|
Definition:
|
|
Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder in which tiny red bumps form around the mouth.
|
|
|
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Symptoms:
|
|
Symptoms include:
- Burning feeling around the mouth
- Bumps around the mouth, may be filled with fluid or pus
- A similar rash may appear around the eyes, nose, or forehead and may be mistaken for acne
Itching is not a common symptom.
|
|
|
Signs and tests:
|
|
Your doctor or nurse can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Sometimes, tests are done to see if bacteria is causing an infection.
|
|
|
Treatment:
|
|
Steroid skin creams should NOT be used to treat this condition.
Treatment may include skin medicines such as:
- Metronidazole
- Erythromycin
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Tacrolimus
- Clindamycin
- Pimecrolimus
- Sodium sulfacetamide with sulfur
If the condition is severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics taken by mouth. Antibiotics used to treat this condition include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or erythromycin.
|
|
|
Expectations (prognosis):
|
|
Perioral dermatitis is difficult to treat effectively. It often requires several months of treatment.
Bumps usually return, particularly if you put skin creams containing steroids on your face.
|
|
|
Calling your health care provider:
|
|
Call your health care provider if you notice persistent red bumps around your mouth.
|
|
|
Prevention:
|
|
Avoid using skin creams containing steroids on your face, unless specifically directed by your dermatologist.
|
|
