While the exact cause of the rashes is not known, several factors may influence the occurrence of perioral dermatitis. Keep reading to understand the reason behind this condition, symptoms, home remedies, and treatment options.
Topical use of steroid creams and ointments Use of steroid sprays in the nose and mouth Overuse of heavy makeup, face creams, and moisturizers Use of fluoridated toothpaste Chewing gum Dental fillings Yeasts and bacteria that live on the skin and in hair follicles Hormonal changes Problems with the immune system Environmental factors, including exposure to UV rays Stress Poor hygiene Allergic reactions to medications
Continue reading to know the common signs and symptoms of perioral dermatitis.
Symptoms Of Perioral Dermatitis
The skin condition is characterized by (1):
Redness and scaly rash around the mouth; the rash may extend to the eyelids, nose, forehead, and genitals A burning sensation A tightening sensation on the skin around the mouth Watery discharge from the rashes Dryness and flakiness Tiny inflamed bumps or papules Vesicles or pustules (fluid-filled blisters) Itchiness
Let us find out who is more prone to perioral dermatitis in the following section.
Who Are Most Likely To Be Affected?
Perioral dermatitis can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. It can also affect children. However, it is most commonly observed in women aged between 20 and 45 (1). Which parts of the face does perioral dermatitis affect? Keep scrolling to find out.
What Are The Most Affected Areas?
Under the eyes Forehead Chin Around the mouth
How Can Perioral Dermatitis Be Diagnosed?
No tests are usually required to diagnose perioral dermatitis. Dermatologists can diagnose it by simply examining your face. They may enquire about the use of steroid creams and ointments apart from other pertinent histories. Swabs may be taken to run a skin culture to rule out an infection. In rare cases, your doctor may send a sample of the afflicted skin area to a dermatologist for a skin biopsy. The doctor may also conduct blood tests to rule out nutritional deficits.
The ingredients in your kitchen have a solution for most of your skin problems. Here, we bring to you a list of home remedies that may help complement the treatment for perioral dermatitis.
Home Remedies For Perioral Dermatitis
Most topical skin care products contain the ingredients listed below. While these ingredients have not been evaluated for treating perioral dermatitis, they are thought to be beneficial for most types of dermatitis.
- Aloe Vera Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It may help soothe the skin and prevent further irritation if used daily (4). How To Use?
Apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected area. Allow it to absorb into your skin. Repeat every day.
2. Honey Honey has scientifically been recognized for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. It helps treat facial redness, papules, pustules, and telangiectasia (tiny blood vessels causing threadlike red lines on the skin) (5). How To Use?
Apply raw honey to the affected areas. Wash off after half an hour. Repeat twice a day.
Note: Discontinue these remedies immediately if you experience allergic reactions like continuous burning or increased redness. While these remedies may be effective, they are not enough. Making changes to your skincare routine and lifestyle is also essential. Consider the following:
Discontinue using steroid creams or sprays immediately. Skip heavy face washes and cream. Go for a gentle facial cleanser while your rash heals. Wash your hands before touching your face. Do not scrub the skin as it may cause more irritation. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Change your pillowcase every day. Avoid chemical-based skin care products. Avoid face oils. Keep your body hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
Are these home remedies not working for you? Worry not. There are other treatment options available. Scroll down to know them.
Treatment Options Available For Perioral Dermatitis
According to a study, first-line treatment options for perioral dermatitis include metronidazole cream or gel, clindamycin lotion or gel, erythromycin gel, topical sulfur preparations, and azelaic acid gel. Antibiotics play a key role in treating this condition, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. Topical calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream can also be effective. Topical sulfur or sulfacetamide preparations, and topical adapalene have also been demonstrated to show improvement. Besides, photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid as a photosensitizer has been found to be helpful. Oral antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline can be used to treat severe perioral dermatitis (1). Do you need to see a doctor if you are affected by perioral dermatitis? Let’s find this out in the next section.
When Should You See A Doctor?
You should see a dermatologist right away as perioral dermatitis could be a sign of a more serious skin disease. Your dermatologist will be able to determine the severity of your illness and recommend an appropriate treatment for you. But, as we know, prevention is better than cure. You can avoid many skin diseases by adopting a few preventive steps, and perioral dermatitis is no exception. Keep reading to know more.
Is It Possible To Prevent Perioral Dermatitis?
Here are a few steps to prevent perioral dermatitis:
Avoid using topical steroids near the mouth and nose. Do not change any dermatologist-approved medication to steroids or stronger steroids. Do not use skin care products with harsh fragrances or surfactants if you have sensitive skin. Wearing masks may increase the risk of perioral dermatitis (6). Use clean masks. Avoid heavy makeup. Use sunscreen.
Should I moisturize perioral dermatitis? Yes, you can moisturize perioral dermatitis but ensure the natural remedy or moisturizer you use is gentle and light. Heavy or thick moisturizers may worsen this condition. Is vitamin C good for perioral dermatitis? You should consult a dermatologist before using vitamin C. Vitamin C may be too strong for perioral dermatitis and worsen the condition. Is coconut oil good for perioral dermatitis? Coconut oil may help with perioral dermatitis as it is antibacterial and moisturizing. However, there is a chance that it may clog pores and aggravate the condition. Should you exfoliate perioral dermatitis? No, you should not exfoliate the affected area as it can worsen inflammation. Is tea tree oil good for perioral dermatitis? While tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, it is not recommended to treat perioral dermatitis as it also has astringent properties that can strip off moisture and natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry. Does perioral dermatitis come and go? If left untreated, this condition can last for months or even years. It is recommended to go to a doctor, diagnose the cause, and get the right treatment to manage this condition. Does taking zinc help perioral dermatitis? If the condition is caused due to a zinc deficiency, taking zinc supplements can help, Does petroleum jelly help perioral dermatitis? Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly can help by moisturizing the skin. However, do not slather on a thick layer of petroleum jelly or heavy cream as it can worsen the condition.
