Perioral dermatitis is an inflammation/irritation of the skin around the mouth. The skin will be red, burning and itchy.

Cause

The pathogenesis of perioral dermatitis is still unknown, but the disease often happens to young women between the ages of 16 and 45 years.

The use of various products such as sun creams, ointments and inhalation medications can trigger this infection.

Experts suggest that it can come up after the use of strong topical steroids on the skin. These may additionally be prescribed to treat another condition. Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids may cause perioral dermatitis as well.

Certain ingredients in cosmetics may cause perioral dermatitis, too. Heavy skin creams that contain petrolatum or a paraffin base may cause or worsen this condition. Therefore, it is best to avoid the use of corticosteroids and skin creams.

Diagnosis

Interrogation

Questions that can be asked by the dermatologist.

• What is the nature and duration of the disorder?
• Have you had a previous skin condition?
• Do you use skin care products, if so, which ones?
• What experience did you have when you stopped using cosmetic products or corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medicine)?
• Do you lick your lips frequently?
• Do you have complaints of burning dry eyes?

Physical examination

The dermatologist or doctor assesses whether the patient has:

• Skin abnormality around the mouth
• Severe inflammation and change of skin color
• Abnormal eye and eyelid
• Symptoms constituent with rosacea, acne, and contact allergy

Symptoms

The patient will have small red pimples around the mouth. The pimples are on the red peeling skin. The infection can also occur/reveal around the eyes and eyelids.

Perioral dermatitis looks like acne or rosacea. The skin burns and feels sensitive.

Contact with soap, water or sunlight can cause irritation of the skin.

Prognosis and natural course

The infection clears up/disappears on its own when you avoid triggering external factors, such as makeup and creams. Most patients are also cured within 3 months. However, the condition can sometimes continue for longer.

Perioral dermatitis can also cause scarring.

Treatment

• Avoid all topical corticosteroids and cosmetics
• Rinse your face with water after using inhaled medications
• The dermatologist prescribes doxycycline 1dd 100mg for 4-weeks this will only be used for inflammatory symptoms.
• Antibiotics such as “tetracycline” can be combined with the treatment
• In case of serious complaints, hydrocortisone acetate 1% cream will be prescribed for 2 weeks
• Occasionally the dermatologist prescribes facial care for the patient.

It’s important to know that they use oral erythromycin antibiotics for children and pregnant women since it is not allowed to use tetracycline. The indication is less strong, but it is effective for perioral dermatitis.

 

 

 

 

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