak include certain makeup or cosmetic products, irritating sunscreens, and topical steroid creams. It is also important to note that salty and spicy foods cause irritation around the mouth and should be avoided during an outbreak.

Perioral dermatitis can be infuriating and a struggle to get under control, however there are a variety of options to get this skin condition under control. As always, if you suspect you may have perioral dermatitis be sure to see your dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis as well as formulate the best treatment for you.