What is perioral dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a benign skin rash typically observed in young adult women, featuring small pink papules and pustules primarily around the mouth. One really well-known feature is sparing of the area directly around the lips. Sometimes it affects the area around the eyes and we call this "periorificial dermatitis."
We used to think that rosacea and perioral dermatitis were the same condition because both respond to similar treatments. However, most dermatologists now consider these to be separate conditions.
What causes perioral dermatitis?
The cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown in most cases. Here are examples of some known causes:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Irritating skincare products or make-up
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those associated with the menstrual cycle or oral contraceptives
- Exposure to harsh environmental elements like UV rays and wind
- Ingredients found in certain toothpastes, such as fluoride
- Yeast, bacteria, or mite infections
How to treat perioral dermatitis?
- Stop using topical steroids!
- Avoid irritating skincare ingredients
- Topical over the counter ingredients: Azelaic acid, zinc oxide barrier creams, fragrance-free moisturizers
- Topical prescriptions: Metronidazole, ivermectin, calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus)
- Oral prescriptions: Oral tetracyclines (doxycycline)
