Perioral dermatitis is a chronic facia rash composed of tiny red bumps that are primarily around the mouth, but can also be seen around the nose and on other areas of the face.
What causes perioral dermatitis?
This is a disease that is very common and occurs mostly in young and middle-aged women, between the ages of 20 and 45. It is not common to see this condition in young boys or older men. It looks very similar to acne as well as rosacea, but is unrelated to those two conditions.
The exact cause is unknown, but it can be triggered by prolonged therapy with topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisones) as well as toothpaste containing lauryl sulfate.
The contraceptive pill, cosmetic usage, some sun screens and emotional stress can worsen perioral dermatitis as can sunlight and almost always wind, heat, chlorinated pool water and even washing with hot water.
If you have this condition, premenstrual flare ups are common.
Usually, the triggers of this condition are relatively easy to determine, which is why in most cases you can get in under control by avoiding certain medications or products you are currently using.
What are the best treatment options?
Perioral dermatitis can last a few months or up to a few years if left untreated, which is why most people choose to treat the condition.
The first step in treating perioral dermatitis is to discontinue all topical corticosteroids if you are currently using any. Toothpaste without lauryl sulfate can be purchased if that is determined to be the cause of the condition.
Oral tetracyclines four times a day for about three weeks is a successful source of treatment. Minocin and doxycycline are also effective treatment options for you.
There are certain creams that can be applied that may be effective, including those with primecrolimus as an active ingredient. Elidel is one of the brand names of this particular medication.