What is Perioral Dermatitis?

It is a skin condition which causes a burning sensation and rashes to erupt around the mouth. ‘Perioral’ means around the mouth and ‘Dermatitis’ stands for inflammation of the skin. Perioral Dermatitis mainly affects young women and sometimes men. The burning sensations is due to small red bumps around the lips. A reddish rash may be seen on the cheeks, the chin, the area of skin beside the nose and lips. It can also appear around the eyes and forehead.

What casues Perioral Dermatitis?

Dermotologists cannot quite point out as to why the skin condition occurs. However, some reasons causing Perioral Dermatitis can be due to the usage of face creams, cosmetic produts and fluorinated toothpaste. Even UV Rays, changes in hormones and oral pills lead to the condition.

Symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral Dermatitis can be reconised by various symptoms such as redness of the skin, rashes and itchy skin, dry skin which causes the outer part to peel.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Perioral Dermatitis is detected by undergoing a bacterial test on the skin.It can easily be seen by observing the skin.Treament of the skin condition is close to the method used to cure Acne Vulgaris. Oinment free of steroids are applied, namely erythromycin, metronidazole, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. If the condition is severe than oral medicine such as minocycline, tetracycline and erythromycin are used for around 1 1/2- 3months. Perioral Dermatitis can also be cured by following a daily routine- washing the affected area with warm water and soap. By reducing or discontinuing the usage of cosmetic products till it heals. It can be further prevented by not using toothpaste containing fluoride and anti-tartar ingredients.

Further Reading :

Perioral Dermatitis Treatment, Pictures and Causes