Skin Disorders

Skin disorders cover a wide range of conditions, some benign, some very serious, and some even a sign of another underlying illness. A skin disorder not only affects your physical health, but also your emotional well-being.

SkinCare › Skin Disorders › Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral Dermatitis - Treatment with (Pictures)

Perioral dermatitis is a pesky facial dermatosis occurring mainly in young women, characterized by discrete erythematous micropapules and micropapulovesicles that often become confluent, forming inflammatory plaques, on the perioral and periorbital skin.

Often the skin around the nose is affected too, and sometimes that around the eyes (when it should more correctly be called 'periocular', or better still, 'periorificial' dermatitis.)

Initial lesions usually perioral. Rim of sparing around the vermilion border of lips. At times, micropapules (1 to 2 mm) and pustules in the periorbital area also occur . Uncommonly, only periorbital involvement is present. Occasionally, glabella and forehead are involved.

Causes of Perioral Dermatitis

There may be more than one cause of perioral dermatitis. One of the most common factors is prolonged use of topical steroid creams and inhaled prescription steroid sprays used in the nose and the mouth. Overuse of heavy face creams and moisturizers are another common cause. Other causes include skin irritations, fluorinated toothpastes, and rosacea .

Signs and symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis

Symptoms - Perceived cosmetic disfigurement; occasional itching or burning, feeling of tightness.

In most cases, discrete papules (bumps) and vesicopustules (fluid- or pus-filled bumps) are seen around the mouth. Rarely, a similar rash may appear around the eyes, nose, or forehead.

Perioral Dermatitis Diagnosis

A doctor is likely to diagnose perioral dermatitis based on the skin's appearance. No other tests are usually done. In some cases, a culture for bacteria might be needed to eliminate the possibility of infection.

Treatment for Perioral Dermatitis

Luckily perioral dermatitis responds well to treatment.

• The first step in treating perioral dermatitis is to discontinue all topical corticosteroids.
• Wash the face with warm water alone while the rash is present. When it has cleared up, wash with a non-soap bar or liquid cleanser and water.

Appearance of lesions is usually subacute over weeks to months. Perioral dermatitis is, at times, misdiagnosed as an eczematous or a seborrheic dermatitis and treated with a potent topical glucocorticoid preparation, aggravating perioral dermatitis or inducing steroid ac Untreated, perioral dermatitis fluctuates in activity over months to years but is not nearly chronic as rosacea.

Tips on preventing and treating Perioral Dermatitis

Avoid using any topical steroids on your face, unless specifically directed by your dermatologist.