Blemish-free soft skin is something to be treasured and maintained properly. But even in your pursuit of the same, you can come across unwanted skin conditions, often caused by the medicines prescribed by your doctor or even your treasured cosmetics.
Perioral dermatitis is something like that! It comes in angry and red rashes around the mouth’s skin and is inflammatory in nature. It sometimes spreads to the nose and also the eyes.
You can expect a fluid discharge from the rashes. Itching, redness and a burning sensation can be expected. Perioral dermatitis can happen to anybody and is mostly found between 16 and 45 years.
Reasons for perioral dermatitis
The exact reason for the appearance of perioral dermatitis is unknown, but doctors feel that the use of topical steroids causes it.
Possibly the medicine was prescribed to treat another skin condition, but with long usage, it takes a turn towards this new problem.
Sometimes using nasal sprays that contain corticosteroids can also cause perioral dermatitis. Cosmetics have also been found to cause this skin problem. If you use creams with a paraffin or petrolatum base, it can aggravate the issue.
Check out these other factors that sometimes cause this skin problem or perioral dermatitis.
- Due to any Fungal or Bacterial infections
- Taking Birth control pills
- Having Rosacea
- Use of oil-based Sunscreen
- Having a problem of Constant Drooling
- Use of Fluorinated toothpaste
How to know that you have this dermatological problem?
Perioral dermatitis looks like red bumps and rash around the
You may also find it under your eyes, on the chin and forehead. These look a bit like acne and contain fluids and pus. When the redness around the mouth becomes worse, you get a burning sensation.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose the condition sometimes with a visual glance and medical history. Alternatively, your doctor may also conduct a skin culture test to determine some skin infections.
This involves swabbing a bit of the affected skin and sending it to the laboratory for results. If the standard medicines do not affect you, your doctor may also consider a skin biopsy.
Treatment options
If an over-the-counter cream or cosmetics causes your perioral dermatitis, then it is advisable to stop its use immediately.
But in case it may have been caused by a prescribed topical cream, then call the doctor. Inquire if you need to stop the usage of the cream.
Based on the criticality of the condition, your doctor may advise creams, mild soaps, oral medicines for perioral dermatitis treatment.
Lifestyle and diet
Along with the medicines and topical creams have given by the doctor, you also need to rectify your lifestyle. Read on this list below for some lifestyle changes that may help you.
- Say bye-bye to your perfumed facial cleansers and scrubs. When the red rash around mouth becomes worse use only warm water for washing the face. Once the skin has healed try to use only a bar of mild soap and try not to scrub the area.
- Stay away from creams that contain steroids.
- Limit your usage of sunscreen, makeup, and cosmetics.
- Do not lick your lips.
- It is important to stay clean, so, wash the towels and pillow cases in hot water and dry them in the sun. It kills the germs.
- Consuming too much spicy or salty food is not good for the overall health and definitely not for the skin.
- Stay away from too hot or too cold food items.
- Drinking a lot of water is useful for the body and helps in flushing out toxins.
- If you have flaky and dry skin patches the try not to peel it.
- Avoid skin products that have steroids, an alcohol base or harsh chemicals.
Consider the risk factors
Even though you know the reasons for perioral dermatitis, some factors are still to keep in mind.
- Women tend to suffer from the redness around lips more than men.
- If you use a lot of ointments and creams on your face then chances of perioral dermatitis increases.
- Age is a huge factor because it is mostly found in teenagers, young, and middle-aged adults.
- If you have a history of allergies then try to be more careful.
- People suffering from hormonal imbalances are also likely to suffer from perioral dermatitis.
How long do you suffer?
This dermatological condition can last for a really long time and is quite difficult to treat. Be prepared for the condition to get worse before things start to improve.
Don’t lose heart! Some other people also suffer from perioral dermatitis. Even after your condition has improved, it is important to stay away from steroid creams and continue lifestyle changes. In many cases, it has been observed that perioral dermatitis makes a comeback.
It is a common skin problem that can be controlled with a little caution and restriction.
