What is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder in which tiny red bumps are formed around the mouth. Small red or pink lumpy spots appear on the skin around the mouth in perioral dermatitis. These spots may seem like acne spots but are not acne. The severity of the spot may vary. The rash may or may not be painful or itchy. The skin surface appears to be red or pink and lumpy.
It is said to be limited to the skin surface. This is not a serious disease but can be painful in some cases. It is necessary to treat the condition in early stages as it can complicate the case in later stages.
Age / Sex affected by perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis usually occurs in women in age group of 20-45 years Perioral dermatitis is uncommon in men and children. Although the number of cases is said to increase in men and children due to increased use of cosmetics.
Causes of perioral dermatitis
• The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unclear.
• Steroids creams
• Make up foundation, cleansers
• UV-light, heat and wind
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Hormonal changes
• Bacteria and yeast on skin
• Some sunscreens
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Microbiologic factors
• Vitamin deficiency
• Fluoride toothpaste
Perioral dermatitis signs and symptoms
• Burning around the mouth
• Rashes appearing around eyes, nose and forehead
• Some patients may complain of slight itching.
Investigations of perioral dermatitis
• Diagnose is done by looking at the skin.
• Prick test
Treatment for perioral dermatitis
Without treatment, the condition may last for a few months
• Avoid using any skin creams, or cosmetics on the face
• Washing face with only water
• Antibiotics
• Photodynamic therapy
Diet/management of perioral dermatitis
• Anti-inflammatory topical therapy
• Zinc supplements are also helpful
• Applying cold packs
• A cold compress of chamomile tea can soothe the irritated skin
• Avoiding astringents
• Oral retinoids (vitamin A ) are also useful
• Supplements –Vitamin A, Vitamin C, bioflavonoids and beta-carotene
• Consuming a lot of green leafy vegetables
• Covering the face by avoiding exposure to excess heat and cold
• Managing stress
• Using skin care products which are –fragrance-free
• Minimizing the use of cosmetics and moisturizing
• Avoiding some triggers food which can aggravate the condition such as –
-Hot spices
-Soy sauce
-Vanilla, vinegar, chocolates, citrus fruit
-Alcohol
Differential diagnosis of perioral dermatitis
• Acne vulgaris
• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Rosacea
Prognosis of perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis requires several months of treatment.
Homeopathic treatment for perioral dermatitis
Agaricus muscarinic –
• Burning, itching on skin
• Chilblains, swollen veins
• Papular eruptions
Bovista –
• Itching on getting warm
• Rheumatic lameness, palpitations
• Herpetic eruptions
• Stage of numbness and tingling
Graphites –
• Rough, dryness of skin
• Pimples and acne, early keloid and fibroma
• Swelling, ulcers oozing of sticky fluid
Muriatic acidum –
• Papular and vesicular eruptions
• Great itching
• Foul-smelling ulcers, scanty eruptions
Petroleum –
• Skin itching at night
• Chilblains, skin dry and very sensitive
• A slight scratch makes skin suppurates
• Thick, green crust with burning and itching
