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1. What is perioral
dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a common skin condition that mostly affects
young women, although men and children may occasionally be affected.
Perioral refers to the area around the mouth, and dermatitis indicates
redness of the skin. Common characteristics include redness, small
red bumps, pus bumps, and mild peeling, accompanied by mild itching
and/or burning. Sometimes the bumps are the most obvious feature,
and the disease can look a lot like acne. In fact, perioral dermatitis
is a combination of both acne and dermatitis (eczema). The areas
most affected by this condition include the region from the nose
to the sides of the lips, as well as the chin. There is also frequent
sparing of a small band of skin that borders the lips. Occasionally,
the areas around the nose, eyes and cheeks can be affected.
2. How long does it
last?
If left untreated, perioral dermatitis may last for months to several
years. When properly treated, this condition does not normally return,
although recurrence is possible.
3. What causes perioral
dermatitis?
The origin of perioral dermatitis is unknown. Some dermatologists
believe it to be a form of acne rosacea or sunlight-worsened seborrheic
dermatitis. Others feel it may be related to the fluoride in toothpaste,
or even certain types of make-up and moisturizers. Strong corticosteroid
creams applied to the face may also initiate this condition. Once
perioral dermatitis develops, mild corticosteroid creams appear
to help, but the disorder reappears when treatment is stopped. In
fact, perioral dermatitis usually comes back even worse than it
was before the use of steroid creams.
4. Can it be prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent perioral dermatitis. Do not
use strong prescription strength corticosteroid creams on the face.
Your dermatologist may have suggestions about the use of moisturizers,
cosmetics, and sunscreens and may advise against using toothpaste
with fluoride, tarter control ingredients, or cinnamon flavoring.
5. Are laboratory tests
needed to diagnose the problem?
In most cases, no tests are necessary to diagnose perioral dermatitis.
A dermatologist can usually make an accurate diagnosis by simply
examining the skin. Sometimes, scraping or a biopsy of the skin
is performed, and occasionally blood tests are ordered to eliminate
other conditions that can look similar.
6. How is this condition
treated?
Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, are the most common treatments
for perioral dermatitis. Treatment may be needed for several months
in order to prevent recurrence. For milder cases or when treating
pregnant women, topical antibiotic creams may be used. Occasionally,
your dermatologist may recommend a specific corticosteroid cream
for a short time to help your appearance while the antibiotics are
working.
7. What can be expected
with treatment?
Most patients improve with two months of oral antibiotic use. If
corticosteroid creams were used for treatment, there may be a brief
flare-up when the creams are stopped. If antibiotic treatment is
stopped too early however, the problem may come back.
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