Perioral dermatitis

Overview

Small red bumps appear around the mouth, nose, or eyes, often sparing a thin border right around the lips.

Steroid creams, heavy moisturizers, and fluoride toothpaste can trigger it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Red bumps around the mouth
• Bumpy red rash around the mouth or nose

Less common

• Burning

Look up a symptom: Bumpy red rash around the mouth or nose · Rash

When to get medical care

Causes

Steroids, products.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women

Diagnosis

A clinician looks.

Treatment

Simplify skin care.

Self-care

• Stop steroid creams
• Use gentle cleanser
• Skip heavy makeup

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Avoid steroid creams on the face

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Eczema Association: Tips, product guide, and community for eczema.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women 20 to 45: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Clears.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Can I use makeup?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Perioral dermatitis