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Perioral Dermatitis - Treatment to Cure Perioral Dermatitis

What is Perioral Dermatitis ?

Perioral dermatitis may be a form of the skin disorder rosacea. Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by tiny red papules (bumps) around the mouth. Perioral dermatitis is a common skin problem that affects young women and occasionally, men or children. “Perioral” refers to the area around the mouth, and “dermatitis” indicates a rash or irritation of the skin. The areas most affected by perioral dermatitis are the facial lines from the nose to the sides and borders of the lips, and the chin.

The clinical and histologic features of Perioral Dermatitis resemble those of rosacea. Perioral dermatitis most commonly affects young women. However, it may sporadically affect men.

What are the causes Perioral Dermatitis ?

The exact cause of Perioral Dermatitis is unknown. Dermatologists believe it is a form of rosacea or sunlight-worsened seborrheic dermatitis. Medicated creams applied to the face can also cause perioral dermatitis. Once perioral dermatitis develops, corticosteroid creams seem to help, but the disorder reappears when treatment is stopped. In fact, perioral dermatitis usually comes back even worse than it was before the use of steroid creams. Some types of cosmetics, moisturizers, and dental products with fluoride may be partially responsible.

The reason why perioral dermatitis arises is unknown. Recent research suggests it may be related to proliferating bacteria in the hair follicles. Some common causes of Perioral Dermatitis includes :-

• Perioral dermatitis can be caused by prolonged therapy with topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisones).
• Toothpaste containing lauryl sulfate may cause perioral dermatitis.
• Perioral dermatitis is a disease that occurs mostly in young and middle-aged women.
• The affected area is often worsened by sunlight and almost always by wind, heat, chlorinated pool water and even by washing with hot water.
• The contraceptive pill, cosmetic usage and emotional stress can worsen perioral dermatitis.

What are the Symptoms Perioral Dermatitis Symptoms ?

Perioral dermatitis is usually characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation around the mouth. Itching is usually not a prominent finding. Most patients are primarily concerned with the cosmetic appearance of skin lesions.

In most cases, discrete papules (bumps) and vesicopustules (fluid or pus filled bumps) are seen around the mouth. Rarely, a similar rash may appear around the eyes, nose, or forehead.

Treatment to Cure Perioral Dermatitis

An oral antibiotic, like tetracycline, is the most common treatment for perioral dermatitis. Treatment may be needed for several months to prevent recurrence. For milder cases, topical antibiotic creams may be used. Occasionally, your dermatologist may recommend a specific corticosteroid or an anti-inflammatory cream for a short time to help your appearance while the antibiotics are working. Here are some methods for treating Perioral Dermatitis that can be followed :-

• The first step in treating perioral dermatitis is to discontinue all topical corticosteroids including topical steroids, cosmetics and sunscreens.
• Wash the face with warm water alone while the rash is present. When it has cleared up, wash with a non-soap bar or liquid cleanser and water.
• Toothpaste without lauryl sulfate should be used.
• In more severe cases, oral antibiotics (such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or erythromycin) may be required.
• Perioral dermatitis sometimes recurs when the antibiotics are discontinued, or at a later date. The same treatment can be taken again.
• Your physician may chose to treat these lesions with topical medications, such as metronidazole, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, tacrolimus, or pimecrolimus. Helps to cure perioral dermatitis.

Can Perioral dermatitis be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent perioral dermatitis. Avoiding the use of strong prescription fluorinated corticosteroid creams on the face is important. Your dermatologist may have suggestions about the use of moisturizers, cosmetics, and sunscreens and may advise against using toothpaste with fluoride, tartar control ingredients, or cinnamon flavoring.

Expectations (prognosis)

Perioral dermatitis is a difficult condition to treat effectively, often requiring several months of treatment. Recurrences are not uncommon, particularly if topical steroids are reapplied to the face.

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