Perioral Dermatitis: What to Use

Perioral dermatitis causes small inflamed bumps, dryness, burning or tightness around the mouth. It can also affect the nose or eyes. The bumps may resemble pimples, but acne treatments can irritate this sensitive area. A clinician may consider recent steroid use, cosmetics, toothpaste or other irritants while examining the rash.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry. Pause scrubs, exfoliating acids, fragranced products and heavy occlusive creams unless a clinician advises otherwise. Do not start or stop a steroid cream on the face without medical guidance. Depending on the pattern and persistence, treatment may include a topical antibiotic or an oral medicine prescribed for inflammation; the choice depends on your health and the diagnosis.

Arrange a dermatology review if the rash persists, spreads toward the eyes, becomes painful, or keeps returning after a product change. Seek prompt care for eye pain, marked eyelid swelling, vision changes, fever, rapidly spreading redness or pus. These features can point to a different or additional problem.

Ask whether your products, toothpaste or previous steroid use could be contributing; whether the rash needs a swab or another diagnosis; and how long to continue any prescribed treatment before judging the response.