Perioral dermatitis
What is perioral dermatitis?
Causes of perioral dermatitis
Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for perioral dermatitis
What is perioral dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by multiple small bumps concentrated around the mouth. Sometimes these bumps may be around the nose or other parts of the face (chin, eyes or forehead). It may be accompanied by a rash and a stinging or burning sensation. The skin may later become red, dry and flaky.
It most commonly affects women between the ages of 20 and 45 years, but can affect both sexes, children and sometimes older adults. It has a tendency to recur in those people who have had it before.
Perioral dermatitis should not be confused with tinea and other fungal infections, rosacea, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis and other forms of dermatitis.
Causes of perioral dermatitis
Doctors usually say the cause is unknown.
- Steroids. It often occurs after the use of topical corticosteroid creams on the face.
- Certain pharmaceutical medications.
- Hormonal changes.
- Lip licking, lip chewing and picking.
- Weak or stressed immune system, other autoimmune diseases.
- Allergies to chemicals and ingredients in certain cosmetics, skin creams (Aveeno), moisturisers, sunscreens, dental products, chewing gum, lipstick, mouthwash and toothpastes. Many of these products contain a variety of chemicals.
Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis will often clear up within a few months without any treatment.
- Avoid all corticosteroid / steroidal creams and products.
- Avoid all personal products that contain any kinds of chemicals. Read the ingredients list; avoid all products that contain chemicals such as SLS etc.
- Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-inflammatory, making it an effective treatment for relieving dermatitis. It is also an antibacterial, so it also it helps clear up any infections on the skin.
- Pawpaw ointment. The best of these products has a base of Vaseline / white petroleum jelly, fermented carica papaya (pawpaw), and perhaps a preservative like potassium sorbate. However, it should NOT contain a list of chemicals.
- Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antifungal and antibacterial.
- Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory compound that calms and soothes the skin.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
- See details of remedies recommended by Grow Youthful visitors, and their experience with them.