Perioral Dermatitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Perioral dermatitis is a common skin problem that mostly affects young women.   Occasionally men or children are affected. It is a facial rash that tends to occur around the mouth. Most often it is red and slightly scaly or bumpy. Any itching or burning is mild. It may spread up around the nose, and occasionally the eyes while avoiding the skin adjacent to the lips. . The clinical and histologic features of the lesions resemble those of rosacea. Patients require systemic and/or topical treatment, an evaluation of the underlying factors, and reassurance. If not treated, perioral dermatitis may last for months to years. Even after successful treatment, perioral dermatitis sometimes comes back later. Usually, the same type treatment will again be effective. Many cases that come back eventually turn into rosacea. Perioral dermatitis affects up to 1% of the population, primarily young women ages 25-45. It does tend to affect people differently.

Causes

1. The exact cause is unknown but some condition can be thought of the cause of this disease.
2. Sex: Women are most likely to cause this disease. It mainly affects women between the ages of 20 and 60.
3. Strong corticosteroid creams applied to the face can cause perioral dermatitis. It usually comes back even worse than it was before use of steroid creams.
4. Some types of makeup, moisturizers, and dental products may be partially responsible for causing this disease. This may be due to allergic reaction of these substances.

Symptoms

1. Perioral dermatitis is usually characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation around the mouth.
2. There may be skin lesions and swelling around the nose on face in this disease.
3. The redness and scaling the skin may also occur.
4. There may be discrete papules and vasicopustules all around the mouth.
5. The predominant locations of lesions are the perioral area, nasolabial fold, and lateral portions of the lower eyelids.
6. In some cases there may be bumps or lesions on the eyes and eyelids.
7. In severe case, there may be high degree itching and bleeding may occur.

Treatment

1. Anti-inflammatory systemic or topical therapy is required. These although does not completely remove the disease but these are helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation.
2. You may need to continue this treatment for several months to prevent a recurrence. This disease usually takes more than six months to be cured.
3. Avoid all but the weakest topical steroids on your face, they may have to be tapered in strength, if you use them for a long time, this would best be done by a dermatologist
4. Wash the face with warm water alone while the rash is present. When it has cleared up, use a non-soap bar or liquid cleanser.
5. You may be prescribed a very mild corticosteroid cream in the initial phase of treatment to reduce signs and symptoms of perioral dermatitis.