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Perioral dermatitis is a harmless skin disease characterized by rashes around the mouth, nose and eyes. The rash is pimple-like, with small red balls and blisters that are often fluid-filled. Closest to the mouth, there is usually a zone that is free of rashes.
The skin disease can occur in all population groups, but is most common in women aged 16-45. The cause of the condition is unknown, but it is known that the condition will worsen when using creams with glucocorticoids on the face. If removing triggering factors is not enough, it may be necessary to receive treatment on prescription from a doctor.
What is perioral dermatitis?
The rash may resemble rosacea or acne-like eruptions that are located around the mouth. These can also occur on the chin, around the eyes, nose and cheeks. The rash consists of small red balls, which may also be filled with pus. This can cause burning and discomfort. The condition can occur due to greasy moisturizing creams that cause overhydration on the skin. Thus, this can lead to irritation and reduced skin barrier. It is also known that the condition worsens when creams with glucocorticoids are used on the face, and if glucocorticoids are stopped abruptly, a severe flare-up of the rash may also occur. However, the condition has no connection with allergies.
Causes of perioral dermatitis
The cause is unknown, but there are many different theories about what could be triggering factors, including:
Disturbance in sebum production.
Use of topical glucocorticoids on the face.
Use of oily face creams and make-up.
Fungus/bacteria in the skin.
Hormonal factors.
Sunlight.
Symptoms of perioral dermatitis
Rash with 1-2 mm red balls.
Rash filled with pus.
Redness.
Burning and discomfort.
Flaking.
Disease course in perioral dermatitis
The skin disease has a good prognosis. The rash usually goes away on its own without scarring, but this can take up to several months or years. With the help of treatment, the skin will usually be completely fine after a few weeks, but relapses can occur.
Good advice
To avoid triggering or worsening the skin disease, one should remove triggering factors.
Avoid topical glucocorticoids (cortisone cream) on the face.
Avoid oily face creams.
All types of cosmetics, such as make-up, facial cleansers and moisturisers, should be used with care.
Use sun protection. There is a theory that UV radiation can increase the risk of breakouts.
Treatment
If removing the triggering factors is not enough to get adequate control of the rash, there is drug treatment that you can get on prescription from a doctor.
Antibiotics taken for 4 weeks. The tablets should not be taken at the same time as milk products, iron, calcium tablets and antacids against heartburn. Be careful with or avoid sunbathing and solariums, as the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight.
If you use glucocorticoids (cortisone cream) on your face, you should talk to your doctor to stop this.
Abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids on the face can also lead to severe flare-ups of the rash. To reduce the symptoms, antibiotics are given, in addition to a cortisone cream for 1-2 weeks.
Prescription gel or cream can be used preventively in case of frequent relapses.