Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Perioral dermatitis
Periorificial dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder in which tiny red bumps form around the mouth and lower half of the face. It can look like acne or rosacea.
Causes
The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown. It may occur after using face creams containing steroids for another condition.
Young women are most likely to get this condition. This condition is also common in children.
Periorificial dermatitis may be brought on by:
- Topical steroids, either when they are applied to the face on purpose or by accident
- Nasal steroids, steroid inhalers, and oral steroids
- Cosmetic creams, make-ups and sunscreens
- Fluorinated toothpaste
- Failing to wash the face
- Hormonal changes or oral contraceptives
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Burning feeling around the mouth
- Bumps around the mouth that may be filled with fluid or pus
- A similar rash may appear around the eyes, nose, or forehead
The rash may be mistaken for acne. Itching is not common.
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will examine your skin to diagnose the condition. You may need to have other tests to find out if it is due to a bacterial infection.
Treatment
Self-care you may want to try include:
- Stop using all face creams, cosmetics, and sunscreen.
- Wash your face with warm water only.
- After the rash has cleared, ask your provider to recommend a non-soap bar or a liquid cleanser.
DO NOT use any over-the-counter steroid creams to treat this condition. If you were taking steroid creams, your provider may tell you to stop the cream. They may also prescribe a less potent steroid cream and then slowly withdraw it.
Treatment may include medicines placed on the skin such as:
- Metronidazole
- Erythromycin
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Tacrolimus
- Clindamycin
- Pimecrolimus
- Sodium sulfacetamide with sulfur
You may need to take antibiotic pills if the condition is severe. Antibiotics used to treat this condition include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or erythromycin.
At times, treatment may be needed for up to 6 to 12 weeks.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Perioral dermatitis requires several months of treatment.
Bumps often return. The rash is more likely to return if you apply skin creams that contain steroids.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you notice red bumps around your mouth that do not go away.
Prevention
Avoid using skin creams containing steroids on your face, unless directed by your provider.
References
Habif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 7.
James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Acne. In: James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 13.
-
Dermatitis, perioral - illustration
Dermatitis around the mouth (perioral) is most common in young to middle age women. Frequently, no specific cause is found. However, there appears to be an association with fluorinated steroids. In children, dermatitis around the mouth may be associated with irritation from specific foods or other materials carried to the face on the hands.
Dermatitis, perioral
illustration
-
Dermatitis, perioral - illustration
Dermatitis around the mouth (perioral) is most common in young to middle age women. Frequently, no specific cause is found. However, there appears to be an association with fluorinated steroids. In children, dermatitis around the mouth may be associated with irritation from specific foods or other materials carried to the face on the hands.
Dermatitis, perioral
illustration
Review Date: 7/23/2015
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
