Perioral dermatitis is a facial skin condition, typically occurring around the mouth. Young women are most likely to develop this condition, although it also may affect men and children. People commonly call this condition perioral acne because it can look like pimples. It is not acne, however, and Merck Online Manuals notes that it is not technically dermatitis either. Perioral dermatitis gains its name due to its location, with the prefix "peri-" meaning "around," and "oral" identifying the mouth area, and dermatitis signifying a skin rash or irritation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of perioral dermatitis usually include general redness around the mouth along with small red bumps or pus-filled bumps, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. The bumps may be itchy or tender. The rash might spread to the chin, cheeks and nose, and, rarely, to the forehead, around the eyes or to the genital area. The condition typically does not affect the skin bordering the lips. The skin in the affected areas often becomes dry and flaky, with mild peeling, and surrounding skin may turn pink.
Risk Factors
Research indicates perioral dermatitis may be connected with rapidly multiplying bacteria or yeasts in the hair follicles, according to the AAD. Patients with this condition tend to have an oily face or oiliness in the affected areas, and they probably induce the rash by using a certain substance on the face, such as creams or make-up.
Problem Products
Topical steroid creams or ointments seem to be the most frequent cause of perioral dermatitis, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society at its DermNet NZ website. The application may be unintentional after applying these products elsewhere on the body and then touching the face. More potent steroid products cause more severe perioral dermatitis symptoms. Soap, soap-free cleansers, cream cleansers, face creams and moisturizers, make-up foundation and sunscreen all could lead to perioral dermatitis if you are susceptible to this condition. Additionally, using toothpaste containing fluoride, tartar control ingredients or cinnamon flavoring is a risk factor for some people.
Related Conditions
Some dermatologists believe perioral dermatitis is a type of rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, according to the AAD, but Merck Online Manuals explains that diagnosis of perioral dermatitis involves excluding these conditions. The doctor also must conclude that perioral dermatitis is not acne by noting an absence of comedones, known as blackheads and whiteheads.
Treatment and Prevention
Perioral dermatitis responds well to treatment, according to DermNet NZ. If you have this condition, stop applying any products to your face, particularly creams, which are the most likely culprit. Wash your face with water only until the rash clears up, and afterward use a non-soap bar or liquid cleanser. If the problem is due to a steroid solution, the rash may become worse for a few days before it improves. Your doctor might prescribe a course of oral antibiotics. In the future, if you need to use sunscreen on your face, DermNet NZ recommends using a liquid, gel or light milk sunscreen rather than a cream.
