Any changes in the condition of your skin can be nerve-wracking, especially those that affect your self-confidence. While only a doctor can properly diagnose red bumps that appear around your mouth, there are several likely causes that can all be treated relatively easily. The answer may be as simple as switching toothpastes or moisturizers.
Periorial Dermatitis
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a condition called perioral dermatitis results in redness and small bumps in the area around the mouth. The condition most often affects young women, although cases have been reported in men and children, too. While scientists don't know exactly what causes it, the AAD notes that it may be triggered by sunlight, corticosteroid creams, or facial products such as moisturizer or makeup.
Acne
It's possible that your toothpaste may be causing acne in the area around your mouth. According to the authors of "Unwanted Effects of Cosmetics and Drugs Used in Dermatology," fluoride toothpaste has caused a small number of documented "acne-like eruptions." These breakouts may be a form of fluoride allergy, a contact reaction that occurs each time you brush. Although scientists weren't able to form a conclusive link between fluoride toothpaste and acne-like bumps around the mouth, it doesn't mean that your personal body chemistry isn't somehow reacting to one or more ingredients in your current toothpaste.
Treatments
A dermatologist can treat perioral dermatitis with oral or topical antibiotics. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that within two months, the medicine usually clears away the outbreak, although it's possible you may continue to experience periodic outbreaks depending on the cause of the dermatitis. If your red bumps are acne, you can clear them away with over-the-counter acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid creams, gels, face washes or lotions.
Precautions
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests you avoid using strong corticosteroid creams on the skin around your mouth. While these creams may seem to help treat your red bumps, the AAD notes that they're likely to reappear once you stop using the cream. If you think toothpaste might be to blame, the AAD recommends you avoid toothpastes that contain fluoride, cinnamon flavor or tartar control formulas. If you think your makeup or skin care products might be to blame, switch to hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formulas.
Considerations
You should not try to diagnose yourself. If you do have perioral dermatitis, you need prescription medication to treat it. While your doctor can help you treat your outbreak, she may not be able to pinpoint the cause right away. She may recommend particular facial products or toothpastes in an attempt to isolate the cause. If topical products aren't the answer, she may want to perform patch tests for additional allergens.
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