Perioral Dermatitis
- KMC

- Jul 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31, 2024
Perioral dermatitis, often referred to as periorificial dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin eruption that most commonly occurs around the mouth but can also occur around the eyes, nostrils, and genitals. This rash is not contagious and usually affects lighter-skinned women between the ages of 20 and 45.
Cause
The etiology of perioral dermatitis is not completely understood. This is often associated with exposure to an allergen or irritant. Risk factors include oral and topical steroid use, cosmetic use, and irritants such as toothpaste. Epidermal barrier disruption, hormonal changes, and atopic disease have also been associated with increased risk.
Clinical Features
This rash appears as small skin-colored to red papules and pustules with a dry, erythematous base surrounding the affected orifice. This rash is occasionally mildly pruritic and associated with increased skin sensitivity.
Complications
Complications can include increased risk of secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Severe rebound flare may also occur after abrupt cessation of topical steroids.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often made clinically based on history and appearance. Skin scraping or patch testing can be used to rule out fungal infections or allergic dermatitis. If the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy can be performed.
Treatment
Perioral dermatitis is often self-limiting but in persistent cases dermatologic treatment may be required. When treating perioral dermatitis, it is important to switch to mild, fragrance-free skin care products and discontinue all topical steroids. Topical steroids provide temporary relief but will ultimately cause worsening over time. Treatments include oral tetracyclines, topical antibiotics, and calcineurin inhibitors. Oral isotretinoin can also be utilized in severe, refractory cases.
Differential Diagnosis
This condition can resemble acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and impetigo.
Citation: "Periorificial Dermatitis." (n.d.). DermNet NZ. Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/periorificial-dermatitis.
"Perioral Dermatitis: Overview." (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/perioral-dermatitis.
Written by Alexandra Jewell, PA




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This post gives a helpful explanation of perioral dermatitis and the causes behind those small red bumps around the mouth. When I was studying skin conditions for a class project, I remember getting overwhelmed with research and once ended up buying a dissertation online while trying to understand topics like skin inflammation and treatment options. It helped me see how detailed medical topics can be. Reading this reminds me how important gentle skin care habits really are.
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I realized perioral dermatitis isn't as simple as regular acne, because I tried self-treating with online creams and ended up with severe flare-ups. Now I believe That's Not My Neighbor advice to see a dermatologist early is absolutely right. Could you specify which signs require immediate medical attention instead of self-treatment at home so others can avoid making the same mistakes I did?