Before you freak outit’s probably perioral dermatitis.
“Perioral dermatitis is frequently mistaken for acne,” board-certified dermatologistBlair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, explains.
Meet the Experts
What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
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Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition of the face, saysDr.
It mostly affects young women.
Those who usually have perioral dermatitis have small, inflammatory, red papules and/or pustules with or without scaling.
It occurs around the mouth, chin, nose, or eyes.
When it occurs around the mouth, the skin next to the border of the lip is commonly clear.
Sometimes perioral dermatitis can cause burning or itching, but its most often asymptomatic, adds Dr. Murphy-Rose.
It usually occurs in women ages 20 to 40.
What Causes Perioral Dermatitis?
“One of the largest contributors to the condition is topicalcorticosteroiduse.”
“For many cases, I treat perioral dermatitis with a prescription cream and oral medication.”
“We usually treat perioral dermatitis with medications that are called topical calcineurin inhibitors,” she says.
“Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) are a newer class of drugs we use in dermatology.
There are two drugs in this class: tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream.
Both of these drugs act by inhibiting inflammation in the skin.
I often combine topical medications with oral antibiotics in the tetracycline family, including tetracycline, minocycline, anddoxycycline.
Oral tetracyclines have great anti-inflammatory effects, which is helpful in perioral dermatitis.”
Moreover, perioral dermatitis often occurs in the absence of any of these.
To play it safe, avoiding topical corticosteroids is also best.
“One of the most consequential tools in managing the disease is this,” Dr. LoGerfo says.
“Another major factor is to practice gentle skincare and minimize using potential skin irritants and allergens.
This involves gently cleansing the skin.
I usually recommend using something likeCetaphil.”
How Long Does It Take for Perioral Dermatitis to Go Away?
With prescription therapy, Dr. Murphy-Rose says most of her patients see significant improvement within two weeks.
However, thats not always the case.
“It can take weeks to months for perioral dermatitis to resolve,” Dr. LoGerfo says.
However, sometimes it can take longer."
“I recommend seeing an experienced dermatologist at the first sign of symptoms.
Perioral Dermatitis vs. Rosacea
Sometimes, people confuse perioral dermatitis withrosaceaboth conditions involve red, irritated skin.
However, these two skin conditions are not the same.
And yes, you could actually have both conditions at the same time.
That’s why both experts urge you to see a dermatologist once you suspect you have perioral dermatitis.
