If you have an uncomfortable rash with some redness or peeling around your mouth, you may have perioral dermatitis, a type of skin infection.

This inflammation may affect all age groups, and may affect your daily routine and cause you to feel uncomfortable and lose self-confidence.

So if you would like to know more information about perioral dermatitis, its symptoms and causes, follow this article with me.

What is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that mainly targets skin openings, such as: –

1. The area around the mouth.
2. الأنف.
3. The eyes.
4. Sometimes the reproductive organs.

This inflammation may appear on the skin as a dry, scaly rash, or scaly with swollen, inflamed bumps and a clear, liquid discharge.

This inflammation is most common in females between the ages of 20 to 45 years, but it may also affect men, and it may affect children of any age.

Episodes of inflammation around the mouth may last for several weeks, or even months, and are often chronic and recurrent, but may go away after the triggers are removed.

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Causes of perioral dermatitis

Doctors did not know the exact cause of inflammation around the mouth, but they pointed to the following possible causes: –

• Corticosteroid medications applied to the skin.
• Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids, or inhaled steroids. 
• Toothpaste containing fluoride.
• cosmetics.
• Dental fillings.
• Heavy skin creams that contain Vaseline.
• Having a bacterial or fungal infection.
• Sunscreens.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Pills.
• Immune system problems.
• Change in skin microflora.
• Exposure to constant drooling of saliva.

Symptoms of perioral dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis causes the following symptoms: –

1. A red rash around the mouth similar to acne is the main symptom of this inflammation.
2. A burning and annoying sensation.
3. The appearance of vesicles (transparent bumps filled with fluid) or pimples (white bumps filled with fluid).
4. Scaly skin surface.
5. Itching.
6. The surrounding skin is often dry.
7. More severe inflammation may extend to the chin, cheeks, forehead, and eyes.

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What are the types of perioral inflammation?

There are two types of perioral dermatitis: –

• Typical perioral dermatitis: –

This type leads to the following: -

• Red, inflamed bumps called papules.
• Vesicles, which are clear bumps containing fluid.
• Pustules, which are white bumps filled with fluid.
• Granulomatous perioral dermatitis: –

Children are more susceptible to this infection than adults, and it causes yellow bumps to appear instead of red, and these bumps may be larger and firmer.  

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Methods of diagnosing perioral dermatitis

Doctors diagnose this skin infection by the following: –

1. Skin examination.
2. View your medical history.

The doctor may also conduct a skin culture test to rule out the possibility of infection, by taking a swab from a small patch of skin in the affected area and examining it for bacteria or fungi.

In rare cases, the doctor may perform a skin biopsy, especially if the inflammation does not respond to conventional treatments.

• Atopic dermatitis.
• Contact dermatitis.

What are the ways to treat perioral dermatitis?

This dermatitis is a benign and limited condition that does not cause any systemic side effects, but it is not cosmetically acceptable.

1. You should stop using any products that may cause this inflammation, such as: –

• Topical or inhaled steroids.
• Facial creams, including moisturizers.
• cosmetics.
• Sunscreen.
• Toothpaste containing fluoride.
• Chewing gum.
• Harsh facial scrubs, or scented cleansers.
• Eat salty or spicy foods.

1. Topical medications, such as: –

• Topical antibiotics, such as metronidazole or erythromycin.
• Immunosuppressive creams and ointments, such as pimecrolimus, tacrolimus.
• Sulfur preparations.
• Azelaic acid.
• Clindamycin lotion or gel.
• Topical adapalene.
• Photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid.

1. Oral antibiotics, such as: –

• التتراسيكلين.
• Doxycycline.
• Minocycline.
• Oral erythromycin.
• Oral vitamin A medications, such as low-dose oral isotretinoin.

Ways to prevent perioral dermatitis?

You can follow the following instructions to help prevent this skin infection, such as: –

1. Wash your hands after applying steroid medications anywhere on your body.
2. Avoid topical steroids.
3. Use cosmetics with caution.
4. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap, or an alternative to it, when bathing.
5. Avoid using heavy cosmetics or skin creams.
6. Minimize your skin's exposure to weather elements, such as sunlight, heat, and wind.
7. Use cleansers and moisturizers that are gentle on your skin.

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Complications of perioral dermatitis?

This skin inflammation may worsen after you stop using the topical steroid. This is normal, but do not resume using it unless your doctor advises you to do so.

When should you visit a doctor?

You should visit a doctor as soon as a rash or symptoms of perioral dermatitis appear.

Frequently asked questions

If you suffer from perioral dermatitis, many questions may be on your mind, such as: –

What do mouth infections look like?

Perioral dermatitis appears as a red rash surrounding the mouth. The skin may be scaly and dry, or scaly with swollen, inflamed bumps called papules.

When are mouth infections dangerous?

Mouth infections can be serious if left untreated.

Does vitamin D deficiency cause oral thrush?

Yes, vitamin D deficiency leads to a weak immune system, which increases the possibility of fungal infections.

In conclusion, I now realize, dear reader, what is perioral dermatitis?

We also answered some questions you might have about this inflammation.

Medical references 

Perioral Dermatitis – clevelandclinic

Periorificial dermatitis – dermnetnz