Symptoms
Symptoms of perioral dermatitis can vary from person to person. Typically, the condition begins with small, red, itchy pimples around the mouth. Over time, these pimples can spread to larger, red, scaly rashes that can also spread to the nose and chin. The skin may be dry and painful, and some people may experience a burning or tingling sensation.
Location
Perioral dermatitis usually occurs around the mouth, but may also appear on the nose and chin.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of perioral dermatitis is usually made by physical examination of the affected areas of the skin. A dermatologist may perform a biopsy of the skin in some cases to confirm the diagnosis.
Therapy
Treatment of perioral dermatitis may include a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. The use of topical steroids and antibiotics can help reduce inflammation and itching. In some cases, the dermatologist may also recommend treatment with a mild corticosteroid cream. It is also important to limit the use of skin care products and switch to mild and hypoallergenic skin care. Diet and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding hot or spicy foods, may also help reduce symptoms.
Course
Perioral dermatitis can usually resolve within weeks to months if treated appropriately. In some cases, however, it may take longer for the skin to heal completely.
Prognosis
The prognosis for perioral dermatitis is usually good. Most people recover completely with proper treatment and changes in their skin care and diet.
Frequency
The incidence of perioral dermatitis is not precisely known, but it is thought to be more common in women than in men. It is also more common in people with sensitive skin and in people who use skin care products frequently.
Risk factors
Perioral dermatitis can be triggered by a combination of factors, such as:
Use of heavy skin care products such as steroid creams, moisturizers and makeup.
Hormonal changes such as menstruation, pregnancy and use of hormonal contraceptives
Consumption of hot, spicy or acidic foods
Allergies to certain foods or skin care products
Prevention
Perioral dermatitis can be prevented by the following measures:
Avoiding strong skin care products and using mild, hypoallergenic products.
Avoiding hot, spicy or acidic foods
Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen products
Regularly cleansing the skin and avoiding excessive rubbing or scratching
Pathogenesis
The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown, but it is thought that a combination of factors such as skin care products, hormonal changes and diet may contribute. It is also thought that skin barrier and immune system dysfunction may play a role in the development of the condition.
Classification
Perioral dermatitis is classified as an inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy and scaly rashes around the mouth and on the nose and chin.
Staging
There is no specific staging for perioral dermatitis, as symptoms and severity of the condition can vary from person to person.
Similar diseases
Other inflammatory skin conditions that may have similar symptoms to perioral dermatitis include:
Rosacea: A chronic skin condition characterized by red rashes, redness and small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks.
Seborrheic dermatitis: an inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, scaly rashes on the scalp, face and other oily areas of the body.
Contact dermatitis: a skin reaction triggered by contact with an irritating substance such as soaps, detergents, metals or latex.
Acne: A common skin condition characterized by clogged pores, pimples, blackheads and inflammation.
Literature
Korting HC, Schöllmann C. Periorale Dermatitis [Perioral dermatitis]. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete. 2015;66(1):6-12. doi:10.1007/s00105-014-3479-9
Wollenberg A, Schwichtenberg U, Christ C. Perioral dermatitis [perioral dermatitis]. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete. 2016;67(6):463-472. doi:10.1007/s00105-016-3834-4
Web links
American Academy of Dermatology: perioral dermatitis (https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/bumps-and-growths/perioral-dermatitis).
Mayo Clinic: Perioral dermatitis (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perioral-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20375448)