Peri-oral Dermatitis and Rosacea

Perioral Dermatitis is sometimes referred to as a rosacea-like eruption around the mouth area. Perioral dermatitis appears mainly in women between the ages of 15 and 40. It consists of small red papules or pustules without spider veins which characteristically circle the mouth area but does not affect the lips. There may also be flaking. Many times the flaking around the lip area is mistaken for chapped lips. Often the skin around the nose is affected too, and sometimes it can affect the area under and around the eyes. When it includes the eye area should more correctly be called "periocular", or better still, "periorificial" dermatitis.) Periocular dermatitis consists of similar flaking and redness with or without the appearance of small papules or pustules.

The common causes of peri-oral dermatitis are topical steroid use and fluoridated and/or tartar control toothpaste. According to the International Rosacea Foundation, discontinuing the use of fluoridated or tartar control toothpaste for six months may help reduce the symptoms of perioral dermatitis.

Sufferers of peri-oral dermatitis tend to have oily skin. Some people are more susceptible to peri-oral dermatitis than others and recent research indicates the occurrence may be related in part to a proliferation of bacteria in the hair follicles.

Peri-oral dermatitis tends to be aggravated by the following conditions or circumstances:

1) Washing the face with the wrong type of soap. A soap-free cleanser is recommended. Avoid harsh scrubbing.

2) Applying face creams regularly to the area bounded by the cheek folds and chin, or around the eyes in the case of periocular dermatitis. These creams include moisturizers, anti-wrinkle creams, cream cleansers, make-up foundation, and sunscreens. So many moisturizwers and creams today contain sunscreens which contain ingredients that can cause or worsen the pei-oral condition. Anti-wrinkle or anti-aging creams contain retinols, citric acids, beta-hydroxy acids or alpha hydroxy acids which increased facila redness and skin irritation.

3) Applying topical steroids to the facial area. The more potent the steroid cream, the more rapid and severe the perioral dermatitis which may result.

4) Lip balms and lipsticks that extend over the actual lip area can also aggravate the condition.

It can take many weeks for the condition to clear. treatment usually consists of application of a steroid cream which you then taper off of by using less or a weaker strength of in the following days.