Understanding Perioral Dermatitis: Red Irritated Skin Around The Mouth
The delicate skin surrounding the mouth proves especially vulnerable to irritation, infection, and inflammation. Perioral dermatitis refers to a common condition causing a red rash with small itchy or painful bumps around the mouth, nose and sometimes, the eyes.
Defining Characteristics of Perioral Dermatitis
The term perioral translates to around the mouth while dermatitis signals skin inflammation. Also dubbed perioral rosacea due to similarities with facial rosacea, this skin disorder primarily impacts females aged 16-45 years old.
In the beginning, small red papules emerge around the mouth, occasionally spreading up the nose or outward toward the chin and cheeks. These itchy or burning bumps then develop into clusters of pus-filled pimples near pores around the lips, mouth corners, and sometimes under or alongside the nose.
Possible Triggers and Risk Factors
Doctors do not know the exact cause of perioral dermatitis, but certain triggers likely increase risks or exacerbate outbreaks:
- Heavy face creams, ointments
- Steroid creams on delicate facial skin
- Fluoride toothpaste near the mouth
- Sun exposure damaging skin barrier
- Makeup or skincare ingredients clogging pores
- Stress impacting immune functions
- Hormone changes
Those using irritating topical skin products near the mouth most commonly develop perioral dermatitis. However, doctors also associate outbreaks with digestive issues like inflammatory bowel diseases or nutritional deficiencies disrupting skin immunity.
Diagnosing Perioral Dermatitis
To diagnose perioral dermatitis, dermatologists assess symptoms and visually inspect the irritated skin around a patients mouth. They may also analyze skin samples under a microscope to rule out other disorders. Common differential diagnoses include:
Candidiasis
Oral yeast infections sometimes spread outward onto the skin near pores around the mouth. Antifungal medication treats most candida outbreaks.
Contact Dermatitis
Allergic reaction to skin creams, lip products, or other topicals triggers red, itchy bumps and pimples around the mouth. Patients identify and avoid the irritating substance.
Acne Rosacea
Facial skin condition causing swollen red areas and visible blood vessels, often on the nose and cheeks. Antibiotics or isotretinoin help treat rosacea pimples and inflammation long-term.
Impetigo
Highly contagious bacterial skin infection marked by yellowish crusting or scaling on the face. Antibacterial ointments clear up most impetigo.
Once doctors diagnose perioral dermatitis, they search for underlying causes and customize treatment plans to resolve outbreaks and prevent recurrence near the mouth.
Medical Treatment Options for Perioral Dermatitis
Dermatologists often prescribe combined therapy with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory topical medications when treating perioral dermatitis. Treatment aims first stabilize acute symptoms before addressing triggers to prevent future flareups.
Oral Antibiotics
Doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics like minocycline or doxycycline for 2-3 months alongside medicated ointments. These oral medications reduce bacteria on the skin and prove effective particularly when small pustules leak fluid, spreading inflammation.
Topical Metronidazole
Dermatologists often recommend antibiotic creams containing metronidazole to treat inflamed skin around the mouth. Metronidazole proves gentle enough for delicate facial tissue yet potent against bacteria colonization driving perioral outbreaks.
Topical Sodium Sulfacetamide
Another common antibacterial face wash or cream used on irritated areas around the mouth, sodium sulfacetamide clears infection while calming inflammation.Patients sometimes use this medicated cleanser twice daily after oral antibiotics stabilize initial symptoms.
Azelaic Acid Cream
Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, topical azelaic acid also helps renew skin cell growth around inflamed pores. Reducing pimples and scaling from perioral dermatitis, azelaic acid normalizes irritated facial tissue.
Additional medications like oral isotretinoin or topical synthetic vitamin A creams may supplement treatment after the acute phase.
Self-Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to medical therapy administered by dermatologists, patients coping with perioral dermatitis outbreaks must practice self-care and make smarter lifestyle choices supporting skin barrier renewal near the mouth. Key at-home care tips include:
Avoid Triggers
Eliminate use of potential irritants and sources of inflammation around the mouth. These include fluoride toothpastes, fragranced skincare products, greasy ointments, makeup tools, and masks or garments rubbing on skin.
Gentle Hygiene
Cleanse skin around the mouth only with mild, fragrance-free cleansers. Rinse thoroughly then gently pat dry. Allow some moisturizers to absorb before applying others near outbreak zones.
Calm Inflammation and Itching
Use cool compresses, hydrocortisone cream sparingly, and ask doctors about antihistamines helping control itching and swelling around infected pores.
Boost Immune Resilience
Support underlying health through nutritional foods, probiotic supplements to improve gut health, and managing life stresses affecting hormonal balance. A resilient body resists recurrence of perioral dermatitis outbreaks.
With dermatologist support plus smart self-care, most patients control acute flareups within 6-8 weeks. Preventing new outbreaks near the mouth then centers on avoiding triggers and keeping the skin barrier strong.
Preventing Recurrence of Perioral Dermatitis
Even after seemingly successful treatment, perioral dermatitis often comes back around the mouth and nose especially if patients resume use of potential irritants too soon after outbreaks clear up. Preventing recurrence requires patience and monitoring.
Allow Healing Skin Time to Reset
Dermatologists recommend allowing the sensitive facial skin around the mouth 6-12 weeks between finishing antibiotics and reintroducing cosmetics, dental products with fluoride, or sturdy cleansers. This window helps reset the microbial landscape on the skin and avoid inflammation triggers.
Gradually Reinstate Skincare Products
Slowly ease non-irritating skincare items back into facial routines after an outbreak. Start with gentle moisturizers and cleansers before attempting anti-aging creams or acne spot treatments around healed areas.
Always Apply Topicals Sparingly Around Mouth
When resuming certain skincare, sun protection and makeup near recent infection sites around the mouth, use only small amounts needed. Avoiding overload near pores reduces risks of recurrence.
Consistent Gentle Skincare Routine
Sticking to a simple, gentle prevention-focused skincare routine without overly harsh ingredients also keeps the facial skin calm and healthy long-term.
With diligent care and ongoing precautions, patients can enjoy smooth healthy skin tone around their mouths without recurring red irritated outbreaks of perioral dermatitis.
FAQs
What skincare ingredients commonly trigger perioral dermatitis?
Heavy creams, fluoridated toothpaste, steroid creams, and greasy ointments often clog pores and spur inflammation around the mouth. Fragrances, masks, and sun exposure also irritate sensitive facial skin.
How do doctors treat active flareups of pimples?
Dermatologists often prescribe oral antibiotics alongside medicated sulfa cleansers or metronidazole cream. These aim to clear infection and calm inflammation for 6-8 weeks surrounding the mouth.
How long until I can wear makeup after outbreaks?
Avoid makeup and irritants for 6-12 weeks after finishing treatment to allow complete healing and resetting of facial skin. Then slowly reintroduce non-comedogenic cosmetics one product at a time.
What daily care prevents recurrent outbreaks?
Gentle cleansing, moisturizing only with non-irritating products, avoiding known triggers, and boosting overall health all help prevent recurring inflammation and pimples around the mouth.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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