Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that looks and has the same characteristic with that of acne breakouts. However, the common trademark of this condition is that it usually occurs and is located around the perioral part of your face especially in your chin, near your lips, and your nose. The infected area can cause itching and peeling. It can spread around the eyes and nose since it is a facial rash. Individuals often feel a slight itching, burning sensation and some mild peeling. Individuals may also experience a tight tension around the affected area. However, it doesn’t extend to any other part of the body.

The use of creams that are made with topical steroid is perhaps the most common and proven main cause of perioral dermatitis. Medically prescribed steroid sprays can be another cause. Inhaling these sprays often helps alleviate blocked noses. Perioral dermatitis can be a detrimental side effect. Facial medication, skin irritation and the excessive use of facial creams can also lead to an unsightly facial rash in the same field. Rosacea can even be another cause. Culprits that act as catalysts to perioral dermatitis include fluorinated toothpastes and oily skin.
Young women can be affected by this skin disease but it has been known to affect men and children sometimes and often it comes and goes over time. But if you are suffering from this condition, it would be a nuisance for you especially when you are dealing with people face-to-face every day.
Thankfully, Perioral dermatitis can be treated with creams and proper diet. However, it cannot be rest assured that these would likely recur in time. To some, it’s hereditary; hence, there’s not much they can do but make supportive measures just to lessen the symptoms.

Here are the things you can do at home to prevent and to lessen these skin breakouts:
- Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to you by your dermatologist. An oral antibiotic program should be done which lasts for six weeks or sometimes long depending on what your dermatologist or medical practitioner feels is best for your perioral dermatitis. You could experience problems if you don’t complete the full course of antibiotics.
- Corticosteroid creams and ointments will also be prescribed. They serve to treat the outbreaks. After using the creams, the breakouts will still recur to some.
- The facial rash is cleaned with water. Wash your face with mild facial cleanser or mild soap twice a day to prevent the risk of irritation and infection.
- Stop using sunscreens and cosmetics.
- Try to relax once in a while. Get a good night’s sleep and avoid stressing out too much.
- Grape seed extract is said and believed to have a good effect on people suffering from this condition. Applying the extract to your chin, nose, and lip area would help with the breakouts. Drinking grape seed extract juice would also be helpful.

You should also know that the rash will often worsen tremendously before it starts to get better. Individuals should expect this but topical steroids shouldn’t be used on the affected area. If you do then the rash will likely appear again.